Sephardic Last Names: A Guide to Origins and Meanings

Looking for information on Sephardic last names? This comprehensive list explores the origins and meanings of common Sephardic surnames, offering insights into their rich cultural heritage. Sephardic Jews, descendants of Iberian Jews who were expelled from Spain and Portugal in the 15th century, carried their unique linguistic and cultural traditions with them, reflected in the distinctive nature of their last names. This guide provides a detailed exploration of these names, helping you understand their historical significance and connect with your ancestral roots.
1. **Abad:** Meaning "abbot" or "father" in Arabic, this name often denotes a religious leader or patriarch.
2. **Abutbul:** Meaning "father of the dew" in Hebrew, this name suggests a connection to nature and its fertility.
3. **Albala:** Meaning "the pearl" in Arabic, this name reflects a high regard for beauty and value.
4. **Algranati:** Meaning "from Granada" in Spanish, this name signifies a geographic origin in the historic city of Granada in Spain.
5. **Alhadeff:** Meaning "the Jew" in Arabic, this name is a remnant of the time when Jews were identified by their religion.
6. **Almogy:** Meaning "the strength of God" in Hebrew, this name conveys a sense of divine power and protection.
7. **Alvarez:** Meaning "son of Alvaro" in Spanish, this name indicates a patronymic origin, common in Spanish and Portuguese surnames.
8. **Amar:** Meaning "to bind" or "to unite" in Arabic, this name could symbolize a strong bond or community.
9. **Amat:** Meaning "lover" in Spanish, this name carries a romantic connotation and implies passion or devotion.
10. **Amico:** Meaning "friend" in Italian, this name reflects a friendly and welcoming nature.
11. **Anidjar:** Meaning "the gentle" or "the kind" in Arabic, this name conveys a gentle and compassionate personality.
12. **Arie:** Meaning "lion" in Hebrew, this name evokes strength, courage, and leadership qualities.
13. **Arditi:** Meaning "brave" or "bold" in Italian, this name highlights a courageous and fearless spirit.
14. **Benarroch:** Meaning "son of the grape" in Hebrew, this name likely indicates a connection to winemaking or agriculture.
15. **Benatar:** Meaning "son of the star" in Hebrew, this name signifies a connection to the celestial realm and its mysteries.
16. **Benveniste:** Meaning "son of the blessed" in Hebrew, this name reflects a belief in divine favor and blessings.
17. **Berdugo:** Meaning "whip" or "lash" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who worked with animals or held a position of authority.
18. **Cabrera:** Meaning "goat" in Spanish, this name could refer to a person who lived near goats or worked with them.
19. **Cahen:** Meaning "priest" in Hebrew, this name signifies a religious role or lineage.
20. **Calderón:** Meaning "small cauldron" in Spanish, this name could have referred to a type of cooking pot or a place where people gathered.
21. **Cardozo:** Meaning "heart of gold" in Italian, this name conveys a kind and generous spirit.
22. **Carlebach:** Meaning "son of the gardener" in Hebrew, this name highlights a connection to nature and the care of plants.
23. **Castiel:** Meaning "castle of God" in Hebrew, this name signifies a place of strength and security.
24. **Cohen:** Meaning "priest" in Hebrew, this name denotes a descendant of the priestly line of Aaron.
25. **Cordovero:** Meaning "from Cordova" in Spanish, this name indicates a geographical origin in the city of Cordova in Spain.
26. **Dahan:** Meaning "to shine" or "to illuminate" in Hebrew, this name implies a bright and radiant personality.
27. **David:** Meaning "beloved" in Hebrew, this name signifies a cherished and beloved individual.
28. **De Sola:** Meaning "from the sun" in Spanish, this name reflects a connection to the sun's warmth and energy.
29. **Dias:** Meaning "day" in Portuguese, this name could have been given to someone born on a specific day or who worked during the day.
30. **Eliezer:** Meaning "my God is help" in Hebrew, this name conveys a reliance on God for guidance and support.
31. **Elmaleh:** Meaning "the king's servant" in Hebrew, this name indicates a position of service to a royal figure.
