Ruiz Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ruiz come from? What does the surname Ruiz mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ruiz and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ruiz Origin: What does the last name Ruiz mean?
The surname Ruiz is of Spanish origin and is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Ruy, a short form of Rodrigo, meaning "son of Roderick". Roderick's roots can be traced back to the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe ruling the Iberian Peninsula between the 5th and 8th centuries. The name originates from the Germanic personal name "Hrodric", meaning "renown" and "powerful", translating to "famous ruler". YourRoots data indicates that the surname Ruiz first appeared in records from Spain around the early 12th century.
Global spread data reveals that by the 20th century, the surname Ruiz had significant growth in the United States, with notable presence in countries like Spain, Mexico, and England. It has spread to various regions across Europe and the Americas, showcasing its enduring legacy. The Ruiz surname remains prominent in different parts of the world, reflecting a rich history and global presence over the centuries.
Ruiz Last Name History: Where did the last name Ruiz come from?
Origin of Ruiz Surname: Where does the last name Ruiz originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Ruiz first appeared in records from Spain around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Ruiz spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Ruiz: What does the Ruiz surname history look like in the early days?
The Ruiz surname remained closely associated with Spain in the 12th and 14th centuries, with significant growth seen in Spain and England in the 15th century. YourRoots data also shows Ruiz family records in countries like Mexico in the 16th to 18th centuries, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ruiz surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Ruiz surname grew significantly in the United States. The Ruiz surname remains prominent in the United States, with notable presence in countries like Spain, Mexico, and England. It appears in many countries, including various regions across Europe and the Americas.
Explore Ruiz last name heritage and Ruiz surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ruiz Surame?
Rosie Ruiz
Rosie M. Vivas (née Ruiz; June 21, 1953 – July 8, 2019) was a Cuban fraudster known for falsely winning the female category of the 1980 Boston Marathon. She was later stripped of her title when it was discovered that she had not run the entire course, sparking controversy in the running community. Ruiz's questionable tactics and deceitful actions during the marathon races have made her a notorious figure in sports history.
Frankie Ruiz
José Antonio Torresola Ruiz (Mar 10, 1958 – Aug 9, 1998) was a Puerto Rican singer known as Frankie Ruiz. He was a prominent figure in the salsa romántica genre during the 1980s and 1990s, beloved by both Latino and non-Latino communities. Despite personal struggles with substance abuse, Ruiz continued to record hits and inspire fans around the world. His legacy as a talented musician and performer lives on, making him a significant figure in the history of Latin music.
Esteury Ruiz
Esteury Ruiz Reyes (February 15, 1999 - ) is a Dominican professional baseball center fielder known for his impressive speed on the field. He debuted in the MLB with the San Diego Padres in 2022 before playing for the Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland Athletics. In 2023, Ruiz set the American League record for stolen bases in a rookie season with 67, showcasing his talent and agility on the diamond. His journey through various teams and leagues highlights his dedication to the sport and his ability to make an impact wherever he plays.
Lorenzo Ruiz
Lorenzo Ruiz (November 28, 1594 – September 29, 1637) was a Filipino Catholic layman and the first Filipino saint. Born in Manila to a Chinese father and Tagalog mother, he became a martyr after being falsely accused in Japan during the 17th-century persecution of Christians. Despite enduring torture, Ruiz refused to renounce his faith, ultimately dying at the age of 42. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1987, Ruiz is the patron saint of the Philippines and the Filipino people, known for his unwavering devotion to Christianity and sacrifice for his beliefs.
John Ruiz
John Ruiz (January 4, 1972 - ) is a retired American boxer of Puerto Rican descent. He made history as the first Latino to win a world heavyweight title. Ruiz held the WBA heavyweight title twice between 2001 and 2005. Known for his controversial matches, including a disputed loss to Evander Holyfield, Ruiz's boxing career spanned from 1992 to 2010. He faced notable opponents like Roy Jones Jr. and Andrew Golota, leaving a mark on the boxing world with his achievements in the ring.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.