Almanza is a surname of Spanish origin, derived from a place name in the province of León, Spain. The name is composed of two elements: “al,” which comes from the Arabic article “al-” meaning “the,” and “manza,” which likely comes from the Latin “mansio” meaning “mansion” or “stopping place.”

Historically, Almanza was an important location during the War of Spanish Succession, where a significant battle took place in 1707. This battle, known as the Battle of Almanza, was a decisive victory for the Bourbon forces over the Habsburg alliance.

As a surname, Almanza would have originally been used to identify people who came from the town of Almanza or had some connection to it. Over time, it spread beyond its place of origin, particularly to other Spanish-speaking countries through colonization and migration.

Today, people with the surname Almanza can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American countries. While not extremely common, it carries with it a rich historical and geographical significance.