Surname Reyna - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Unlocking Ancestry and Cultural Heritage: The Journey of my Surname 'Reyna' Revealed Through iGENEA DNA Test
Delving into my ancestry through the iGENEA DNA test, I unraveled fascinating tales invariably linked to my surname, Reyna. While it is ostensibly Spanish in origin, the cultural and historical connotations associated with Reyna spin a global narrative that stretches back centuries, tracing migration routes, historical events, and cultural exchanges. It’s an exploration deep into my roots, offering a unique perspective on my cultural heritage and personal identity.
O. Reyna
read moreReyna: What does the surname Reyna mean?
The last name Reyna is of Spanish origin and has a few roots. It is believed to be derived from the name of the ancient kingdom of Castile. The name Reyna itself meant king or ruler in early Spanish. This could mean that an ancestor of the Reyna family once belonged to the royal family of Castile, or that they came from a family of strong religious or political leadership.
The nickname Rey, which means “king” in Spanish, was often used for the Reyna family. Today, many people throughout Latin America, Spain, and amongst the Spanish diaspora proudly bear the Reyna name.
The Reyna family was also known for their strong ties to the Catholic Church. Over time, many members of the Reyna family became priests and nuns, as well as active participants in the spiritual life of their towns and cities.
For some members of the Reyna family, the name continues to represent a historical lineage of achievement and strength. Take, for example, singer Gloria Estefan, whose birth name is Gloria Maria Milagrosa Fajardo Reyna. Her father was a member of the Reyna family, and she has often credited them for her success.
The Reyna family also represents a long history of hard work, dedication, and commitment to family values—values that remain important today.
Order DNA origin analysisReyna: Where does the name Reyna come from?
The last name Reyna is most commonly found in Latin America, especially in Mexico, where it is the second most popular surname. The name is also common in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and the United States.
In the U.S, it is the 63rd most common surname, according to the US Census Bureau’s 2019 data. Reyna is particularly common in Texas, California, and Arizona, with the highest concentration being in the city of Phoenix.
There are also notable Reynas from around the world, such as Mexican soap opera star Laura Zapata, Argentine tennis player Guillermo Reyna, Spanish singer Los Chichos' lead singer Fran Dieli, and the occasional Reyna found in soccer teams in Europe, such as Zenit St Petersburg’s Dante Reyna.
The surname’s origin dates back to the a Jewish practice of taking surnames upon conversion to Catholicism during the Spanish Inquisition. The surname itself is derived from the Latin word “reignus,” meaning “king” and is said to be related to the Bavarian-Austrian word “Rein,” which is a type of small, fast-running horse.
The popularity of the last name Reyna has allowed it to spread through much of the world in a variety of forms. It speaks to a rich history of Jewish conversion, Latin American immigration, and the widely known use of the name from famous figures across the globe.
Variations of the surname Reyna
The surname Reyna is derived from the Latin word “regnare”, meaning to rule or reign. This surname has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, derived primarily from various European countries and regions.
In Spanish, the spelling is Reina, but some people also add an “h” to signify femininity and spell it Reynah. In French, the spelling is Régnier, while in Portuguese it is Régis. Other common variations include Regino, Regini, Reignier, and Raynaud.
Other surnames such as Riena, Reinault, Reinhold, Régnault, Reines, Reineck, and Reincke are also derived from Latin “regnare” and share the same origin as Reyna.
There are also various surnames stemming from the Germanic language, such as Reine, Reiner, Reiners, Rainer, Rahe, Raue, Rieghausen, and Rieger. In Italy, Reyna is often spelled Reyne and tacks on the ending -i to become Reini, Reino, and Reini.
Some people may have adopted the Jewish-sounding spellings of the surname including Reyne and Ryne. In addition, there are also the surnames Reyner, Rain, Rahn, and Rahnet, derived from the Germanic.
Given all the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Reyna, it is likely that many people have adapted it to mean different things depending on the language and region of origin.
Famous people with the name Reyna
- Claudio Reyna: Former American professional soccer player and the current director of football operations for Major League Soccer's New York City Football Club.
- Víctor Hugo Reyna: Mexican former football defender and current manager of Club León of Liga MX.
- Diego Reyna: Costa Rican football player who currently plays for Herediano in the Primera División de Costa Rica, as a midfielder.
- Georgina Reyna: Mexican political journalist, television presenter and analyst.
- Rytzu Reyna: Filipino actor, model, and dancer. He is best known for his roles in Filipino sitcoms.
- Shannon Lee Reyna: Film director and producer.
- Julianna Reyna: American singer and songwriter.
- Julie Ann Reyna: American singer and songwriter who releases music under the name Desert Island.
- Jason Reyna: Former American football linebacker and current assistant coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
- Leticia Reyna: Retired Mexican actress in the field of television and theater.