Enríquez

Enríquez is a Spanish surname derived from the given name Enrique (the Spanish form of Henry) with the patronymic suffix -ez, meaning “son of Enrique.” The name is typically written with an accent on the i in Spanish, though anglicized or variant spellings such as Enriquez appear in other contexts.

The surname originated in the medieval Crown of Castile and spread to the Americas and other regions through Spanish exploration and colonization. Today it is common in Spain and throughout the Spanish-speaking world, including Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and the Philippines, among others.

Historically, the Enríquez surname is associated with the noble House of Enríquez in Castile, a ruling family in the late medieval and early modern period. Members of the house held important offices and titles, and the family played a role in the politics of the Reconquista and the subsequent expansion of the Spanish realm. The name thus appears in genealogies and historical records across generations.

In modern times, Enríquez remains a widely used surname across many Spanish-speaking countries. Individuals bearing the name have been active in diverse fields such as politics, literature, sports, and the arts. The surname also appears in place names, institutions, and cultural references in regions with Spanish heritage.