Filipino Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Meanings

Filipino last names, also known as "apellidos," are an integral part of Filipino culture and identity. These names often reflect a person's lineage, origin, or even personal characteristics. Understanding the meanings behind these surnames can offer insights into the rich history and diverse heritage of the Filipino people. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed list of Filipino last names along with their origins and meanings, allowing you to explore the fascinating tapestry of Filipino surnames.
1. **Abad:** From the Spanish word "abad," meaning "abbot" or "head of a monastery."
2. **Agcaoili:** A name of Ilocano origin, possibly meaning "from the place of the acacia tree."
3. **Aguilar:** Derived from the Spanish word "aguila," meaning "eagle."
4. **Alcantara:** From the Spanish word "Alcántara," a city in Spain known for its bridge.
5. **Alcasid:** From the Arabic word "al-Qasid," meaning "the messenger."
6. **Alejandro:** From the Greek name "Alexandros," meaning "defender of mankind."
7. **Almario:** From the Spanish word "almario," meaning "wardrobe."
8. **Almendras:** From the Spanish word "almendro," meaning "almond tree."
9. **Almonte:** From the Spanish word "monte," meaning "mountain."
10. **Alvarez:** Derived from the Spanish word "álvaro," meaning "wise guardian."
11. **Amante:** From the Spanish word "amante," meaning "lover."
12. **Añasco:** From the Spanish word "añasco," meaning "disgust."
13. **Andrada:** From the Spanish word "andra," meaning "brave man."
14. **Angeles:** From the Spanish word "ángel," meaning "angel."
15. **Antonio:** From the Latin name "Antonius," meaning "priceless."
16. **Aquino:** From the Spanish word "aquino," meaning "of the eagle."
17. **Arias:** From the Spanish word "aria," meaning "air."
18. **Arroyo:** From the Spanish word "arroyo," meaning "stream."
19. **Asuncion:** From the Spanish word "asunción," meaning "assumption."
20. **Avelino:** From the Latin name "Avelinus," meaning "desirable."
21. **Avila:** From the Spanish word "ávila," meaning "bird."
22. **Azucena:** From the Spanish word "azucena," meaning "lily."
23. **Baguio:** From the Ilocano word "bagyo," meaning "typhoon."
24. **Balagtas:** From the Tagalog word "balagtasan," a traditional Filipino poetic debate.
25. **Baldovino:** From the German name "Baldwin," meaning "brave friend."
26. **Bautista:** From the Spanish word "bautista," meaning "baptizer."
27. **Baylon:** From the Spanish word "bayón," meaning "bayonet."
28. **Beltran:** From the Spanish word "beltrán," meaning "bright fame."
29. **Benitez:** From the Spanish word "benito," meaning "blessed."
30. **Bernardo:** From the German name "Bernhard," meaning "brave bear."
31. **Blanco:** From the Spanish word "blanco," meaning "white."
32. **Bolinao:** A name of Ilocano origin, possibly referring to a town in Pangasinan.
33. **Borja:** From the Spanish word "borja," meaning "a type of cloak."
34. **Briones:** From the Spanish word "brión," meaning "shining."
35. **Buhain:** From the Tagalog word "buhay," meaning "life."
36. **Caballero:** From the Spanish word "caballero," meaning "knight."
37. **Cabrera:** From the Spanish word "cabra," meaning "goat."
38. **Caguioa:** A name of Tagalog origin, possibly meaning "from the place of the guava trees."
39. **Calderon:** From the Spanish word "calderón," meaning "cauldron."
40. **Calimlim:** A name of Tagalog origin, possibly meaning "from the place of the calimlim trees."