Diaz Surname Meaning and Origin

The surname Diaz comes from the Latin dies which means "days." Although it is a common Hispanic surname, Diaz is believed to have Jewish origins, predating the Hispanic world. It is related to the Spanish surname DIEGO; numerous historical examples point to the use of Diaz as a patronymic of Diego ("son of Diego").

DIAZ is the 14th most popular Hispanic surname and the 73rd most popular surname in the United States.

Surname Origin: Spanish, Portuguese

Alternate Surname Spellings: Dias

Famous People with the Surname DIAZ

• El Cid (born Rodrigo Díaz) - medieval military leader and hero of Spain
• Porfirio Diaz - Mexican general; president from 1876 to 1911
• Nate Diaz - American MMA fighter
• Nick Diaz - American MMA fighter; brother of Nate Diaz
• Junot Diaz - Dominican-American author and Pulitzer Prize winner

Where Do People With the DIAZ Surname Live?

According to surname distribution data from Forebears, Diaz is the 128th most common surname in the world, ranking as most prevalent in Mexico and with the highest density based on population in Puerto Rico. Diaz is the 4th most common last name found in Chile; 7th most common in Peru, Cuba and the Dominican Republic; 8th in Panama; 9th in Venezuela and Argentina; and 10th in Colombia and Puerto Rico.

Within Europe, Diaz is most frequently found in Spain, where it ranks as the 14th most common surname. It is most frequently found in the northern region of Asturias, as well as the Canary Islands.

Genealogy Resources for the Surname DIA

100 Common Hispanic Surnames & Their Meanings
Garcia, Martinez, Rodriguez, Lopez, Hernandez... Are you one of the millions of people sporting one of these top 100 common Hispanic last names?

How to Research Hispanic Heritage
Learn how to get started researching your Hispanic ancestors, including the basics of family tree research and country-specific organizations, genealogical records, and resources for Spain, Latin America, Mexico, Brazil, the Caribbean and other Spanish speaking countries.

Diaz Family Crest - It's Not What You Think
Contrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Diaz family crest or coat of arms for the Diaz surname. Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. 

GeneaNet - Diaz Records
GeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Diaz surname, with a concentration on records and families from France, Spain, and other European countries.