Ramirez is a common surname of Spanish origin. It is derived from the given name Ramiro, which means “wise protector”. The name was popularized by the 11th-century king of Leon and Castile, Ramiro I. Today, the surname Ramirez can be found in many Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in the United States and other parts of the world. Notable people with the surname include Mexican-American labor leader Cesar Chavez, baseball player Manny Ramirez, and actor Edgar Ramirez.