Surname Rey - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Rey: What does the surname Rey mean?
The last name Rey is of Spanish origin and it translates to "King" in English. It can be found in many Spanish-speaking countries including Spain, Mexico, and various nations in South America. The name is thought to have originated as a nickname or title for someone who acted in a regal manner or who had earned the title in some contest of skill. Alternately, it might have been a patronymic surname bestowed upon the son of a person who held the title 'King' in some ceremonial function or play. This surname is also common among Sephardic Jews. Over time, it has transformed into a family name and has been passed down through generations. Nowadays, many people with this surname may not have any connection with its original meaning. Despite its origins, Rey is a popular surname and is used by individuals and families who may not have any historical ties to Spanish culture.
Order DNA origin analysisRey: Where does the name Rey come from?
The last name Rey is common today in multiple countries and regions around the world. It is most present in countries with a Latin American or Spanish-speaking influence, such as Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. The name is also popular in Europe, particularly Spain, Italy, and France. In the United States, Rey is most common in the Southwest, California, New York, Florida, and Texas.
Rey is usually derived from an old French name meaning "king" or "sovereign," but the name can also have alternative meanings including "lord," "saint," "priest," or "monk." It can also be a variation of the name ray, which is derived from the Latin word for a ray of light or a ray of hope.
Despite being derived from French and Latin identifiers, Rey is also a common surname within Jewish communities, particularly in Israel, where many of the Jews in the country trace their ancestry back to Andalusia, a region of Spain that was once part of the Roman Empire.
Whether it is derived from Jewish, French, Latin, or another cultural background, Rey is an enduring last name that is popular around the world for its various meanings.
Variations of the surname Rey
The surname Rey (also spelled Ray) is an Spanish surname derived from the Latin word regius or "royal". It is a historical patronymic surname with multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these variants can be found primarily in the United States, and others in countries with influences from Latin, Portuguese, and Spanish ancestries.
The most common variant of Rey is Ray. Other variants and surnames of the same origin include Rae, Rai, Reis, Reys, Reye, Reigns, Dray, Draye, Dhray, LeRey, LaRue, and King.
The 'Ray' spelling is derived from the French form of the name, which was adopted in the Middle Ages. It is found frequently in the British Isles and spread to the United States during colonization. The other variants are more likely to come from other European countries, Latin America, or Spain. These would be more common in countries like Argentina, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and other parts of South and Central America.
Additionally, there are several spellings that derive from the several regional variations in pronunciation. These include Dhray, LaRue, LeRey, and Reigns. All of these are most likely to be found in countries with French or French-influenced ancestry.
In conclusion, the surname Rey has a plethora of variants, and spellings, as well as numerous other surnames of the same origin. The most popular variant of this surname is Ray, however, each variant will depend on the region and country of origin.
Famous people with the name Rey
- Daisy Ridley: Daisy is an English actress best known for playing the lead role of Rey in the Star Wars sequels The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
- Diego Rey: Diego is an Argentine footballer playing for the Spanish club Real Betis as a midfield among other clubs.
- Héctor Rey: Héctor is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter. Some of his popular singles include "Volar" and "Déjame En Casa".
- Jaime Rey: Jaime is a Spanish basketball coach who has coached multiple teams in the Basque Country and is currently coaching the Menorca Bàsquet.
- Jaden Rey: Jaden is an American actress, best known for her roles in the popular Nickelodeon show “All That” and “Henry Danger”.
- Juan Carlos Rey: Juan Carlos is a Spanish handball player who has competed in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympic Games. He was the captain of the Spanish national handball team that won the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Leonel Rey: Leonel is a Cuban taekwondo practitioner and Olympic gold medalist. He won gold in the men's +80 kg division at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Mandy Rey: Mandy is a Mexican pop singer who rose to fame after participating in a talent show in the mid-90s. She is known for her singles "Santa Kumar" and "Besos".
- Oscar Rey: Oscar is a Swedish actor, best known for his roles in the films "Vuxenliv" and "Fortfarande Cinema".
- Stephanie Rey: Stephanie is a Swiss model and blogger who has graced the pages of numerous fashion magazines such as Grazia and Elle Japan.