Quirós is a Spanish habitational surname, derived from a place name. It originates from one of several locations named Quirós in Spain, most notably a municipality in the autonomous community of the Principality of Asturias. The placename itself likely comes from the Galician word queiroa meaning "heather", referring to the shrub that grows abundantly in the region.
Geographical and Historical Context
The municipality of Quirós is located in the Cantabrian Mountains, about 30 kilometers from the Asturian capital of Oviedo. It is a small municipality encompassing some 40 towns and villages. In medieval times, the area was the site of the Castillo de Alba, a notable fortress now in ruins. The surname likely originated as a designation for someone from this or a similar place in Spain.
Distribution
As a surname, Quirós is most common in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States.
Notable Bearers
- Pedro Quirós (19th century), Spanish botanist
- Manuel Quirós (20th century), Argentine composer
- Fernando , Spanish politician
- Benito , writer
- Meaning: Person from Quirós, or place of heather
- Origin: Spanish/Galician
- Type: Toponymic surname
- Usage: Spanish-speaking world
Sources: Wikipedia — Quirós