Espinosa

Espinosa is a Spanish surname and toponym. The name derives from the Spanish adjective espinoso, meaning thorny or full of spines; espinosa is the feminine form and has been used as a toponymic surname for people from thorny places or from locations named Espinosa, such as Espinosa de los Monteros in Burgos, Spain. The surname spread to the Americas during the colonial era and is now common in Spain and in many Latin American countries.

Distribution and variants: Espinosa is widely found throughout the Spanish-speaking world, with especially high prevalence in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Venezuela, as well as in Spain. Related spellings and forms include Espinoza (with z), a variant still common in various regions. The two surnames often share a common origin in toponymic or descriptive naming.

Notable uses and cultural presence: Bearers of the surname Espinosa have been active across a range of fields, including politics, arts, sports, and science, in Spain and throughout Latin America. The name also appears in the names of towns and geographic features in Spanish-speaking regions, reflecting its toponymic roots.

See also: Espinosa de los Monteros; Espinoza (surname). This article provides a concise overview of the surname’s linguistic origin, geographic distribution, and cultural presence, without detailing individual biographical entries.