Mendozas

Mendozas is a surname of Spanish origin, most commonly associated with a prominent noble family in medieval Castile. The name is believed to be toponymic, deriving from the town of Mendoza in the province of Álava, in the Basque Country of Spain. The Mendoza family rose to significant power and influence in the 15th and 16th centuries, holding important positions within the Spanish court and military.

Notable members of the Mendoza family include Íñigo López de Mendoza, 1st Marquis of Santillana, a renowned poet and military leader, and his son Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, a statesman and historian. The family's influence extended to various viceroyalties and important positions throughout the Spanish Empire. Over time, the surname spread through Spanish-speaking countries and beyond due to emigration and colonization. Today, Mendoza is a common surname in Spain, Latin America, and the United States. Individuals bearing the Mendoza surname are found in diverse professions and walks of life, reflecting the widespread diffusion of the family name over centuries.