Rodríguez

Rodríguez is a Spanish and Portuguese surname. It is the most common surname in Spain and is also widespread in Latin America. The name is patronymic, meaning it derives from the given name "Rodrigo." Rodrigo itself is of Germanic origin, composed of the elements "hrod" (fame) and "ric" (ruler or king). Therefore, Rodríguez literally means "son of Rodrigo."

The surname originated in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. As the Kingdom of Castile expanded, so did the prevalence of surnames derived from prominent figures like Rodrigo. Over centuries, through migration and colonization, Rodríguez spread to the Americas and other parts of the world.

Notable individuals with the surname Rodríguez are numerous and span various fields. These include athletes, politicians, artists, and scientists. For example, there are famous footballers like Francisco "Paco" Gento López (whose mother's maiden name was Rodríguez) and Iker Casillas Rodríguez. In politics, figures such as former Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez Frías (whose mother was Elena Frías Rodríguez) and current Dominican Republic president Luis Abinader Corona (whose paternal grandmother was Julia Rodríguez) bear the name. The arts have seen contributions from musicians like Romeo Santos (born Anthony Santos Rodríguez) and actors like Michelle Rodríguez. This widespread adoption reflects the historical significance of the name Rodrigo and the enduring legacy of Spanish and Portuguese cultures.