Rojas
A Spanish surname most likely referring to red or reddish places, soil, or features.
The #285 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 2,848 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Rojas is the plural form of Spanish rojo, meaning “red.” As a surname, it most likely began as a locational name for someone from a place called Rojas or from land, rocks, or other features marked by a red color. The ultimate root is Latin rubeus/russus through Spanish rojo.
History
The name is long established in Spain and spread widely through the Spanish-speaking world during the colonial period. It is especially common in the Americas today, where it is borne by many unrelated families. Historical sources also show it being used as a place-based surname in noble and local lineages.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In Spanish, rojas is the feminine plural of rojo, so the surname literally looks like “reds” or “red ones.”
From the historical record
“cazuela. Rojas. Los colores engarnados mui encendidos. Rojo. Rubio. Aplícase tambien a las 'bestias de color castaño mui encendido. Rolla. Rollo formado de espadaña trenzada, para asegu-”
— Diccionario de los apellidos