Pérez

Pérez is a common Spanish surname. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it originated as a way to identify someone as the "son of Pero" or "son of Pedro." "Pero" and "Pedro" are both Spanish versions of the name Peter.

Origin and Meaning:

The surname Pérez originated in Spain, primarily in the Iberian Peninsula. The name Pedro is derived from the Greek "Petros," meaning "stone" or "rock." Therefore, Pérez essentially means "son of Peter" or "son of the rock."

Distribution:

Pérez is a widespread surname found predominantly in Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, and the United States, reflecting historical Spanish colonization and migration patterns. It ranks among the most common surnames in many of these regions.

Notable People with the Surname Pérez:

Numerous notable individuals bear the surname Pérez, across various fields such as:

• Politics: Examples can be found in various countries.
• Sports: Sergio Pérez (Formula 1 driver) is a prominent example.
• Arts and Entertainment: Many actors, musicians, and artists share this surname.
• Literature: Several authors and writers are named Pérez.

Variations and Related Surnames:

Similar surnames derived from "Pedro" exist in other languages, such as Petersen (Danish, Norwegian, German), Peterson (English), Pedroso (Portuguese), and Pietro (Italian). The prevalence and variations of these names highlight the widespread popularity of the given name Peter and its derivatives across different cultures.