ribera

Ribera is a term of Spanish origin that functions as both a surname and a place name. The word ribera denotes a riverbank or shore and has been used in many Spanish-speaking regions to describe geographic features and settlements.

Notable individuals with the surname include José de Ribera (1591–1652), a Spanish Baroque painter active in Naples and known for his dramatic tenebrism and realistic scenes. The surname is widespread in Spain and Latin America, reflecting historical patterns of settlement and migration.

Ribera del Duero is a Denominación de Origen wine region in Castile and León, Spain, named after its position along the Duero river. The region is renowned for red wines, primarily made from Tempranillo, and has grown in international recognition since the late 20th century.

Beyond the wine region, Ribera appears in various place names in Spain—La Ribera or simply Ribera—often indicating communities situated along river valleys or banks. The term also surfaces in other Spanish-speaking countries as a geographic descriptor or surname.