Garza
A Spanish surname that likely began as a nickname, probably referring to a heron or to someone seen as lean or graceful.
The #186 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 2,100 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Garza is a Spanish word for a heron, and the surname is generally understood as coming from that animal name. In surname use, it was likely first a nickname for someone thought to resemble a heron in appearance or bearing, though some older writers also connected it with descriptive senses of color or look. The evidence provided here does not include a direct dictionary headword, so the exact path of formation remains somewhat uncertain.
History
The name is well established in the Spanish-speaking world and is especially familiar in Spain and Latin America. In the United States it is now a relatively common Hispanic surname, reflecting Spanish and Mexican heritage. Older records show it already in use as a byname in medieval or early modern Spanish contexts.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Garza is also the Spanish word for a heron, which gives the surname a vivid nature-based image.
From the historical record
“cia de la sala del crímen, que puede concederla o negarla. Garza. Áve mas pequeña que la cigarra, i un moño en la cabeza. Garzo. Lo que es de color azulado. Aplícase mas co- munmiente a los ojos de este color i aun a las personas que tienen así. El honzo que en las boticas llaman agarico.”
— Diccionario de los apellidos