Nov 28, 2006 11:57
Name Derivation
The prestigious surname Ruiz originated in Spain, a country that has figured prominently in world affairs for hundreds of years. The name is patronymic in origin, deriving from the name of the father of the initial bearer, and its roots can be traced back to the Visigoths, the Germanic tribe who ruled Spain between mid-5th and early 8th centuries. Ruiz is derived from the Germanic personal name “Hrodric,” which is composed of the elements “hrod,” meaning “renown,” and “ric,” meaning “power.” Thus, the name Ruiz combines this personal name with the patronymic suffix “-ez” and refers to “a son of Hrodric”.
Variations: Rodriguez, Rodriz, Rodrigo, Roderiz, Ruderiz, Roiz and many more.
History
Some of the first settlers of this name or some of its variants were among the early explorers of the New World. Francisco Ruiz, a Galan journeyed to Argentina with Pedro de Mendoza in 1536. Also of note was Garci Rodriguez de Vegara, who accompanied Alvar Nunez to Paraguay in 1542. His brother Pedro remained in Spain as confessor to King Phillip II. Juan Rodriguez Serrano voyaged with Magellan as far as the Philippines, and commanded the fleet after Magellan’s death in 1521. Other members of the family who were early immigrants to Spain’s colonies in the New World included Vicente, who immigrated to Peru in 1560.