Rivera

Meaning

Derived from the Spanish word for 'river bank' or 'riverbank', referring to someone who lived near a river.

Etymology

From the Latin riparia, meaning 'riverbank' or 'shore', which became rivera in Spanish. The surname originated as a topographic name for residents of riverbank settlements.

About the Rivera Surname

Rivera is a topographic surname referring to riverbank locations, with medieval Spanish origins. The name became hereditary and spread widely through Spanish colonization and migration.

Distribution

Found throughout Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, with particularly high concentrations in Mexico and the Caribbean.