Vázquez

Vázquez is a Spanish surname that functions as a patronymic, derived from the given name Vaz, a shortened form of Vasco. The suffix -ez indicates lineage, so Vázquez essentially means “son of Vaz” or “son of Vasco.” The name appears in medieval Iberian records and spread to the Americas during the colonial era, where it became common across many Spanish-speaking countries.

Geographic distribution and demographics: Today, Vázquez is widespread in Spain and throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and the Caribbean (notably Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic). It is also common among Hispanic communities in the United States, reflecting historical patterns of Spanish settlement and migration.

Variants and orthography: The standard Spanish form is Vázquez, with the acute accent on the a. In contexts that omit diacritics, the name may appear as Vazquez. Other variations may arise in different countries or records, but Vázquez and Vazquez are the most widely used spellings.

Notable bearers: The surname is borne by many individuals across politics, sports, arts, and academia in the Spanish-speaking world. Its broad distribution means it frequently appears in biographical dictionaries, historical records, and contemporary media.