Cruz
/ˈkɾuθ/
Cruz means “cross” in Spanish and Portuguese, referring to the cross of the crucifixion. As a surname, it is among the most common in the Spanish-speaking world, borne by millions across Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula.
The name’s transition to given-name use in the US reflects broader acceptance of Hispanic surnames as first names during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Cruz gained momentum alongside similar choices like Santos and Reyes.
Cruz peaked in the US at No. 279 in 2013 and has remained in the 300-350 range since. In 2024, it ranked No. 303 with 1,110 births, showing stable popularity with no dramatic fluctuations over the past decade.
What the name Cruz means
High-profile bearers of the surname include actress Penélope Cruz and US Senator Ted Cruz.
David and Victoria Beckham named their 3rd son Cruz Beckham in 2005, which helped popularize the name as a given name in English-speaking countries beyond the Hispanic community.
The name’s single syllable and strong “z” ending give it a percussive quality that stands out. At just 4 letters, it is among the shortest mainstream boys’ names in current use in the United States.
Cruz carries both religious and cultural weight. In Latin American tradition, the cross is a deeply significant symbol, and the name reflects that reverence while functioning as a modern, streamlined choice in English-speaking contexts.
The name works well across languages, requiring no modification in pronunciation from Spanish to English. This cross-linguistic ease likely contributes to its broad and sustained appeal.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Cruz
Cruz - similar names
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