A Spanish name which originally was 'Raginmari' formed from the separate elements 'ragin' which meant wise or counsel, and from 'mari' which meant famous. It can also be son of Ramon as a wise protector.

Other spellings for Ramirez include Remirez, , Ramires, Remer, Reijmers and Reymers.

It is a common surname in Mexico. The surname is found in Puerto Rico, Argentina, Columbia and Venezuela. Within the United States the surname appears mostly in Texas with some in California, Arizona and Florida. In England there are pockets of Ramirez individuals in Northumberland and Cheshire counties.

Famous: Elfen Ramirez (actor), Ariel Ramirez (composer and pianist), Hanley Ramirez (professional baseball player), Jaime R. Ramirez (soccer player from Chili), Manny Ramirez (professional baseball player), Martin Ramirez (artist), Michael Ramirez (cartoonist) and Jose F. Ramirez (Mexican historian).