Find out how popular the last name Merez is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Merez.

Merez, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Merez surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Merez in America

Merez is the 148244th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Merez surname appeared 102 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Merez.

The history of the last name Merez

The surname Merez likely originated from Spain, appearing as early as the late medieval period. The name was particularly prevalent in regions like Castile and León, known for its tumultuous history and numerous noble families. Derived from the Old Spanish word "merez" or "mériz," which means boundary or limit, the surname could indicate someone who lived near a boundary or a frontier-man.

The first notable historical reference to the surname Merez appears in the early 13th century manuscripts of the Kingdom of Castile. During this period, the name was often connected with lands and properties listed in medieval charters and records. One of the earliest mentions is in the "Carta de Merindades" dated around 1220, which recorded land grants involving a family carrying the Merez surname.

One early recorded individual with the surname Merez was Pedro Merez, a minor noble born in 1242 and known for his service under King Alfonso X of Castile. Another significant figure was Isabella Merez, born in 1375, who held lands in the region of León and played a role in local politics during the reign of King Henry II.

Further into the 15th century, a man named Fernando Merez distinguished himself as a merchant and explorer. Born in 1439, Fernando expanded his trading ventures from Spain to the New World, establishing trade with indigenous peoples in present-day Mexico before his death in 1501.

By the 16th century, the surname continued to hold prominence. Maria de los Angeles Merez, born in 1503 and deceased in 1574, was a renowned poet whose works illustrated the cultural and social norms of her time. Her poetry collections include references to both her noble lineage and her experiences as a woman in Medieval Spain.

Another notable individual, Juan Merez de Aragon, born in 1558, served as a military officer in the Spanish Armada and later participated in defending Spanish territories from pirate incursions. His documented exploits from 1588 to 1604 make him one of the well-documented bearers of the surname in historical military records.

Through these mentions of individuals, the surname Merez showcases its rich and varied past. From roots in medieval Spain, associated with boundary markers, to connections with nobility, literature, and military exploits, the name traverses centuries of rich history. Its evolution reflects the socio-political changes in Spain, contributing to the legacy of the Merez lineage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Merez

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Merez.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Merez was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Merez was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Merez, please contact us.

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