Last Names

Surnames / P

Paz

What is the origin of the last name Paz?

Spanish originRank #1,384 in the US

Meaning and origin

In Spanish, Paz signifies "peace," and is likely a surname given to individuals associated with the concept of peace or those born during a time of tranquility. Alternatively, it can also be a patronymic surname, indicating ancestry from someone named Pascual or a diminutive of the name Paz, ultimately derived from the Latin word for Easter, Pascha. Additionally, Paz can have Sephardic Jewish roots, originating from the Hebrew term "paz," meaning "gold" or "ornament."

The longer story

The last name Paz is of Spanish origin. It is a relatively common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and Latin America. The word "paz" translates to "peace" in English. The name likely originated as a nickname for a peaceful or tranquil individual, or as a surname for someone associated with the concept of peace.

The surname Paz is not very common in the United States compared to other Hispanic surnames. However, it can still be found among individuals of Hispanic descent living in the country. Immigration patterns and cultural influences have contributed to the presence of this surname in the United States.

Genealogical research suggests that the surname Paz has been in existence for many generations. It is not possible to pinpoint an exact date or location of origin, as surnames often developed organically over time.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#1,384

Paz was the 1,384th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 25,574 people, about 8.3 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)7.4%
  • Hispanic or Latino88.6%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)0.3%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander3.0%
  • Two or more races0.4%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.2%

Surnames like Paz

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.