Cruz is a surname of Iberian origin, first found in Castile, Spain, but later spread throughout the territories of the former

Spanish Spanish might refer to: * Items from or related to Spain: **Spaniards are a nation and ethnic group indigenous to Spain **Spanish language, spoken in Spain and many Latin American countries **Spanish cuisine Other places * Spanish, Ontario, Can ...

and

Portuguese Empire The Portuguese Empire ( pt, Império Português), also known as the Portuguese Overseas (''Ultramar Português'') or the Portuguese Colonial Empire (''Império Colonial Português''), was composed of the overseas colonies, factories, and the ...

s. In Spanish and Portuguese, the word means "cross", either the Christian cross or the figure of transecting lines or ways. For example, in the

Philippines The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no), * bik, Republika kan Filipinas * ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas * cbk, República de Filipinas * hil, Republ ...

, the adopted Tagalog word is rendered to "krus" in plain usage, but the Spanish spelling survives as a surname. The word "Cruz" (Spanish for "Cross"), as well as "Vera Cruz" ("True Cross") and "Santa Cruz" ("Holy Cross") are used as surnames and toponyms. Its origin as a surname particularly flourished after the Alhambra Decree of 1492 and the increasing activities of the

Spanish Inquisition The Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition ( es, Tribunal del Santo Oficio de la Inquisición), commonly known as the Spanish Inquisition ( es, Inquisición española), was established in 1478 by the Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand ...

, when New Christian families with

Crypto-Jewish Crypto-Judaism is the secret adherence to Judaism while publicly professing to be of another faith; practitioners are referred to as "crypto-Jews" (origin from Greek ''kryptos'' – , 'hidden'). The term is especially applied historically to Sp ...

, Moorish, and/or mixed religious heritage converted to the state-enforced religion of

Catholicism The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...

and subsequently fashioned and adopted surnames with unambiguous religious affiliation.

People with the surname

General

* Alberto Cruz (disambiguation), multiple people * Alejandro Cruz (disambiguation), multiple people *

Alex Cruz (disambiguation) Alex Cruz may refer to: * Alex Cruz (astronomer), American astronomer * Álex Cruz (businessman) Álex Cruz de Llano (born 1966) is a Spanish businessman, former chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of British Airways and former CEO of Vu ...

, multiple people *

Arturo Cruz Arturo José Cruz Porras (December 18, 1923 – July 9, 2013), sometimes called Arturo Cruz Sr. to distinguish him from his son, was a Nicaraguan banker and technocrat. He became prominent in politics during the Sandinista (FSLN) era. After repeate ...

(1923–2013), Nicaraguan rebel leader *

Carlos Cruz (disambiguation) Carlos Cruz may refer to: *Carlos Cruz (boxer) (1937–1970), Dominican lightweight world champion *Carlos Cruz (television presenter) (born 1942), Portuguese presenter and convicted paedophile *Juan-Carlos Cruz (born 1962), celebrity chef on Food ...

, multiple people *

Isagani Cruz Isagani A. Cruz (October 11, 1924 – March 21, 2013) was a Filipino judge who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 1986 to 1994. He retired from the Supreme Court on October 11, 1994, due to the court's m ...

(c. 1924 – 2013), Filipino judge *

Juan-Carlos Cruz Juan-Carlos Cruz (born ca. 1962) is a Dominican American chef and the former host of ''Calorie Commando'' and ''Weighing In'' on the Food Network. Cruz lost 43 pounds on the Discovery Health Channel show ''Discovery Health Body Challenge'', which e ...

(born 1962), Dominican American celebrity chef *

Maria Silva Cruz Maria Silva Cruz (20 April 1915 – 23 August 1936) was a Spanish anarchist and a hero of the Casas Viejas Uprising in Spain. She was also known as "La Libertaria." Biography Silva Cruz was born and raised in Casas Viejas (now Benalup-Casa ...

(1915-1936), Spanish anarchist *

Maximiano Tuazon Cruz Maximiano Tuazon Cruz (April 4, 1923 – October 9, 2013) was a Filipino Prelate of the Catholic Church The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the List of Christian denominations by number of members, largest ...

(1923–2013), Filipino Roman Catholic bishop *

Nicky Cruz Nicky Cruz (born December 6, 1938) is a Puerto Rican Christian evangelist, the founder of Nicky Cruz Outreach, an evangelistic Christian ministry. He was also once the director of Teen Challenge, serving under David Wilkerson before founding ano ...

(born 1938), Puerto Rican-American ex-gang leader and religious minister *

Nikolas Cruz On February 14, 2018, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire on students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the Miami suburban town of Parkland, Florida, murdering 17 people and injuring 17 others. Cruz, a former student at t ...