32. **Emanuel:** Meaning "God is with us" in Hebrew, this name reflects a strong faith and belief in God's presence.
33. **Esquenazi:** Meaning "from Esquenazi" in Spanish, this name indicates a geographic origin in the region of Esquenazi in Spain.
34. **Fattal:** Meaning "to open" or "to unlock" in Arabic, this name could symbolize a breakthrough or a new beginning.
35. **Fernandez:** Meaning "son of Fernando" in Spanish, this name is a patronymic origin, indicating a lineage from Fernando.
36. **Figueroa:** Meaning "fig tree" in Spanish, this name suggests a connection to agriculture and the cultivation of fruit trees.
37. **Finkelstein:** Meaning "son of the flint" in Hebrew, this name could have referred to a person who worked with flint or lived near a flint quarry.
38. **Franco:** Meaning "free" or "Frankish" in Spanish, this name could denote a person of Frankish origin or someone who was granted freedom.
39. **Gabbai:** Meaning "treasurer" or "collector" in Hebrew, this name signifies a financial role within a community.
40. **Gabison:** Meaning "man of the Lord" in Hebrew, this name reflects a strong devotion and loyalty to God.
41. **Gerson:** Meaning "son of a stranger" in Hebrew, this name could have been given to someone who was an outsider or immigrant.
42. **Gil:** Meaning "joy" or "happiness" in Hebrew, this name conveys a sense of optimism and positive energy.
43. **Ginsburg:** Meaning "son of the garden" in Hebrew, this name indicates a connection to nature and gardening.
44. **Ginsberg:** Meaning "son of the mountain" in Hebrew, this name suggests a connection to a mountainous region.
45. **Goldberg:** Meaning "golden mountain" in German, this name could have referred to a location or a wealthy person.
46. **Gomez:** Meaning "son of Gomes" in Spanish, this name is a patronymic origin, indicating a lineage from Gomes.
47. **Gracia:** Meaning "grace" or "favor" in Spanish, this name conveys a sense of beauty and kindness.
48. **Guevara:** Meaning "warfare" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone involved in battle or who lived in a warlike region.
49. **Hacohen:** Meaning "priest" in Hebrew, this name denotes a descendant of the priestly line of Aaron.
50. **Harari:** Meaning "from Harar" in Hebrew, this name signifies a geographic origin in the city of Harar in Ethiopia.
51. **Hasson:** Meaning "kind" or "gentle" in Hebrew, this name conveys a compassionate and nurturing nature.
52. **Heller:** Meaning "bright" or "shining" in German, this name signifies a radiant and optimistic personality.
53. **Hernandez:** Meaning "son of Hernando" in Spanish, this name is a patronymic origin, indicating a lineage from Hernando.
54. **Isaac:** Meaning "he will laugh" in Hebrew, this name conveys a sense of joy and happiness.
55. **Israel:** Meaning "one who struggles with God" in Hebrew, this name signifies a strong faith and a belief in God's power.
56. **Jacob:** Meaning "he will prevail" in Hebrew, this name suggests strength, determination, and resilience.
57. **Jaffé:** Meaning "beautiful" in Hebrew, this name conveys a sense of beauty and elegance.
58. **Janover:** Meaning "son of the dove" in Hebrew, this name suggests a connection to peace, gentleness, and purity.
59. **Jaramillo:** Meaning "little jar" in Spanish, this name could have referred to a type of container or a place where jars were kept.
60. **Jerusalmi:** Meaning "from Jerusalem" in Hebrew, this name indicates a geographic origin in the city of Jerusalem.
61. **Joab:** Meaning "God is my father" in Hebrew, this name reflects a strong faith and a sense of belonging to God.
62. **Joel:** Meaning "God is willing" in Hebrew, this name conveys a belief in God's willingness to help and guide.
63. **Joseph:** Meaning "God will increase" in Hebrew, this name signifies a hope for prosperity and growth.
64. **Judah:** Meaning "praised" or "thankful" in Hebrew, this name signifies gratitude and appreciation.
