Ruiz is a surname of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Basque given name 'Ruiz'. The meaning behind the name Ruiz is believed to be 'red', which may refer to either the hair color or the complexion of the person bearing this name.
The name Ruiz has a long history in Spain and Portugal. It is believed to have originated in the Basque region, an autonomous community located in northern Spain and southwestern France. The Basques are one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe, with a unique language and culture that predate the Roman conquest of Hispania.
Over time, the name Ruiz spread throughout Spain and Portugal, becoming quite common in both countries. It is also found in other parts of the world where there is a significant Spanish or Portuguese population, such as Latin America, the United States, and the Philippines.
Some famous individuals who bear the surname Ruiz include the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo (whose real last name was Kahlo, but she often used her mother's maiden name, Ruiz, professionally), and the American baseball player Albert Pujols. However, despite its prevalence, there are no notable figures specifically named Ruiz throughout history.
In modern times, the surname Ruiz continues to be a common one in Spain, Portugal, and other Spanish-speaking countries. It is also found in many other parts of the world, where it has become a part of the diverse tapestry of global surnames.
The name Ruiz is not particularly common in the United States, with only five babies being born with this name each year on average between 2003 and present day. This low frequency makes it a unique choice for parents looking to give their child an uncommon moniker.
Despite its rarity, Ruiz has maintained a consistent presence among newborns over time. Between 2003 and 2021, there have been a total of 65 births in the US with the name Ruiz. This steady occurrence suggests that while not many people opt for this name, those who do are likely to pass it down through generations.
In terms of gender distribution, Ruiz is predominantly given to males. Out of the 65 recorded births since 2003, only eight were female infants named Ruiz. This results in a male-to-female ratio of approximately 8:1 for this name.
When considering the popularity rank among other names with similar sound or spelling, Ruiz tends to fall within the top 75% but has not broken into the top 50%. In recent years, its popularity seems stable and does not show significant trends towards becoming more popular or fading out completely.