(born 1998), American criminal suspect in the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting *

Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Gonçalves Cruz, better known as Oswaldo Cruz (; August 5, 1872 – February 11, 1917), was a Brazilian physician, pioneer bacteriologist, epidemiologist and public health officer and the founder of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute. He occup ...

(1872–1917), Brazilian physician, bacteriologist, and epidemiologist *

Richard Cruz (disambiguation) Ricardo Cruz may refer to: * Ricardo Cruz (athlete) (born 1946), Salvadoran Olympic athlete * Ricardo Cruz (Brazilian footballer), Brazilian football manager and former goalkeeper * Ricardo Cruz (lawyer) Ricardo Cruz (July 1, 1943 – July 2 ...

, multiple people

Arts

General

Amina Cruz Amina Cruz is a photographer known for capturing queer punk scenes within the Latinx community and breaking cultural barriers with their work. Cruz captures the intimate moments shared between queer folk and is trying to expand the Latinx iden ...

, American photographer *

Claudia Cruz Claudia Julissa Cruz Rodríguez (born February 5, 1986, in Bonao) is a Dominican people (Dominican Republic), Dominican actress, TV Host, model and beauty pageant titleholder who represented her Dominican Republic, country at the Miss World 2004 ...

(born 1986), Dominican Miss World contestant 2004 *

Gaspar da Cruz Gaspar da Cruz ( 1520 – 5 February 1570; sometimes also known under an Hispanized version of his name, Gaspar de la Cruz) was a Portuguese Dominican friar born in Évora, who traveled to Asia and wrote one of the first detailed European account ...

(ca. 1520–1570), Portuguese Dominican friar, author of the first European book on China *

Gemma Cruz Gemma Teresa Guerrero Cruz—Araneta (; born 30 September 1943) is a Filipino politician, writer, director, and beauty queen who won Miss International 1964, becoming the first Filipino and Asian to win the title. She received an "Outstanding M ...

, Filipino crowned Miss International *

Nilo Cruz Nilo Cruz is a Cuban-American playwright and pedagogue. With his award of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play '' Anna in the Tropics'', he became the second Latino so honored, after Nicholas Dante. Biography Early years Cruz was bor ...

(born 1962), Cuban-American playwright and Pulitzer prize winner

Actors and Actresses

;General *

Ernesto Gómez Cruz Ernesto Gómez Cruz (born 7 November 1933) is a Mexican prolific actor with more than 154 films.Ernesto Gómez Cruz
at th ...

(born 1933), Mexican actor *

Ileana D'Cruz Ileana D'Cruz (born 1 November 1987) is an Indian-born Portuguese actress and model who predominantly appears in Telugu language, Telugu and Hindi language films. D'Cruz was born in Mumbai and spent most of her childhood in Goa. D'Cruz made her ...

, Indian actress from Goa *

Mónica Cruz Mónica Cruz Sánchez (born 16 March 1977) is a Spanish actress and dancer. She is the younger sister of actress Penélope Cruz. She has appeared in the films ''The Inquiry'' (2006), '' Last Hour'' (2008), ''Jerry Cotton'' (2010) and ''Iron Cr ...

(born 1977), Spanish dancer and actress; sister of Penélope Cruz *

Penélope Cruz Penélope Cruz Sánchez (; ; born 28 April 1974) is a Spanish actress. Known for her roles in films of several genres, particularly those in the Spanish language, she has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and a British ...

(born 1974), Spanish actress ;American * Raphael Cruz, American acrobat,

Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil (, ; "Circus of the Sun" or "Sun Circus") is a Canadian entertainment company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world. Located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul on 16 Ju ...

performer and actor *

Wilson Cruz Wilson Cruz (born Wilson Echevarría; December 27, 1973) is an American actor known for playing Rickie Vasquez on ''My So-Called Life'', Angel in the Broadway tour production of ''Rent'', Dr. Hugh Culber on '' Star Trek: Discovery'', and the re ...

(born 1973), Puerto Rican-American actor *

Alexis Cruz Alexis Cruz (born September 29, 1974) is an American actor, known for his performances as Rafael in '' Touched by an Angel'' and as Skaara in ''Stargate'' and ''Stargate SG-1''. Biography Cruz was born in The Bronx of Puerto Rican descent. His m ...

(born 1974), Puerto Rican-American actor *

Brandon Cruz Brandon Edwin Cruz (born May 28, 1962) is an American actor and singer best known for his role as Eddie Corbett, son of widower Tom Corbett (played by Bill Bixby) on the television series ''The Courtship of Eddie's Father''. Cruz is also a pun ...

