Popular Spanish Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common surnames in Spain and Latin America? Spanish last names, or apellidos, have rich histories and often reflect the lineage, origin, or characteristics of their bearers. This guide explores the popular Spanish last names, delving into their fascinating meanings and origins. Whether you're researching your family history or simply interested in the cultural tapestry of Spanish-speaking countries, this list provides valuable insights into the prevalence and significance of these surnames.
1. **García:** Means "son of Garcias," a Germanic name meaning "spear warrior."
2. **Rodriguez:** Means "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
3. **Gonzalez:** Means "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "battle-eager."
4. **Fernandez:** Means "son of Fernando," a Germanic name meaning "traveler."
5. **Lopez:** Means "son of Lope," a Basque name meaning "wolf."
6. **Martinez:** Means "son of Martin," a Latin name meaning "war-like."
7. **Sanchez:** Means "son of Sancho," a Germanic name meaning "defender."
8. **Perez:** Means "son of Pedro," a Spanish name meaning "stone, rock."
9. **Gómez:** Means "son of Gomo," a Germanic name meaning "strong, brave."
10. **Alvarez:** Means "son of Álvaro," a Germanic name meaning "wise counselor."
11. **Torres:** Means "towers," indicating a family's residence near a tower or fort.
12. **Jiménez:** Means "son of Jaime," a Spanish name meaning "supplanter."
13. **Romero:** Means "pilgrim," referencing someone who traveled to Rome.
14. **Hernandez:** Means "son of Hernando," a Germanic name meaning "traveler."
15. **Moreno:** Means "dark skinned," referring to a person's complexion.
16. **Alonso:** Means "son of Alfonso," a Germanic name meaning "noble, ready for battle."
17. **Ruiz:** Means "reddish-brown," referring to a person's hair color.
18. **Diaz:** Means "son of Diego," a Spanish name meaning "rich, wealthy."
19. **Vázquez:** Means "son of Vasco," a Basque name meaning "handsome, strong."
20. **Ramirez:** Means "son of Ramiro," a Germanic name meaning "famous counselor."
21. **Navarro:** Means "coming from Navarre," a region in northern Spain.
22. **Gonzalez:** Means "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "battle-eager."
23. **Martin:** Means "war-like," a Latin name derived from Mars, the Roman god of war.
24. **Castillo:** Means "castle," referring to a family's residence near a castle.
25. **Lopez:** Means "son of Lope," a Basque name meaning "wolf."
26. **Garcia:** Means "son of Garcias," a Germanic name meaning "spear warrior."
27. **Rodriguez:** Means "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
28. **Fernandez:** Means "son of Fernando," a Germanic name meaning "traveler."
29. **Sanchez:** Means "son of Sancho," a Germanic name meaning "defender."
30. **Perez:** Means "son of Pedro," a Spanish name meaning "stone, rock."
31. **Gómez:** Means "son of Gomo," a Germanic name meaning "strong, brave."
32. **Alvarez:** Means "son of Álvaro," a Germanic name meaning "wise counselor."
33. **Torres:** Means "towers," indicating a family's residence near a tower or fort.
34. **Jiménez:** Means "son of Jaime," a Spanish name meaning "supplanter."
35. **Romero:** Means "pilgrim," referencing someone who traveled to Rome.
36. **Hernandez:** Means "son of Hernando," a Germanic name meaning "traveler."
37. **Moreno:** Means "dark skinned," referring to a person's complexion.
38. **Alonso:** Means "son of Alfonso," a Germanic name meaning "noble, ready for battle."
39. **Ruiz:** Means "reddish-brown," referring to a person's hair color.
40. **Diaz:** Means "son of Diego," a Spanish name meaning "rich, wealthy."
41. **Vázquez:** Means "son of Vasco," a Basque name meaning "handsome, strong."
42. **Ramirez:** Means "son of Ramiro," a Germanic name meaning "famous counselor."
43. **Navarro:** Means "coming from Navarre," a region in northern Spain.
44. **Gonzalez:** Means "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "battle-eager."
45. **Martin:** Means "war-like," a Latin name derived from Mars, the Roman god of war.
46. **Castillo:** Means "castle," referring to a family's residence near a castle.
47. **Lopez:** Means "son of Lope," a Basque name meaning "wolf."
48. **Garcia:** Means "son of Garcias," a Germanic name meaning "spear warrior."
49. **Rodriguez:** Means "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
50. **Fernandez:** Means "son of Fernando," a Germanic name meaning "traveler."