Reina
A surname from the Romance word for “queen,” often given as a nickname or as a name of respect or association.
The #7,915 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 73,863 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Reina is the Romance word for “queen,” ultimately from Latin regina, meaning “queen” or “female ruler.” As a surname, it likely began as a nickname, an occupational-style byname linked to service in a royal household, or a descriptive name for someone associated with a queen or with regal bearing. In some cases it may also reflect a place-name or a house sign rather than direct descent from royalty.
History
The name is common in the Spanish-speaking world and also appears in Italy and other Romance-language regions. In surname references it is often treated as a straightforward Romance byname from the word for “queen.” The form is also compatible with Italian and Catalan surname traditions, so bearers may have independent origins in different places.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In Spanish, reina can also appear in place names and titles, so the surname may sometimes have a toponymic or emblematic flavor rather than referring to a literal queen.
From the historical record
“cuando por ellos no la mereciesen, he querido señalar con este beneficio la grata memoria del feliz cumpleaños de la reina, mi mui amada esposa; i vengo en abolir para siem pre en todos mis dominios la pena de muerte en horca; mandando que en adelante se ejecute en garrote ordinario la que se imponga a personas del…”
— Diccionario de los apellidos