De la Cruz is a Spanish surname meaning "of the cross." It is the Spanish cognate of the French surname Delacroix. The name originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived near a prominent cross, such as a wayside cross or crossroad, reflecting the symbolic and literal centrality of the cross in Christian tradition.
Geographic Distribution and Variants
While the surname is of Spanish origin, it has spread widely through colonization and migration. In the Philippines, the name is often written as Cruz or Dela Cruz, where it is extremely common due to Spanish colonial influence. Variants in other languages include English Cross and Crouch (though Crouch may also derive from a different root), French Delacroix, and Czech Kříž (masculine) and Křížová (feminine).
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals with this surname include Spanish cyclist David de la Cruz (born 1989), who has competed in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España; Dominican baseball players Elly De La Cruz (born 2002) and Bryan De La Cruz (born 1996); Claudia De la Cruz (born c. 1980/1981), an American community organizer and 2024 U.S. presidential candidate; and Fernando de la Cruz (born 1971), also a Dominican baseball player. The extract notes additional figures such as Filipino religious leader Apolinario de la Cruz and Dominican volleyball player Bethania de la Cruz.
Historical Usage
The surname traces back to medieval Spain, where it was adopted by families living near crosses that marked boundaries, crossroads, or Christian shrines. As with many surnames that reference religious symbols, it reflects the deep intertwining of faith and daily life in the Iberian Peninsula and later in colonies such as the Philippines and Latin America.
- Meaning: "Of the cross"
- Origin: Spanish (Iberian)
- Type: Topographic surname
- Usage Regions: Spain, Philippines, Latin America, Hispanic communities worldwide
Sources: Wikipedia — De la Cruz