The toponymic origin of the term Monsaraz is not sufficiently studied, although the possibility of decomposing the term in Mon Saraz can be raised.

The word Saraz can be derived from Xarez or Sherry which, during Muslim rule, was equivalent to the Arabic form Saris or Sharish.

The Spanish equivalent of the Portuguese word Xara is Jara. Thus, sherry or sherry corresponds to  Castilian archaic equivalents Jaraez or Jarás that led to the current forms of Castilian Jerez or Portuguese Sherry.

In this sense, Monsaraz can therefore mean MONTE XAREZ or MONTE XARAZ, that is, mount erected in the heart of a land on the banks of the Guadiana, formerly populated by an impenetrable thicket of cistus (or xaras) and which, due to the excellence of strategic conditions – position high, with the defensive coverage of a large and important river – he recommended, in that difficult-to-access place, the foundation of a village, almost naturally defended.