A Spanish surname, Montoya, it is one of a noble birth name. The earliest Montoya families were in northern Spain. The term ‘monte oja’ refers to a river along with hills and valleys in the northeastern region of Spain. Variations in spelling Montoya include Montolla, Montoyas, Montoia, de Montejo, Montario, de Montoya, Montez and Montero. In Spain and Portugal the Montoya surname is very common. Several places in Latin America, including, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Puerto Rico have higher populations of individuals with the Montoya name. In England the highest concentration of Montoya families is in the city of London and nearby Surrey county. To the north in Lancashire are also Montoya families. Within the United States the Montoya family name is mostly in New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Arizona and California. Famous: Craig Montoya (musician), Richard Montoya (comic and actor), Max Montoya (professional football player), Ramon Montoya (Spanish flamenco guitarist), Juan Pablo Montoya (race car driver), Al Montoya (professional ice hockey player), Bartolome de Montoya (early Spanish settler of New Mexico) and Matilde Montoya (19th century medical doctor in Mexico).