A Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian surname, the Espinoza name came from the Latin term of ‘spina’ which referred to a protective area covered in thorn bushes. Later applications of the name suggest a problematical or spiky-type person or even someone who was a spy.
In the regions of Galicia and Vascongadas of Spain the Espinoza name was first established.

Spellings variations include Espinosa, Espinoso, Espinozo, Espina and Espinas.
French spellings for Espinoza can be Epine, Delepine and Lepine. The Italian forms are Spinelli and Spinoza.

In Spain, the Espinoza and its various forms of a family name are popular.
Espinoza is a common name in several Latin American countries including Mexico, Peru, Argentina and Ecuador.

In England, primarily in the city of London area is the Espinoza name located.

Within the United States the Espinoza surname is primarily in Colorado, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Famous: Pedro de Espinoza (arrived in Peru in 1592), Ruben Espinoza (footballer from Chile, Giovanny Espinoza (footballer from Ecuador) and Alvaro Espinoza (professional baseball coach).