Last Names

Surnames / R

Reyna

What is the origin of the last name Reyna?

Spanish originRank #987 in the US

Meaning and origin

The origin of the last name Reyna can be traced back to the Spanish and Portuguese languages, where it is derived from the word "reina," meaning "queen." This surname likely originated as a nickname or an occupational name associated with someone who worked closely with or served a queen. Over time, the name Reyna has spread to various parts of the world, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, through colonization and migration.

The longer story

Reyna is a surname with origins in Spain and Latin America. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from a father's name. However, there are other possible meanings associated with this surname as well.

One possibility is that Reyna could be derived from the Latin word "regina," also meaning queen. This theory aligns with the Spanish naming convention of using the feminine forms of words to create surnames. It could imply that the original bearer of the surname was either associated with royalty or held a position of leadership.

Another theory suggests that Reyna could stem from the Latin word "renus," meaning calm or tranquil. This interpretation could indicate that the original bearers of the surname were known for their peaceful and composed nature or that they lived in a place with serene surroundings.

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

#987

Reyna was the 987th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 35,291 people, about 12 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)6.2%
  • Hispanic or Latino92.4%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)0.3%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander0.5%
  • Two or more races0.2%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.5%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Reyna.

Surnames like Reyna

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.