65. **Kahan:** Meaning "priest" in Hebrew, this name denotes a descendant of the priestly line of Aaron.
66. **Kalfon:** Meaning "son of the calf" in Hebrew, this name could have been given to someone who raised cattle or lived near a herd.
67. **Kaplan:** Meaning "priest" or "rabbi" in Hebrew, this name signifies a religious leader or teacher.
68. **Katz:** Meaning "cat" in Yiddish, this name could have been given to someone who owned a cat or who was known for their agility.
69. **Kassin:** Meaning "treasurer" in Hebrew, this name signifies a financial role within a community.
70. **Kaufman:** Meaning "merchant" in German, this name indicates a person who was involved in trade or commerce.
71. **Kestenbaum:** Meaning "chestnut tree" in German, this name could have referred to a person who lived near a chestnut tree or who worked with them.
72. **Levi:** Meaning "joined" or "connected" in Hebrew, this name signifies a sense of unity and belonging.
73. **Llorca:** Meaning "to weep" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who was known for their tears or who lived in a place with a lot of crying.
74. **Lourie:** Meaning "laurel" in Hebrew, this name suggests a connection to the laurel tree and its symbolic meaning of victory and triumph.
75. **Machover:** Meaning "son of the keeper" in Hebrew, this name could have referred to someone who guarded a place or who was responsible for safety.
76. **Maimon:** Meaning "right" or "just" in Hebrew, this name conveys a sense of fairness and righteousness.
77. **Malka:** Meaning "queen" in Hebrew, this name signifies a powerful and respected woman.
78. **Mandelbaum:** Meaning "almond tree" in German, this name could have referred to a person who lived near an almond tree or who worked with them.
79. **Marciano:** Meaning "from Mars" in Italian, this name could have been given to someone who was born under the sign of Mars or who was believed to have a strong warrior spirit.
80. **Marques:** Meaning "Marquis" in Portuguese, this name indicates a noble rank or title.
81. **Masliah:** Meaning "my counsel is God" in Hebrew, this name reflects a strong reliance on God for guidance and direction.
82. **Medina:** Meaning "city" in Arabic, this name could have been given to someone who lived in a city or who was known for their urban sophistication.
83. **Melamed:** Meaning "teacher" or "scholar" in Hebrew, this name signifies a person who is knowledgeable and learned.
84. **Mendoza:** Meaning "mountain" in Spanish, this name suggests a connection to a mountainous region.
85. **Menor:** Meaning "lesser" or "smaller" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who was the younger of two siblings.
86. **Meyer:** Meaning "famous" or "great" in German, this name signifies a person of distinction and importance.
87. **Michaels:** Meaning "who is like God" in Hebrew, this name conveys a strong belief in God's greatness.
88. **Mizrahi:** Meaning "eastern" in Hebrew, this name indicates a person of Eastern origin.
89. **Moisés:** Meaning "drawn from the water" in Hebrew, this name refers to the biblical story of Moses being rescued from the Nile River.
90. **Montefiore:** Meaning "mountain of flowers" in Italian, this name suggests a beautiful and inspiring place.
91. **Moreno:** Meaning "dark" or "brown" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone with darker skin or hair.
92. **Nahmias:** Meaning "kind" or "gentle" in Hebrew, this name conveys a compassionate and nurturing nature.
93. **Nehama:** Meaning "comfort" or "consolation" in Hebrew, this name signifies a person who brings peace and solace.
94. **Neri:** Meaning "fire" in Italian, this name could have been given to someone with a fiery personality or who worked with fire.
95. **Nissan:** Meaning "miracle" in Hebrew, this name signifies a belief in divine intervention and wonders.
96. **Ohayon:** Meaning "love" in Hebrew, this name conveys a sense of affection and devotion.
97. **Oliveira:** Meaning "olive tree" in Portuguese, this name suggests a connection to the olive tree and its symbolic meaning of peace and prosperity.
98. **Ortega:** Meaning "bear" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who hunted bears or who lived in a region where bears were common.
99. **Palacios:** Meaning "palace" in Spanish, this name suggests a connection to royalty or a grand residence.
