Torres is a Spanish surname of Basque origin that has been widely used throughout Spain and Latin America. The name is believed to have originated from the Basque word "torre," which means "tower." This name was likely given to families who lived near towers or had houses that resembled towers.
The Torres family, one of the most prominent noble families in Spain, dates back to the 9th century and has played a significant role in Spanish history. They were instrumental in the Reconquista, the period during which Christian forces reconquered the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslims. The Torres family held numerous titles and lands throughout Spain, including the Duchy of Denia and the Marquisate of Cadiz.
The surname Torres has also been associated with notable individuals throughout history. Diego de Torres y Quiñones was a Spanish painter who lived during the 17th century and is considered one of the founders of Spanish Baroque painting. And Carlos Torres, born in Chile in 1985, is a professional surfer who has won several international competitions.
Today, Torres remains a popular surname throughout Spain and Latin America, with many families carrying on the proud tradition of their ancestors while also making their own unique mark on history.
The name Torres has been steadily present in the United States since at least 1961, with a total of 291 babies being given this name up until 2023. The number of births per year has varied, but it appears that the name gained popularity during certain periods.
From 1961 to 1984, there were around one to ten births per year, with a slight peak in the late seventies and early eighties. However, from 1986 onwards, we see a significant increase in the number of babies named Torres each year. The name reached its highest point of popularity between 1995 and 1997, with fourteen births per year during those years.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Torres seemed to decrease again, with five to nine births per year from 2000 onwards. However, there was another small peak in 2015 with twelve births. Most recently, in 2023, there were five recorded births with the name Torres.
This data demonstrates that while the name Torres has had periods of popularity and decline over the years, it remains a consistently chosen name for babies born in the United States.