(born 1962), American actor and musician ;Filipino * Donna Cruz (born 1977), Filipina actress and singer *

Ella Cruz Gabriela Annjane Umali Cruz (; born August 17, 1996) and is professionally known as Ella Cruz, is a Filipino actress, product endorser, host, commercial & promotional model, and dancer. She played the title character in the 2012 fantasy dra ...

(born 1996), Filipino Actress *

Geneva Cruz Geneva Mendoza Cruz (; born April 2, 1976) is a multi-platinum Filipina singer and actress known for her hit songs, ''“Anak Ng Pasig”'' (Son/Daughter of Pasig) and ''“Kailan”'' (When). She was discovered and mentored by National Artist ...

(born 1976), Filipino actress and singer *Jesse Cruz, birth name of

Ricky Belmonte Jesus Velez Cruz (; December 24, 1946 – October 3, 2001), better known by his stage name Ricky Belmonte, was a Filipino actor, popular during the 1960s as one of Sampaguita Pictures' talents. Personal life Belmonte was born as Jesus Velez Cru ...

(1947-2001), Filipino actor *

John Lloyd Cruz John Lloyd Espidol Cruz (born June 24, 1983) is a Filipino actor, model and occasional TV host. He was a member of ABS-CBN's Star Magic, where he is an alumnus of Batch 5. He starred in the teen drama '' Tabing Ilog'', and is best known for his ...

(born 1983), Filipino actor *

Rayver Cruz Raymond Oliver Cruz Ilustre (born July 20, 1989), better known by his screen name Rayver Cruz (), is a Filipino actor, dancer, singer, and host. He is the younger brother of fellow actor and dancer Rodjun Cruz. Personal life Rayver is a mem ...

(born 1989), Filipino actor/dancer *

Rodjun Cruz Rodolfo Othello Cruz Ilustre, Jr. (born October 10, 1987), known professionally as Rodjun Cruz (), is a Filipino actor, dancer and singer. He is the brother of fellow actor and dancer Rayver Cruz. Biography Cruz started as a host, together wit ...

(born 1987), Filipino actor/dancer * Sheryl Cruz (born 1974), Filipino actress *

Sunshine Cruz Sunshine Cruz (born July 18, 1977) is a Filipino actress and singer. She is the part of the Cruz family of actors. Personal life Cruz was married to actor/director Cesar Montano in September 2000. They have three daughters Angelina Isabele, Sa ...

(born 1977), Filipino actress *

Tirso Cruz III Tirso Silvano Cruz III (born April 1, 1952) is a Filipino actor, comedian, and singer. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Regarded as a "matinee idol", Cruz is a FAMAS Award and Gawad Ur ...

(born 1953, Filipino actor

Musical Artists

;General * Celia Cruz (1924-2003), Cuban salsa singer * Simon Cruz, Swedish singer of glam metal band Crashdïet *

Taio Cruz Jacob Taio Cruz (; born Adetayo Ayowale Onile-Ere, 23 April 1980), better known professionally as Taio Cruz (stylized TΛIO CRUZ), is an English singer, songwriter and record producer from London, England, currently based in Los Angeles. In 200 ...

, British singer (born Adetayo Ayowale O. A. Onile-Ere) ;American *

Adam Cruz } Adam Cruz is an American jazz drummer from New York City. Biography He is best known for his work with pianist Danilo Perez, saxophonist Steve Wilson (jazz musician), Steve Wilson, David Sánchez (musician), David Sanchez, and pianist Edward ...

, American jazz drummer *

Tony Sunshine Antonio Cruz (born April 23, 1977), known professionally as Tony Sunshine, is an American R&B singer of Puerto Rican descent, famous for his affiliation with New York City hip hop group Terror Squad. He sang on tracks such as Cuban Link's "St ...

(Antonio Cruz, born 1977), Puerto Rican R&B singer * Bobby Cruz (born 1937), Puerto Rican salsa singer and religious minister * Jason Cruz (born 1974), American musician, artist, poet

Politicians

* Angel Cruz, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 180th District * Benjamin Cruz (born 1951), Guamanian politician * Catalina Cruz (born 1980s), New York politician * Gina Cruz Blackledge (born 1969), Mexican politician, Senator from Baja California since 2018 * Inmaculada Cruz (1960–2013), Spanish politician *

Ted Cruz Rafael Edward "Ted" Cruz (; born December 22, 1970) is an American politician and attorney serving as the junior United States Senator from Texas since 2013. A member of the Republican Party, Cruz served as Solicitor General of Texas from ...

