Is Madrid a Spanish Last Name?

By Michael Ferguson

If you are wondering if Madrid is a Spanish last name, the answer is yes! Madrid is a surname that originates from Spain, specifically from the city of Madrid. It is one of the most common surnames in the country and has an interesting history behind it.

The Origin of the Madrid Surname

The Madrid surname can be traced back to the early 15th century when surnames started to become common in Spain. At that time, people used to identify themselves only by their first name and their father’s name.

However, as populations grew, it became necessary to differentiate between people with similar names. This led to the adoption of surnames.

The origin of the Madrid surname is not entirely clear. Some historians believe that it comes from the Latin word “Matritensis,” which means “of or belonging to Matrice.”

Matrice was an old name for the city of Madrid. Others believe that it comes from “Madriz,” which was a nickname given to people who were born or lived in Madrid.

Popularity of the Madrid Surname

The Madrid surname is prevalent in Spain and has been for centuries. According to data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute, there were more than 45,000 people with the last name Madrid living in Spain in 2020.

Outside of Spain, however, the surname is not as common. It can be found in some Latin American countries such as Mexico and Argentina due to Spanish colonization but is relatively rare elsewhere.

Famous People with the Last Name Madrid

  • Adriana Madrid: A Mexican actress known for her roles in telenovelas such as “Destilando Amor” and “Sortilegio.”
  • Ismael Madrid: A Spanish footballer who played for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team in the 1950s.
  • Rafael Madrid: A Puerto Rican baseball player who played in Major League Baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres in the 1980s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Madrid is a Spanish last name that has been around for centuries. Its popularity is mainly concentrated in Spain, but it can also be found in some Latin American countries.

The origin of the name is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have come from either “Matritensis” or “Madriz.” Nonetheless, it remains an essential part of Spanish history and culture.