100. **Perez:** Meaning "to share" or "to distribute" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who worked with distribution or who was known for their generosity.
101. **Pinhas:** Meaning "mouth of God" in Hebrew, this name signifies someone who speaks for God or who is inspired by divine wisdom.
102. **Pinto:** Meaning "painted" or "spotted" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone with a distinctive appearance or who worked with paints.
103. **Polack:** Meaning "Pole" in Yiddish, this name indicates a person of Polish origin.
104. **Pollack:** Meaning "Polish" in English, this name indicates a person of Polish origin.
105. **Rabinovich:** Meaning "son of the rabbi" in Hebrew, this name signifies a lineage from a rabbi or a religious scholar.
106. **Raphael:** Meaning "God has healed" in Hebrew, this name conveys a belief in God's healing power.
107. **Refael:** Meaning "God has healed" in Hebrew, this name conveys a belief in God's healing power.
108. **Revah:** Meaning "to rise" or "to ascend" in Hebrew, this name signifies a desire for progress and growth.
109. **Ribiero:** Meaning "riverbank" in Portuguese, this name suggests a connection to a river or a place near a river.
110. **Rodriguez:** Meaning "son of Rodrigo" in Spanish, this name is a patronymic origin, indicating a lineage from Rodrigo.
111. **Romero:** Meaning "pilgrim" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who traveled for religious purposes or who lived near a pilgrimage route.
112. **Rosenberg:** Meaning "rose mountain" in German, this name suggests a beautiful and inspiring place.
113. **Rosenthal:** Meaning "rose valley" in German, this name suggests a beautiful and fertile region.
114. **Roth:** Meaning "red" in German, this name could have been given to someone with red hair or who was known for their fiery personality.
115. **Rubin:** Meaning "ruby" in Hebrew, this name suggests a precious and valuable gem.
116. **Ruda:** Meaning "rue" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who lived near a rue plant or who used it in traditional medicine.
117. **Sacerdoti:** Meaning "priest" in Italian, this name signifies a religious role or lineage.
118. **Saltiel:** Meaning "God is my rock" in Hebrew, this name conveys a strong reliance on God for protection and strength.
119. **Samuel:** Meaning "God has heard" in Hebrew, this name reflects a belief in God's attentiveness and response to prayer.
120. **Sanchez:** Meaning "son of Sancho" in Spanish, this name is a patronymic origin, indicating a lineage from Sancho.
121. **Santacruz:** Meaning "holy cross" in Spanish, this name signifies a connection to Christianity or a religious symbol.
122. **Sarfaty:** Meaning "son of the goldsmith" in Hebrew, this name indicates a connection to the craft of goldsmithing.
123. **Sasson:** Meaning "joy" or "happiness" in Hebrew, this name conveys a sense of optimism and positive energy.
124. **Saul:** Meaning "asked for" in Hebrew, this name could have been given to someone who was prayed for or who was a long-awaited child.
125. **Schwartz:** Meaning "black" in German, this name could have been given to someone with dark hair or who lived in a dark place.
126. **Segal:** Meaning "messenger" in Hebrew, this name signifies someone who carries important messages or who is a representative of others.
127. **Seliktar:** Meaning "basket maker" in Hebrew, this name indicates a connection to the craft of basket making.
128. **Serfaty:** Meaning "son of the goldsmith" in Hebrew, this name indicates a connection to the craft of goldsmithing.
129. **Shachar:** Meaning "dawn" in Hebrew, this name signifies a new beginning or a fresh start.
130. **Shapira:** Meaning "beautiful" in Hebrew, this name conveys a sense of beauty and elegance.
131. **Shuster:** Meaning "shoemaker" in Yiddish, this name indicates a connection to the craft of shoemaking.
132. **Silberman:** Meaning "silver man" in German, this name could have referred to someone who worked with silver or who was known for their wealth.
133. **Simon:** Meaning "hearing" or "listener" in Hebrew, this name signifies someone who is attentive and thoughtful.
134. **Sinai:** Meaning "mountain" in Hebrew, this name suggests a connection to the biblical Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments.
