Peréz

Peréz is a common Hispanic surname that originates from the patronymic naming tradition in Spanish‑speaking regions. The name means “son of Pedro,” with Pedro itself derived from the Latin *petrus*, meaning “rock”. In medieval Spain, the surname emerged as a way to distinguish individuals by lineage, and it spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista and subsequent periods of exploration and colonization.

The name is widespread in countries such as Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and the United States, particularly in states with large Hispanic populations. In Spain it remains one of the most frequent surnames, ranking among the top ten in several census reports. In the United States, the 2000 Census listed it as the 743rd most common surname.

Notable people bearing the surname include the Mexican actress Peréz (1904–1990), the Argentine footballer Carlos Peréz (1973–), and the American writer Enrique Peréz (b. 1958). In arts and sciences, figures such as the Cuban composer Maria Peréz (1931–2010) and the British author George Peréz (b. 1965) have contributed to their fields. The surname also appears in literature, for instance in the novels of Spanish novelist Antonio Peréz (1890–1948).

Latin American diasporas have adapted the spelling to match phonetic conventions, producing variants such as Pérez, Péras, and Péréz. In English‑speaking contexts the accent over the “e” is usually omitted, resulting in the spelling Perez. Despite these variations, all forms trace back to the same patronymic root. The surname today reflects both its historical origins and the cultural mobility of Spanish‑speaking peoples across the globe.