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Many people know José Rizal as the national hero of the Philippines, a polymath, reformist, and writer whose works sparked the Filipino revolution against Spanish colonization. But did you know that his full name is unusually long and filled with meaning?
In this article, we’ll explore José Rizal’s complete name, what each part means, and how historical and cultural influences shaped it. If you've ever asked yourself, "What is José Rizal's full name and where did he get all those names?" — you're in the right place.
What Is José Rizal’s Full Name?
José Rizal’s full name is:
José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
This long Spanish-style name reflects his heritage, the laws of the time, and family traditions.
Let’s break it down:
The Breakdown of José Rizal's Full Name
1. José
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His first name, “José,” was a common Christian name.
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It was inspired by Saint Joseph, reflecting the strong Roman Catholic faith of Filipinos during Spanish colonization.
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His godfather, the priest of Calamba, reportedly suggested the name.
2. Protacio
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“Protacio” is his second given name, coming from San Protacio, another saint.
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During Spanish times, it was common to include saints’ names in a child’s full name for religious reasons.
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This is why many Filipinos from that era have two or more given names.
3. Rizal
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“Rizal” was actually not his original surname.
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It was derived from the Spanish word "ricial", meaning “green fields” or "new pasture."
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The name was chosen for legal and political safety reasons.
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During the 1849 Claveria decree, Spanish authorities ordered Filipinos to adopt Hispanic surnames to standardize record-keeping.
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His family originally used “Mercado”, but to avoid suspicion from Spanish authorities due to their activist ties, José’s brother Paciano advised him to use “Rizal” instead when he went to Manila for his studies.
4. Mercado
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“Mercado” was his family’s original surname, meaning “market” in Spanish.
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The Mercados were a well-off Filipino-Chinese family, and the name reflected their social standing as traders or landowners.
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It was also used by his father, Francisco Mercado.
5. y (Spanish for "and")
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In Spanish naming customs, “y” is used to connect the paternal surname (Mercado) with the maternal surname (Alonso).
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This was the traditional format during Spanish rule in the Philippines.
6. Alonso
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“Alonso” is his mother’s maiden surname.
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His mother, Teodora Alonso Realonda, came from a respected and educated family.
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Including the mother’s surname honored both sides of a person’s lineage.
7. Realonda
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“Realonda” is a maternal family name added later by Teodora Alonso as part of the Claveria decree compliance.
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This addition further signified the Spanish influence on naming conventions.
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It was also a way to distinguish branches of a family, especially among elite mestizo families.
Why Did José Rizal Use “Rizal” and Not “Mercado”?
The use of “Rizal” was both strategic and protective.
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The Spanish authorities were suspicious of the Mercado family because of their progressive ideas.
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José's older brother Paciano Mercado was closely associated with Father José Burgos, a priest who was executed in 1872 for alleged sedition.
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To avoid political persecution, José began using “Rizal” when enrolling in the Ateneo Municipal de Manila.
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This allowed him to continue his education and work under the radar of Spanish officials.
Summary Table: Meaning of Each Part of José Rizal’s Full Name
| Name | Origin | Meaning / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| José | Religious | Named after Saint Joseph |
| Protacio | Religious | From Saint Protacio |
| Rizal | Spanish-influenced | "Green fields"; chosen surname for safety |
| Mercado | Family name | Original paternal surname; means “market” |
| y | Spanish convention | Connects paternal and maternal names |
| Alonso | Maternal surname | From his mother, Teodora Alonso |
| Realonda | Extended family name | Adopted as part of Claveria decree |
Conclusion
José Rizal’s full name, José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, is more than just a mouthful — it’s a reflection of his identity, heritage, and the political climate of his time. Every component tells a story about religion, colonial influence, family, and his strategic decisions as a patriot and thinker.
Understanding the significance of his name helps us appreciate not only the man himself but also the complex history of the Philippines under Spanish rule.
FAQs
Why is José Rizal often referred to only by "Rizal"?
He used “Rizal” as his surname to avoid political suspicion. It became the most recognized name associated with him.
Was "Realonda" part of his official name?
Yes, it was added to comply with Spanish naming laws. However, it was not always used in daily life.
Did José Rizal legally change his name?
Not officially by today’s standards, but he adopted “Rizal” in official school and travel documents.
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