Surname Rivas - Meaning and Origin

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The iGENEA DNA test is a captivating journey into the depths of your ancestral origin, unfolding the hidden stories entwined with your roots. I conducted this test and discovered surprising revelations about my surname - Rivas.

R. Rivas

Rivas: What does the surname Rivas mean?

The last name Rivas is of Spanish origin and derives from the word 'riberas,' which means 'riverbanks' in English. It's a topographic surname denoting someone who lived near the river banks. This last name is widely used in Spain and Latin American countries. The name could also be traced to different municipalities scattered around Spain. Each family lineage can have a distinct coat of arms, which depends on their family history and the region they come from. The Rivas surname, like many Spanish surnames, can indicate geographical location, occupation, and even a physical characteristic.

Rivas: Where does the name Rivas come from?

The last name Rivas is fairly common, and can usually be found predominantly in countries located in Latin America and Spain.

In Latin America, Rivas is most common in Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. It is also popular among Puerto Ricans, who generally come from a Spanish or Latin American background. In Mexico, the majority of the population with the Rivas surname are from the State of Jalisco, where it is the eighteenth most common last name. In Peru, it's the twenty-third most common surname, while in Venezuela, it is the seventh most frequent last name.

In Spain, the surname is fairly common as well, and is believed to have come from southeastern Spain. Rivas is most popular in the regions of Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Alicante. It is the ninety-fourth most common last name in Spain, with approximately 60,000 people having the Rivas name.

Overall, Rivas is a fairly common last name throughout the Hispanic world. As with many Hispanic surnames, its exact origin is somewhat uncertain, although it is clear that the name is most likely derived from the place name "Ribas" in the province of Valencia, Spain.

Variations of the surname Rivas

The surname Rivas is an ancient and widespread surname that is thought to have originated from the north of Spain. It is believed to have been derived from the Latin phrase “Rivus” which means river or river bank.

The surname Rivas has a variety of variants, spellings and surnames that have the same origin, the most common of which includes: Riva, Rivai, Rivau, Rivaux, Riveau, Rivier, Riviera, and Rivet. It can also be spelled as Rivera, Rivers, Rivero, Revera, Revero, and Reyvera.

In Mexico, the surname is sometimes spelled as Rivaz or Rívas, while in other parts of Latin America, it is sometimes spelled as Rívez or Rívaz. In Portugal and Brazil, the surname is spelled as Ribeiro and Ribeiras, respectively.

In the United States, some of the surnames spelled Rivas are also known as Recommonds, Reymondes, Rhymes, Ryemonds, and Ryems. Others are known as Rivera, Rivers, and Rivero.

In addition to its variations, the surname Rivas has also been known to be combined with other surnames to extend their lineage. Some examples include Rivas-Mendoza, Rivas-González, and Rivas-García.

In conclusion, the surname Rivas has a wide range of potential variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, reflecting its historical significance and diverse legacy.

Famous people with the name Rivas

• María Rivas: Venezuelan actress, singer, television presenter and politician.
• María José Rivas: Venezuelan actress and former beauty queen.
• Paula Galindo Rivas: Venezuelan visual artist and curator.
• Santiago Rivas: Uruguayan footballer.
• Harry Rivas: Colombian football midfielder who currently plays for the Portland Timbers 2.
• Amarilis Rivas: Puerto Rican cheerleader and model.
• Bladimir Rivas: Venezuelan basketball player for Guaiqueríes de Margarita.
• Janko Kenny Rivas: Venezuelan kitesurfer, Big Air team rider and stunt man.
• Sarai Rivas: Mexican actress.
• Leocenis García Rivas: Venezuelan baseball player for the Minnesota Twins organization.

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