Díaz is a common Spanish patronymic surname, meaning "son of Diego." Its origins trace back to the Kingdom of Castile during the Visigoth period, and it is one of the most frequently found surnames in the Spanish-speaking world. Etymology and Origins The surname Díaz is derived from the given name Diego, with the Spanish patronymic suffix -ez (or -az) meaning "son of." The name Diego itself has a debated etymology. It is often linked to the Latinized form Didacus, which may stem from the Greek didachē ("teaching"). This connects Díaz indirectly to Saint Didacus (or Diego), a 15th-century Franciscan brother from Alcalá, Spain. Distribution and Variants Díaz is the 14th most common surname in Spain, accounting for about 0.17% of the population. While some records suggest that Díez may be an equivalent variant, academic studies treat them separately. The Portuguese cognate is Dias. In its anglicized form, Diaz is also widely used, particularly in the Americas. Notable Bearers Many famous individuals bear the surname Díaz. Notable examples include: Porfirio Díaz (1830–1915), President of Mexico; Cameron Diaz (b. 1972), American actress; and the Argentine writer Junot Díaz (b. 1968), known for his novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Spanish-language figures include the religious leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso. (Note: The name is also common among Spanish speakers globally.) Meaning: "Son of Diego" Origin: Spanish (Castile) Type: Patronymic surname Usage: Spain, Latin America Variants: Díez, Dias, Diaz