(born 1970), (Rafael Edward Cruz) Canadian-American politician and United States Senator from Texas since 2013

Sports

* Adolfo Schwelm Cruz (1923–2012), Argentine Formula One race car driver * Beatriz Cruz (born 1980), Puerto Rican track and field athlete * Carl Bryan Cruz (born 1991), Filipino basketball player *

Dominick Cruz Dominick Cruz (born March 9, 1985) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion. Cruz ha ...

(born 1985), American professional mixed martial artist *

Iohana Cruz Iohana Cruz Talabera (born January 9, 1980) is a female diving (sport), diver from Cuba. She represented her native country at two consecutive Summer Olympics, starting in 2000 (Sydney, Australia). Cruz won a bronze medal at the 2003 Pan Americ ...

(born 1980), Cuban diver *

Jericho Cruz Jericho Xavier Setubal Cruz (born October 11, 1990) is a Filipino-Guamanian professional basketball player for the San Miguel Beermen of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). High school and college career Cruz started his basketball car ...

(born 1990), Filipino basketball player *

Jervy Cruz Jervy A. Cruz (born September 9, 1986) is a Filipino professional basketball player for the NorthPort Batang Pier of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). A former Most Valuable Player in the UAAP, Cruz was one of the reasons why the UST ...

(born 1986), Filipino basketball player *

Joaquim Cruz Joaquim Carvalho Cruz (born March 12, 1963) is a Brazilian former middle-distance runner, winner of the 800 meters at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He is one of only five men to run the 800 metres in less than 1 minute, 42 seconds. Biography Cruz wa ...

(born 1963), Brazilian athlete and Olympic gold medal winner *

Julio Ricardo Cruz Julio Ricardo Cruz (born 10 October 1974) is an Argentine former footballer. He played for clubs in Argentina, the Netherlands and Italy before retiring in 2010. The longest spell of his career was spent with Internazionale, with whom he won fou ...

(born 1974), former Argentine soccer player *

Leo Cruz Leonardo Cruz (born January 17, 1953, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic), better known in the world of boxing as Leo Cruz, was a world Jr. Featherweight champion from the Dominican Republic. Personal Leo was the brother of Carl ...

(born 1957), Dominican boxing champion * Nelson Cruz (athlete) (born 1977), long-distance runner from Cape Verde *

Raúl Ceferino Cruz Raúl Ceferino Cruz (28 January 1934 — 1985), was an Argentine chess player, three-times Argentine Chess Championship medalist (1961, 1962, 1964), World Junior Chess Championship medalist (1951). Biography In the 1950s and 1960s, Raúl Ceferi ...

(1934–1985), Argentine chess master * Rolando Cruz (born 1939), Puerto Rican pole vaulter *

Roque Santa Cruz Roque Luis Santa Cruz Cantero (; born 16 August 1981) is a Paraguayan professional footballer who plays as a striker for Paraguayan club Club Libertad. He is the record goal scorer and has earned over 100 caps for the Paraguay national team, ...

(born 1981), Paraguayan football player *

Victor Cruz (American football) Victor Michael Cruz (born November 11, 1986) is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at UMass, and signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2010. With the Giants, he won Super Bowl XLVI o ...

(born 1986), wide receiver * Wendy Cruz (born 1976), Dominican Republic cyclist

Baseball

Edvandro Cruz Edvandro de Souza Cruz (born July 19, 1978 in Ilhabela, São Paulo) is a male cyclist from Brazil who specializes in competitive mountain biking. Cruz represented his native South American country at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where he ...

(born 1978), Brazilian mountain biker * Fernando Cruz (baseball) (born 1990), Puerto Rican baseball player * Frank Cruz (born c. 1959), American college baseball coach *

Jesús Cruz Jesús Cruz (born April 15, 1995) is a Mexican professional baseball pitcher in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves. Career Sultanes de Monterrey Cru ...

(born 1995), Mexican baseball player *

José Cruz José Cruz Dilan (born August 8, 1947) nicknamed Cheo, is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball player, coach and baseball front office executive. He played in Major League Baseball as an outfielder from 1970 to 1988, most prominently a ...

also known as Cheo Cruz (born 1947), Puerto Rican baseball player *

José Cruz Jr. José Luis Cruz Jr. (born April 19, 1974), is a Puerto Rican baseball coach and former outfielder, who is the current head baseball coach for the Rice Owls. He played college baseball at Rice University from 1992 to 1995 and played in Major Lea ...

(born 1974), Puerto Rican baseball player * Juan Cruz (born 1978), Dominican baseball player *

Luis Cruz Luis Alfonso Cruz (born February 10, 1984) is a Mexican professional baseball shortstop and third baseman for the Generales de Durango of the Mexican League and Naranjeros de Hermosillo of the Mexican Pacific League. He has previously played in ...