135. **Solomon:** Meaning "peaceful" in Hebrew, this name signifies a desire for harmony and understanding.
136. **Sousa:** Meaning "oak tree" in Portuguese, this name suggests a connection to the oak tree and its symbolic meaning of strength and endurance.
137. **Steinberg:** Meaning "stone mountain" in German, this name suggests a strong and enduring place.
138. **Stern:** Meaning "star" in German, this name signifies a bright and inspiring personality.
139. **Taleb:** Meaning "student" in Arabic, this name suggests a person who is dedicated to learning and knowledge.
140. **Targaryen:** Meaning "fire dragon" in Valyrian, this name is a fictional surname from the popular series "Game of Thrones."
141. **Teitelbaum:** Meaning "dough tree" in Yiddish, this name could have referred to a person who worked with dough or who lived near a bakery.
142. **Toledo:** Meaning "cloth" or "fabric" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who worked with cloth or who lived in a place known for its textiles.
143. **Toledano:** Meaning "from Toledo" in Spanish, this name indicates a geographic origin in the city of Toledo in Spain.
144. **Torres:** Meaning "towers" in Spanish, this name suggests a connection to a fortified place or a building with towers.
145. **Trachtenberg:** Meaning "clothing mountain" in German, this name could have referred to a place where clothing was made or sold.
146. **Valdes:** Meaning "valley" in Spanish, this name suggests a connection to a valley or a place between hills.
147. **Valladares:** Meaning "fence" or "wall" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who built fences or who lived near a fortified place.
148. **Vargas:** Meaning "gentleman" or "nobleman" in Spanish, this name indicates a person of high social standing.
149. **Vasquez:** Meaning "son of Vasco" in Spanish, this name is a patronymic origin, indicating a lineage from Vasco.
150. **Vazquez:** Meaning "son of Vasco" in Spanish, this name is a patronymic origin, indicating a lineage from Vasco.
151. **Vega:** Meaning "meadow" in Spanish, this name suggests a connection to a grassy field or a place where crops are grown.
152. **Veiga:** Meaning "meadow" in Portuguese, this name suggests a connection to a grassy field or a place where crops are grown.
153. **Velasquez:** Meaning "little veil" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone who worked with veils or who had a delicate appearance.
154. **Verde:** Meaning "green" in Spanish, this name could have been given to someone with green eyes or who lived in a place with a lot of greenery.
155. **Victor:** Meaning "conqueror" in Latin, this name signifies a strong and successful person.
156. **Villalobos:** Meaning "wolf's valley" in Spanish, this name suggests a connection to wolves or a place where wolves were known to live.
157. **Villar:** Meaning "town" or "village" in Spanish, this name suggests a connection to a town or village.
158. **Villareal:** Meaning "royal town" in Spanish, this name suggests a connection to a town that was once under royal patronage.
159. **Vinaver:** Meaning "son of the vintner" in Hebrew, this name indicates a connection to the trade of winemaking.
160. **Virgilio:** Meaning "staff" in Latin, this name could have been given to someone who carried a staff or who was a guide or leader.
161. **Yitzhak:** Meaning "he will laugh" in Hebrew, this name conveys a sense of joy and happiness.
162. **Zacharias:** Meaning "God has remembered" in Hebrew, this name reflects a belief in God's memory and faithfulness.
163. **Zamora:** Meaning "olive tree" in Arabic, this name suggests a connection to the olive tree and its symbolic meaning of peace and prosperity.
164. **Zarfati:** Meaning "French" in Hebrew, this name indicates a person of French origin.
165. **Zechariah:** Meaning "God has remembered" in Hebrew, this name reflects a belief in God's memory and faithfulness.
166. **Zevi:** Meaning "wolf" in Hebrew, this name suggests a strong and independent personality.
167. **Zion:** Meaning "mountain" in Hebrew, this name suggests a connection to Mount Zion, a sacred site in Jerusalem.
168. **Zuckerman:** Meaning "sugar man" in German, this name could have referred to someone who worked with sugar or who was known for their sweetness.