The surname Cortez traces its origins to medieval Spain. It is derived from the Latin word “Curtus,” meaning “short,” and was likely used to describe a person of small stature or a short-tempered individual. The name became popularized by the famous conquistador Hernán Cortés, who played a pivotal role in the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century. Today, the surname Cortez is widely used throughout Latin America and the Philippines, with many notable individuals bearing the name.
