The name Montez is a French surname that originated as a topographic name for someone living near a hill or mountain. It derives from the Old French word "mont," meaning "mountain." The name likely emerged during the Middle Ages in France, between the 5th and 15th centuries.

While Montez is primarily a French surname, it has been adopted as a given name in various cultures over time. One of the earliest recorded instances of Montez as a first name dates back to the 16th century. Lola Montez, born Eliza Rosanna Gilbert in 1821, was an Irish dancer and courtesan who became famous for her infamous affairs with King Ludwig I of Bavaria.

Another notable figure with the first name Montez was Montez Sweat, an American football player born in 1996. He currently plays as a defensive end for the Washington Commanders in the National Football League (NFL).

In literature, Montez appears as a character in the novel "The Magnificent Montez" by Horace McCoy, published in 1938. The book tells the story of a female con artist named Montez, who navigates the seedy world of carnivals and circuses in the early 20th century.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Montez as a first name in historical records is Montez de Oca, a Spanish conquistador who participated in the conquest of Mexico alongside Hernán Cortés in the 16th century. He was born in Spain in the late 15th century and died in Mexico in the mid-16th century.

Another notable figure with the first name Montez was Montez Martin, an American basketball player born in 1973. He played in the NBA for several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and the San Antonio Spurs, throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

While the name Montez is not as common as other French names, it has persisted throughout history and across various cultures, with several notable individuals bearing this unique and intriguing moniker.