Ortiz is a surname of Spanish and Basque origin that has been widely spread throughout the world due to Spanish colonization. It is believed to have derived from two possible sources.
The first theory suggests that Ortiz is an ornamental name meaning "bear" in Basque, a language spoken in the Basque Country in Spain and France. This theory is supported by the fact that there are several places named Ortiz in the Basque Country, such as Ortiz de Zárate and Ortiz de Pinedo, which were likely given their names due to the presence of bears in the area.
The second theory proposes that Ortiz is an occupational surname, meaning "hedge maker" or "fencer". This is because in medieval Spain, there was a profession called "ortizero", who made hedges using branches and stakes. The name Ortiz would have been given to someone who practiced this trade.
Over time, the spelling of the surname has varied, with some variations including Ortis, Hortiz, and Hurtiz. However, the most common form remains Ortiz.
Today, the surname Ortiz is found in many parts of the world, particularly in Latin America, Spain, and the United States. It is estimated that there are over 100,000 people with the last name Ortiz worldwide. Despite its widespread use, the exact origin and meaning of Ortiz remain a matter of debate among historians and etymologists.
The name Ortiz has seen a consistent but relatively low number of births each year in the United States, with only seven babies named Ortiz born in 1976. This reflects a total of seven individuals being given this name across all years recorded.