Enriquez is a Spanish surname of Basque origin, derived from the given name Enrique, which means "home ruler" or "leader of the home". It is believed to have been brought to Spain by Basque settlers who moved southwards during the Middle Ages. The name has since become quite common in Spain and Latin America.
The spelling variations of Enriquez include Enríquez, Henriques, Enrique, Henriquis, and many others. This can be attributed to the different languages and cultures that have adopted this name over time, as well as the natural evolution of surnames through generations.
Notable individuals with the surname Enriquez include:
* Alfonso Enriquez (1320-1349), a Spanish nobleman who served as the Lord of Vizcaya
* Fernando de Enríquez (1518-1572), a Spanish explorer and governor of the Philippines
* Vicente Enriquez (1634-1696), a Filipino historian and chronicler known for his work "The Loyalty of the Philippines"
* Antonio Enriquez (1766-1805), a Mexican priest and leader of the revolt against Spanish rule
Today, Enriquez is recognized as a surname of Spanish origin, often associated with Basque ancestry. It continues to be carried by families around the world, contributing to the rich tapestry of global genealogy.
The name Enriquez has seen a steady decline in popularity over time, with the number of births peaking at seven per year in both 1978 and 1984, then decreasing to six in 1993 and five in 1995. In total, there were 32 births recorded under this name between these years.