Veloz
A Spanish surname from the word for “swift” or “fast.”
The #6,546 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 59,684 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Veloz comes from Spanish veloz, meaning “swift,” “quick,” or “nimble.” The word ultimately goes back to Latin velox, also meaning “swift” or “rapid.” As a surname, it likely began as a nickname for someone known for speed, agility, or quick movement.
History
This is a Spanish-language surname and is found especially in Hispanic communities. Like many descriptive surnames, it probably arose independently in more than one place from a personal nickname. In modern usage it is established in Spain and across Latin America, and it also appears in the United States through Hispanic migration.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The same root that gave Spanish veloz also appears in other Romance-language words for speed and swiftness.
From the historical record
“Suelto. Separado, sin livazon o union a otra cosa. Lijero, veloz. Espedito, ájil, hábil. Libre, atrevido 1 poco sujeto. Espedito en el hablar. Sura Uno de los huesos de la pierna por la parte alta. Se une con ella por medio de una cabeza casi redonda, que no llega a la *odilla.”
— Diccionario de los apellidos