Surname Arias - Meaning and Origin

Arias: A Nobler Name and Richer Family History Unearthed through iGENEA DNA Test

Exploring ancestry with iGENEA provided a profound journey of self-discovery, revealing a rich legacy behind the Arias surname, lending a deeper perspective on the concept of family, and heightening the appreciation of familial bonds.

J. Arias

Arias: What does the surname Arias mean?

The surname Arias is of Spanish origin and is derived from the personal name Ares which is a variant of the Biblical name 'Arias' or 'Ara'. In Biblical contexts, it means 'Lion' or 'Superior'. The surname itself is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Ares". It is common in Spain, and in parts of Latin America and the United States due to Spanish colonization and immigration. It can also be found in Portugal and Italy, although it is less common in these countries. Over time, various families with the surname Arias have established their own coats of arms and family crests. The meaning of the name can differ depending on geographical locations and historical usage. There are also a number of notable individuals with the surname Arias, contributing to the fields of politics, music, sports and other areas.

Arias: Where does the name Arias come from?

The surname Arias is of Spanish origin, derived from the personal name "Aro" or "Ario", meaning 'eagle'. The suffix "as" is of patronymic origin, indicating 'son of Aro or Ario'. During the Middle Ages, it was quite common to adopt a paternal name as a surname. Arias is therefore a surname that essentially signifies 'the son of Aro'.

This surname spread throughout Spain and extended to Portugal and Italy. As Spanish explorers and colonizers sailed towards the Americas, the name gained prominence in various Latin American countries as well. The name may have been adopted by Jews who had converted to Christianity during the Inquisition for it is often found in Jewish Sephardic records.

Today, the Arias surname is prevalent in Spain, various Latin American countries, and in the United States. Specifically, it is common in countries like Costa Rica, Colombia, and Mexico. Given the widespread dispersion of Spanish-speaking populations, it is hence not surprising to see the name Arias being common in regions beyond Spain.

Variations of the surname Arias

The surname Arias, of Spanish originating meaning "son of Ares," has several variants and alternate spellings. These variants include Areas, Arians, Ares, Aria, Arion, Arius, and Ariaz. In Portugal and some parts of Brazil, it may appear as Araújo, and in Galicia as Areas or Arosa. In some Latin countries, it could be presented as Arriaga, derived from Ariaca, a basque form of Arias.

Also, "De Arias", "Arias De", "Arias De la", and "De la Arias" could be considered variations as the prepositions "de" or "de la" are often used in Spanish surnames denoting "of" or "from".

The addition of maternal surnames or second paternal surnames can also create more complex forms like “Arias-Gonzalez” or “Arias-Perez.”

The phonetic variants of the surname, due to regional dialect or accent, often create alternative spellings. Some examples could include Ariaz, Aryas, Ariyas, or Ariahs.

It is also important to consider possible Anglicization or localization of the name in different countries where Spanish is not the first language.

Famous people with the name Arias

• Jodi Arias: American convicted for the murder of her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander. Her trial sparked significant media attention.
• Jake T. Arias: A fine art and commercial photographer.
• Santo Arias: A former Major League Baseball player from the Dominican Republic.
• Isaac Arias: A former professional MMA fighter.
• Moises Arias: An American actor known for his roles in 'Hannah Montana and 'Ender's Game'.
• Ariana Arias: A professional footballer from Ecuador.
• Eduardo Arias: A member of the Colombian cumbia band, Bomba Estéreo.
• Mateo Arias: An American actor known for his role in Disney XD Series 'Kickin' It'.
• Arturo Arias: A Guatemalan novelist, critic, and scholar.
• Jenner Arias: A Peruvian footballer.
• Irma Arias: A retired sprinter from Panama.
• Jacobo Árias: A Colombian footballer.
• Ricardo Arias: A Panamanian politician, who served as a President of Panama.
• Lauren Arias: A fashion designer based in New York.
• Julia Arias: An Australian TV presenter.
• Bea Arias: An Australian model and actress.
• Silvana Arias: A Peruvian-American actress.
• Hudson Arias: A Colombian singer and songwriter.
• Marta Arias: A Spanish actress known for her role in the Netflix series 'las chicas del cable'.

Other surnames

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