Surname Cruz - Meaning and Origin

A Journey through Time: Unearthing Ancestral Roots with iGENEA

Experiencing iGENEA's DNA test was an emotional journey of anticipation, self-discovery, and ancestral enlightenment. Discovering the historical roots of the Cruz surname served as a poignant connecting thread to the past, stirring feelings of connection, curiosity, and inexplicable sadness.

E. Cruz

Cruz: What does the surname Cruz mean?

The surname Cruz originates from Spanish and Portuguese cultures and it translates to 'cross' in English. Broadly speaking, it symbolizes the Christian cross, reflecting the deep-rooted influence of Christianity, particularly Catholicism in these cultures. This surname was often bestowed on someone who lived near a cross symbol, such as a crossroad or a wayside cross. In some cases, it may have been given to a person who carried the cross in processional rites. With numerous possible origins and meanings, the surname Cruz has become widespread, found among families of various backgrounds and ethnicities, and is one of the most common surnames in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world.

Cruz: Where does the name Cruz come from?

The surname Cruz has its roots in Spain and Portugal. The word 'Cruz' in Spanish and Portuguese translates to 'Cross' in English. During the middle ages, it was often given to people who lived near a cross symbol, which was typically mounted by a church. It was also given to individuals who carried the cross in church processions or played the role of Jesus Christ on the cross during re-enactments of the Holy Crucifixion at Easter. Moreover, several Spanish and Portuguese families adopted this surname upon their conversions to Christianity.

In the modern era, Cruz is widely spread in Spanish-speaking countries. It remains most prevalent in Spain but is also common in Latin American countries like Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. Notably, it is a popular surname in the Philippines too, as a result of centuries of Spanish colonial rule. In the United States, due to immigration from Latin America and the Philippines, the surname Cruz is particularly prevalent in California, Texas, and Florida.

Variations of the surname Cruz

The surname Cruz has various variants, spellings and potential surnames of similar origin. Cruz is a common surname in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, it originated in Spain and means "cross" in both languages, often referring to the cross of Christianity. The surname's variants include De la Cruz and DiCruz, both implying 'of the cross'.

However, this surname is often altered in different regions to account for local dialects and pronunciations. Some variations may include Cruze, Croix (French version), Kreuz (German version), Crux, Cross, Crous, and Kruz. Other correlated surnames or those linked to the same roots include Santa Cruz, Cruzado, Cruzat, Cruzan, and Cruzman.

It is also important to note that translations of 'Cruz' in other languages, while not directly related, could be considered similar due to their common meaning. These include Kriz (Croatian), Rist (Estonian), and Cross in English. Notably, these are not proven to have the same lineage, but are associated due to the common translation of the word 'cross'.

Famous people with the name Cruz

• Penelope Cruz: The Spanish actress and model has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2008.
• Ted Cruz: An American politician and attorney serving as the U.S. Senator from Texas.
• Monica Cruz: A Spanish actress and dancer, she's also the younger sister of Penelope Cruz.
• Isabel Preysler Arrastia-Cruz: Spanish-Filipino journalist known as the mother of the singer Enrique Iglesias.
• Victor Cruz: A retired American football wide receiver who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants in the National Football League.
• Wilson Cruz: An American actor known for playing Rickie Vasquez on "My So-Called Life," and Dr. Hugh Culber on "Star Trek: Discovery."
• Celia Cruz: Known as the Queen of Salsa, she was a Cuban singer who gained worldwide recognition.
• Taio Cruz: A British singer, songwriter, and producer known for his hits like "Dynamite" and "Break Your Heart."
• Nickolas Cruz: Known as the instigator of the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
• Nelson Cruz: A Dominican professional baseball right fielder and designated hitter.
• Ileana Cruz: Indian film actress who predominantly appears in Telugu and Hindi films.
• Jasmine Cruz: American Pop and R&B singer.

Other surnames

CruceCruciusCruegerCruesCrugarCrügerCrugoweCruiceCruickshankCruickshanksCruijsCruinerCruisCruiseCruiserCruitinCruleCrullCrumCrumbCrumbachCrumbaughCrumbleCrumbleyCrumblyCrumeCrumesCrumleyCrumlichCrumlick