Discover people named Mercede Ortega

The last name Ortega has its origins in Spain, specifically in the regions of Castile and León, where it is believed to have first appeared in the medieval period. The name is derived from the Spanish word "ortega," which refers to a type of thorny plant, suggesting a connection to the natural landscape or possibly to a characteristic of the land where the original bearers lived. Historically, those with the surname Ortega may have been associated with agricultural or pastoral occupations, reflecting the agrarian society of the time. Variations of the name can be found in different cultures and languages, including "Ortega" itself, which remains consistent in spelling across Spanish-speaking countries, while in some cases, it may be adapted in pronunciation or slightly altered in spelling in non-Spanish contexts. The surname is relatively common in Latin America and among Hispanic communities in the United States, where it has retained its original form and significance.