(born 1984), American baseball player *

Nelson Cruz Nelson Ramón Cruz Martínez Jr. (born July 1, 1980) is a Dominican-American professional baseball designated hitter and right fielder who is currently a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas ...

(born 1980), baseball outfielder from Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic *

Nelson Cruz (pitcher) Nelson Cruz (born September 13, 1972) is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played all or parts of six seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and Colorado Rockies, a ...

(born 1972), baseball pitcher from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic * Oneil Cruz (born 1998), Dominican baseball player

Volleyball

Áurea Cruz Áurea Esther "Aury" Cruz Dalmau (born January 10, 1982) is an indoor and beach volleyball player from Puerto Rico who competed for the Puerto Rico national team at the 2008 Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan, where she was named Bes ...

(born 1982), Puerto Rican volleyball player * Eva Cruz (born 1974), Puerto Rican volleyball player *

Flávio Cruz Flávio Rodolfo Gonçalves Cruz (born 28 August 1982) is a Portuguese volleyball player who plays for Castêlo da Maia and the Portugal national team. He earn honours as ''Best Spiker'' at the second 2008 Olympic Qualification Tournament in ...

(born 1982), Portuguese volleyball player * Jacqueline Cruz Silva (born 1962), Brazilian beach volleyball player

As a given name

Cruz Bustamante Cruz Miguel Bustamante (born January 4, 1953) is an American politician. He previously served as the 45th lieutenant governor of California from 1999 to 2007, serving under governors Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. A member of the Democra ...

(born 1953), American politician * Cruz Martínez Esteruelas (1932–2000), Spanish politician *

Cruz Reynoso Cruz Reynoso (May 2, 1931 – May 7, 2021) was an American civil rights lawyer and jurist. Reynoso was the first Chicano Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court, serving from 1982 to 1987. He also served on the California Third D ...

(1932-2021), American civil rights lawyer and jurist.

Fictional characters

*Artemio Cruz, protagonist of the novel '' La muerte de Artemio Cruz'' by

Carlos Fuentes Carlos Fuentes Macías (; ; November 11, 1928 – May 15, 2012) was a Mexican novelist and essayist. Among his works are ''The Death of Artemio Cruz'' (1962), ''Aura'' (1962), '' Terra Nostra'' (1975), ''The Old Gringo'' (1985) and ''Christopher ...

*Ernesto De La Cruz, the main antagonist of '' Coco'' * Kaylie Cruz, fictional character on the ABC Family series, ''

Make It or Break It ''Make It or Break It'' ( ''MIOBI)'' is an American teen/family drama television series that focused on the lives of teen gymnasts who strived to make it to the Olympic Games in 2012. The series was inspired by Touchstone's 2006 teen comedy-dra ...

'' *

Maritza Cruz ''Third Watch'' is an American television drama series which first aired on NBC from 1999 to 2005 and followed the lives of an ensemble cast of characters portraying police officers of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and firefighter ...

, police sergeant in the television drama ''Third Watch'' *Ramiro "Ram" Cruz, the main protagonist of the games '' Total Overdose'' and '' Chili Con Carnage'' *

Soma Cruz is a fictional character and the protagonist of Konami's action-adventure games '' Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow'' and '' Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow'', part of Konami's '' Castlevania'' video game series. He was designed by Ayami Kojima as part ...

in the video game '' Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow'' * Sonia Cruz, a character in the Netflix series ''

Grand Army Grand may refer to: People with the name * Grand (surname) * Grand L. Bush (born 1955), American actor * Grand Mixer DXT, American turntablist * Grand Puba (born 1966), American rapper Places * Grand, Oklahoma * Grand, Vosges, village and ...

'' *

Jessica Cruz Jessica Cruz, one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Geoff Johns, Doug Mahnke, Ivan Reis and Ethan Van Sciver, she is a member of the Green Lantern Corps ...

, a

Green Lantern Green Lantern is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. They fight evil with the aid of rings that grant them a variety of extraordinary powers, all of which come from imagination, fearlessness, ...

from

DC Comics DC Comics, Inc. (doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, with thei ...

. *Cruz Ramirez, a character in ''

Cars 3 ''Cars 3'' is a 2017 American computer-animated sports comedy-adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The sequel to ''Cars 2'' (2011) and the third installment of the ''Cars'' film series, the ...

'' *Cruz Coronado, protagonist of '' Explorer Academy''

People with the surname

General

Arts

General

Actors and Actresses

Musical Artists

Politicians

Sports

Baseball

Volleyball

As a given name

Fictional characters

See also