Dela Cruz is a Spanish surname primarily used in the Philippines, where it is the most common surname. It is a variant of De la Cruz, meaning "of the cross." The surname originated as a Christian toponymic, referring to the Holy Cross or a crossroads, and became widespread due to the Spanish colonial influence in the Philippines, where it was often given to converts or those living near a cross.EtymologyThe etymology traces back to the Spanish phrase "de la Cruz," meaning "of the cross." This is a cognate of the French surname Delacroix, which also means "of the cross." The surname can refer to a person who lived near a cross symbol or a crossroads, or it may have religious significance, alluding to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Thus, it became a common Christian surname across Spanish-speaking territories.Notable BearersNotable individuals with the surname include Apolinario de la Cruz (1815–1841), a Filipino religious leader who led a rebellion; Elly De La Cruz (born 2002), a Dominican baseball player; and many others from diverse fields, such as Bethania de la Cruz (Dominican volleyball player), David de la Cruz (Spanish cyclist), and Carlos de la Cruz (Cuban-American businessman). The surname also appears in the context of Philippine history, as the most common family name, reflecting the country's Catholic heritage.Distribution and UsageThe spelling "Dela Cruz" is characteristic of Filipino usage, as opposed to the standard Spanish "De la Cruz." In the Philippines, many surnames derived from Spanish religious terms became widespread due to the implementation of the Claveria Decree in 1849, which mandated the adoption of Spanish surnames among Filipinos. Today, millions of Filipinos bear the surname, making it a significant cultural identifier.Meaning: "Of the cross"Origin: Spanish, via French cognate DelacroixType: Toponymic, ChristianUsage regions: Philippines, Spain, Latin America