Índice de contenidos
Origin of the Surname Pérez-Minguez
The compound surname Pérez-Minguez presents a geographical distribution that, according to available data, shows a higher incidence in Spain, with a value of 38 on the incidence scale. The significant presence in this country suggests that its origin is probably linked to the Iberian Peninsula, specifically to the Spanish onomastic tradition. The structure of the surname, which combines a classic patronymic such as Pérez with a less frequent element such as Minguez, invites an analysis that considers both the linguistic roots and the historical migrations that may have contributed to its dispersion. The concentration in Spain, together with its presence in Latin American countries, could indicate an origin in the peninsula and a subsequent expansion through migration processes, colonization and diasporas. The current distribution, therefore, reinforces the hypothesis that the surname has roots in the Spanish onomastic tradition, possibly in regions where the Basque or Castilian influence was significant.
Etymology and Meaning of Pérez-Minguez
The compound surname Pérez-Minguez is made up of two clearly differentiated elements that, together, offer clues about its origin and meaning. The first component, "Pérez", is one of the most common patronymic surnames in Spanish tradition. It is a derivative of the proper name Pedro, with the suffix "-ez" indicating filiation or descent, so "Pérez" means "son of Pedro." The patronymic structure in Spanish surnames is very common and dates back to the Middle Ages, when identification by lineage was essential to distinguish families in official records and documents.
The second element, "Minguez", is less common and may have roots in specific regions of the Iberian Peninsula, especially in areas with Basque influence or in areas where surnames of Basque origin are common. The ending "-ez" in "Minguez" also suggests a patronymic origin, possibly derived from the proper name "Mingo" or "Mingor", although this hypothesis requires further analysis. The root "Ming-" could be related to Basque-Iberian terms or to surnames that derive from place names or personal characteristics.
Taken together, the surname Pérez-Minguez would be a compound patronymic, indicating descent from an ancestor called Mingo or Mingor, and which also reflects the tradition of forming compound surnames in certain regions of Spain. The presence of both patronymic elements in a single surname suggests that it could be a family union that sought to distinguish itself through the combination of two lineages or surnames relevant in its historical context.
From a linguistic perspective, "Pérez" clearly belongs to the family of patronymic surnames in Castilian, while "Minguez" may have roots in Basque or regional dialects, reinforcing the hypothesis of an origin in areas where these traditions intertwine. The structure of the surname, therefore, combines elements of the Castilian patronymic tradition with regional influences that could reflect the history of internal migrations or marriages between different communities.
History and Expansion of the Surname
The analysis of the current distribution of the Pérez-Minguez surname suggests that its most probable origin is in some region of Spain where patronymic traditions and Basque or regional influences have been intertwined. The predominant presence in Spain, with an incidence of 38, indicates that the surname was probably consolidated in the context of the Middle Ages, when the formation of compound surnames was a common practice among families of higher status or in regions with a strong local identity.
During the Modern Age, internal migration processes and territorial expansion, together with the colonization of America, may have contributed to the dispersion of the surname to other Latin American countries. The presence in countries such as Mexico, Argentina or Colombia, although not specified in the data, would be consistent with historical patterns of Spanish migration. Colonization and internal migrations in Spain would also have favored the conservation and transmission of the surname in different regions, especially in areas where the Basque-speaking or Castilian communities had greater influence.
The formation of the compound surname may be linked to marriages between families with similar or different patronymic surnames, who sought to preserve their lineage and distinguish themselves in official records. The expansion ofsurname, therefore, can be understood as a result of these social and migratory processes, which led to the consolidation of the surname in its region of origin and its subsequent dissemination in other territories.
In addition, the influence of the political and social history of Spain, including the Reconquista, the unification of kingdoms and rural migrations to cities, would have favored the consolidation of patronymic surnames such as Pérez and, to a lesser extent, regional surnames such as Minguez. The presence in Latin America, in particular, would be a consequence of Spanish colonization and migration, which brought these surnames to new cultural and linguistic contexts.
Variants of the Surname Pérez-Minguez
As for spelling variants, it is possible that there are regional or historical forms that have undergone phonetic or graphic modifications. For example, in regions where Basque influence is strong, "Minguez" could also be found as "Mingues" or "Minguez" with different accentuations or adaptations. In other countries, especially in Latin America, phonetic adaptation could have led to simplifications or alterations in writing, such as "Minges" or "Mingeze".
In relation to related surnames, those that share the root "Ming-" or that are also patronymics with "-ez" suffixes could be considered close in origin. Examples could include surnames such as "Minguez" without the "Pérez" component, or similar combinations in other regions of Spain or in Basque-speaking communities.
Regional adaptations could also be reflected in the incorporation of similar compound surnames, which combine patronymic elements with toponyms or physical characteristics, depending on local traditions. The influence of different languages and dialects in the Iberian Peninsula would have contributed to the variety in the form and pronunciation of the surname over time.
