3 syllables: Ra, mi, rez. Stress on mi.
ruh-MIR-ez
/ɹəˈmɪɹɛz/
Ramirez is pronounced ruh-MIR-ez (/ɹəˈmɪɹɛz/). It has three syllables (Ra-mi-rez), with the stress on "mi". Ramirez is a proper noun (surname) of Spanish origin, commonly used in the United States and Latin America. It refers to a family name and, in some contexts, to individuals bearing the name. Pronunciation typically emphasizes the second syllable, with a rolled or tapped r in some dialects and a final z sound depending on language influence.
nounRamirez is a proper noun (surname) of Spanish origin, commonly used in the United States and Latin America. It refers to a family name and, in some contexts, to individuals bearing the name. Pronunciation typically emphasizes the second syllable, with a rolled or tapped r in some dialects and a final z sound depending on language influence.
"The Ramirez family gathered for a reunion after many years."
"A famous baseball player named Ramirez signed autographs."
"She introduced herself as Ramirez, and her accent gave a hint of Spanish heritage."
In English, pronounce as ruh-MEER-ez or ruh-MIH-rez depending on regional influence. The usual stress is on the second syllable: ra-MI-rez. IPA (US): rəˈmiːrɛz or rəˈmɪərɛz; IPA (UK): rəˈmɪərəz. The final z can be voiced as /z/ in English, giving an 'ez' ending as in 'lazy'. Practice saying 'rah-MEE-rez' with a crisp final z. Listen to native speakers on Forvo or YouGlish for confirmation.
Common mistakes include stressing the first syllable (RA-mi-rez) and flattening the vowel in the second syllable (RA-mi-rez). Another frequent error is pronouncing the final -ez as /ɪz/ or /ɪs/ instead of the clear /ɛz/ or /eɪz/ in some dialects. Correction: keep stress on the second syllable (ra-MI-rez) and end with a voiced z sound /z/ or a clear /z/ depending on accent. Use minimal pairs with similar surnames to train the rhythm.
In US English, you typically hear /rəˈmiːrɛz/ with a longer second vowel and a voiced final /z/. UK English tends to be /rəˈmɪərɪz/ with a more centralized vowel and sometimes a lighter final s-sound. Australian accents often fall between US and UK, with /rəˈmɪəz/ or /rəˈmiːrɪz/, and may sound less rhotic. The key differences are vowel quality of the second syllable and whether the final consonant is /z/ or a voiceless /s/.
Difficulties arise from the syllable rhythm, with a stress shift to the second syllable, and the final -ez ending pronounced as a voiced /z/ or /s/ depending on language exposure. Additionally, the Spanish r can be a tap /ɾ/ or trill /r/ in some names, impacting initial consonant clarity for English listeners. Non-native speakers may also mispronounce the vowel in the middle syllable and flatten the final /z/. Awareness of stress and the final voiced consonant helps accuracy.
A distinctive aspect is the Spanish-derived -ez suffix, which signals a patronymic origin but is pronounced in English as ending with a voiced /z/ in many contexts. This can feel unfamiliar because English treatment of -ez approximates a-z sound or a z sound, unlike some Spanish dialects where final -ez is closer to /eθ/ or /es/. Focus on the second-syllable stress and final voiced consonant to capture authenticity in mixed-language contexts.
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Ramirez is the Spanish patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Ramiro’ or ‘son of Ramiro’s descendant,’ from the given name Ramiro, which itself derives from Germanic elements hram- (power, decision) and rīc- (ruler). The surname formation is typical of Spanish naming conventions, where -ez denotes ‘son of.’ The name Ramiro appears in medieval Spanish records, aligning with the adoption of patronymic surnames in Iberian regions. The modern surname Ramirez predominates in Spanish-speaking communities and in countries with significant immigration and diaspora, especially the United States. The anglicized spelling and pronunciation often shift, with the final z becoming a sound nearer to /s/ or /z/ depending on language environment. The first known uses appear in the late medieval period in Spain and Latin American regions, with continuity into contemporary usage as both a common surname and a cultural identifier for people of Hispanic heritage.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Ramirez" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Ramirez"
-ies sounds
-ize sounds
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