Mendocino, California, and Mendoza, Argentina, were both named after the same Spanish family.The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Mendocino, California, was named after Antonio de Mendoza, the viceroy of “New Spain” (Mexico) and the viceroy of Peru in the 16^th century. Mendoza, Argentina, was named after his cousin Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza who followed in Antonio’s footsteps and eventually became the next viceroy of Peru. Both men were part of the influential family known as the House of Mendoza during the Spanish Empire.