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Origin of the Surname Pérez-Chirinos
The compound surname Pérez-Chirinos presents a geographical distribution that, according to available data, shows a significant presence in Spain, with an incidence of 64%. This concentration suggests that its origin is probably linked to the Iberian Peninsula, specifically to the Spanish region, given that most of the surnames composed in the peninsula tend to have roots in the Spanish tradition. The presence in Latin American countries, although not specified in the data, could also be relevant, considering the migratory and colonizing processes that led to the expansion of Spanish surnames in these regions. The current distribution, therefore, allows us to infer that the surname has an origin in the Iberian Peninsula, with probable roots in the patronymic and toponymic tradition of the region.
Etymology and Meaning of Pérez-Chirinos
The compound surname Pérez-Chirinos is made up of two elements that, together, offer clues about its origin and meaning. The first component, "Pérez", is a patronymic surname widespread in Spain, which is derived from the proper name "Pedro" by adding the suffix "-ez", characteristic of patronymic surnames in the Spanish language. This suffix indicates "son of", so "Pérez" literally means "son of Peter". The structure of this surname reflects a tradition in which surnames were formed to identify the descendants of an ancestor with a proper name, in this case, Pedro, one of the most common names in the Iberian Peninsula since the Middle Ages.
On the other hand, the second element, "Chirinos", seems to have toponymic or etymological roots related to a place or a geographical feature. The ending "-inos" may be linked to toponymic formations or surnames derived from specific places. In the context of Spanish, "Chirinos" could derive from a place name, possibly related to some locality or region on the peninsula, or even with a term that describes a physical or geographical characteristic of the territory. The presence of this element in a compound surname suggests that, in addition to patronymic affiliation, there may be a reference to a geographical origin or a lineage linked to a specific place.
In terms of classification, "Pérez" is clearly a patronymic surname, while "Chirinos" could be considered toponymic or descriptive, depending on its exact origin. The combination of both elements in a compound surname indicates a possible family line that, in addition to descent from an ancestor named Pedro, also has a connection with a specific place or geographical feature, which would be consistent with the tradition of compound surnames in the Iberian Peninsula.
History and Expansion of the Surname
The surname Pérez, as one of the most common patronymics in Spain, has its roots in the Middle Ages, when the formation of surnames was consolidated in the Iberian Peninsula. The use of the suffix "-ez" to indicate descent from an ancestor with a proper name was a widespread practice in the region, especially in Castilla y León, where medieval documentation evidences its use since at least the 12th and 13th centuries. The popularity of "Pérez" was favored by the tradition of naming children in relation to their parents, which led numerous lineages to adopt this patronymic as a family surname.
For its part, "Chirinos" could have a toponymic origin, related to a specific locality or region in the Iberian Peninsula. The presence of surnames that combine patronymics with toponyms is frequent in the history of the formation of surnames in Spain, especially in areas where identification by place of origin was important to distinguish families. The expansion of the compound surname Pérez-Chirinos probably occurred through internal migratory processes in the peninsula, as well as through colonization and migration to Latin America during the 16th and 17th centuries, when many Spaniards took their surnames to the new lands.
The current concentration in Spain, with an incidence of 64%, may reflect both its origin in the peninsula and its subsequent dispersion in colonized territories. The presence in Latin America, although not specified in the data, would be consistent with historical patterns of Spanish migration, which brought surnames like Pérez to countries such as Mexico, Peru, Argentina and others. The expansion of the surname may also be linked to families that, for economic reasons,political or social, they moved from their place of origin in Spain to different regions of the Hispanic world, thus consolidating their presence in various communities.
Variants of the Surname Pérez-Chirinos
As for spelling variants, it is possible that there are regional or historical forms that have slightly modified the writing of the surname. For example, in some ancient records, "Chirinos" could appear as "Cirídos" or "Cirinus", depending on transcriptions and phonetic adaptations in different times and regions. Likewise, in other languages, especially in English- or French-speaking countries, the surname could have been adapted phonetically, giving rise to forms such as "Perez-Cirinus" or "Perez-Cirinos".
In relation to related surnames, those that contain similar roots or that also combine patronymics with toponyms may include variants such as "Perez de Chirinos" or "Chirino Pérez", which reflect different ways of joining the elements. The presence of these variants may indicate different family lines or regional adaptations in the writing and pronunciation of the surname.
