Nunez

Núñez, often written Nunez in English-speaking contexts, is a Spanish-language surname. It is a patronymic name meaning “son of Nuño,” with Nuño being a medieval Iberian given name. The exact origin of the given name Nuño is uncertain, but it was widely used in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages and gave rise to the surname Núñez.

Distribution and usage are broad within the Spanish-speaking world. Núñez is among the most common surnames in Spain and has a strong presence across Latin America, including Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, and the Caribbean. The name spread through colonization, migration, and later globalization. In countries with large Hispanic communities, the form Nunez (without the tilde) is common in English-language records and passports, as the diacritic is often dropped in international contexts.

Notable bearers include historical figures such as Vasco Núñez de Balboa (c. 1475–1519), the Spanish explorer who led the first European expedition to reach the Pacific Ocean from the Americas. In contemporary times, individuals named Núñez or Nunez have been active in politics, sports, academics, and the arts, reflecting the surname’s wide distribution and longevity.

Variants and related forms include Núñez (with the tilde) and Nunes in Portuguese, as well as other transliterations in non-Spanish contexts. The surname appears in genealogical records, historical documents, and contemporary societies across the Spanish-speaking world and its diaspora.