US Popularity Rank: 10894

Origin: Spanish

Meaning: Fifth; Son of Pontius; The ocean, marine

A title whose origins weave through history, Ponce is a Spanish surname derived from the Ancient Greek Pontus. Originally meaning “the ocean” and “marine,” Pontus is the name of an incredibly ancient primordial god in Greek mythology who was the sea itself—not just a representing deity. From this time-weathered appellation came Pontius, meaning “fifth,” inspired by the Etruscan and Oscan word pomties. As a surname, Ponce means “son of Pontius.” A famous bearer of this name is the Spanish explorer and first governor of Puerto Rico, Ponce de León.