Surname De Rivera - Meaning and Origin
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De Rivera: What does the surname De Rivera mean?
De Rivera is a Spanish surname that translates to "from the river" in English. This could mean that the ancestors of the person bearing this surname originated from a location near a river or could have held occupations that related to a river, such as being a fisherman or a ferryman. The name is derived from the Spanish word "rivera" which means "riverbank" or "shore". In Hispanic culture, locations often played a significant role in determining surnames, highlighting the geographical component of one's identity. It is a relatively common surname in Spain and Latin American countries, but is also found in other parts of the world due to Spanish colonization and migration. Each person bearing the surname de Rivera could potentially trace their lineage to a different river, as the name does not specify a particular river.
Order DNA origin analysisDe Rivera: Where does the name De Rivera come from?
De Rivera is an originally Spanish surname that is most commonly found in Spain as well as countries with large Spanish-speaking populations and diasporas, such as the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.
In Spain, especially, the last name "de Rivera" is very common. According to Geneanet, a genealogical database, the most dense regions for the surname are the Balears (the Baleric Islands, off-coast of mainland Spain); Andalucía, especially around Cádiz, Granada, and Málaga; País Vasc (the Basque Country); as well as Madrid and Valencia.
Outside of Spain, the last name De Rivera is also largely present in Latin American countries, especially Mexico and Venezuela. According to Geneanet's data, the states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Hidalgo, and Chiapas in Mexico feature the highest numbers of the last name De Rivera. In Venezuela, the states of Zulia, Portugesa, Carabobo, and Miranda are home to the most De Riveras.
In the United States, the last name is most common in the state of Florida, followed by California, New York, New Jersey, and Texas.
The De Rivera last name is still alive and well in many places today, its surname bearers living all around the world.
Variations of the surname De Rivera
The surname De Rivera is derived from the Spanish word for river, río. There are a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common spelling of the surname is De Rivera, but it can also be spelled De Rivera, DeRivah, De Rivas, Derbis, Derivar, Derivera, River, Rivero, Ribera, Rivah, Rivara, Rivarr, Rivarros, Rivas, Rivaz, Riveira,, Rivera, Riveri, Rivers, Rivet, Rivett, and Rivier. Additionally, closely related names include Ferrer, Rivas, Riveres, Rivé, and Riviere.
Variants of the name range geographically, with the first recorded mention of the name in Castile in 947 AD, and variations of the name also found in Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname such as De Rivas, Rivera, Rivas, Rivero and others are fairly common throughout Latin America. One of the most famous modern De Riveras is tennis player Juan Martin de Rivera, who is of Spanish and Argentine heritage.
The surname often carries certain connotations or associations, such as referring to somebody from near a river, or to a shipping family, as it was once a common surname among sailors.
In summary, De Rivera is a Spanish surname with a number of spellings, originating back to 947 AD and found throughout Latin America. Variants include De Rivas, Rivera, Rivas, Rivero, DeRivah, Derbis, Derivar, Derivera, Ferrer, Rivé, and Riviere.
Famous people with the name De Rivera
- Diego Armando Maradona de Rivera: Argentine professional soccer player regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He is most famous for scoring with his hand in a match against England in the FIFA World Cup in 1986.
- Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez: Spanish bullfighter and model. He is descended from a long line of bullfighters and is the son of bullfighter Francisco Rivera Pérez.
- Esperanza Aguirre y Gil de Biedma: Spanish politician who served as president of Madrid from 2003-2012 and leader of Partido Popular from 2004-2007.
- Imanol Arias de Rivera: Spanish actor and singer, best known for his roles in Spanish television series like Más que Amigos and Los Serrano.
- Julián de Rivera: Spanish artist and painter, known for his works depicting everyday life of Victorian-era Spain, including bullfighting and flamenco dancing.
- Luis Cuervo de Rivera: Spanish artist and sculptor, best known for his works depicting the Romantic period in Spain.
- Yaiza de Rivera: Spanish politician, currently serving as the mayor of Lanzarote Island.
- Karime de Rivera: Mexican professional wrestling referee and wrestler
- Jorge Rivera de Pedro: Spanish theater, opera and film director.
- Juan Antonio Rivera de la Cruz: Spanish businessman, chairman and CEO of Spanish energy company Repsol.