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 the rich history, language, and traditions of the Philippines. Exploring the meanings behind these last names offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's diverse heritage. This list provides a comprehensive compilation of Filipino last names, along with their detailed meanings, allowing you to delve deeper into the origins and significance of these unique appellations.
1. **Abad:** Forever, eternity, lasting.
2. **Agcaoili:** From the place of acacias.
3. **Aguilar:** Eagle; one who is strong and swift.
4. **Alegre:** Happy, cheerful, joyful.
5. **Almario:** A place where the alma (soul) is found.
6. **Alvarez:** Son of Álvaro.
7. **Amante:** Lover, beloved, dear.
8. **Andaya:** A place where the andas (palanquin) is found.
9. **Angeles:** Angels; messengers of God.
10. **Antonio:** Priceless; God is my oath.
11. **Aquino:** A place where water flows.
12. **Arias:** From the place of the eagles.
13. **Arizala:** A place where the aris (rice plant) is found.
14. **Arroyo:** Stream, brook, creek.
15. **Asuncion:** Assumption; the taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
16. **Atienza:** A place where the atienzas (a type of palm tree) are found.
17. **Bautista:** Baptist; one who baptizes.
18. **Baylon:** A place where the bay (bayonet) is found.
19. **Beltran:** From the place of the white stone.
20. **Bernardo:** Bold as a bear; brave, strong.
21. **Blanco:** White; one who is pure.
22. **Bonifacio:** Good faith; a person of good character.
23. **Borja:** A place of red wine.
24. **Bueno:** Good, kind, benevolent.
25. **Cabrera:** Goat; one who is strong and agile.
26. **Caguioa:** From the place of the caguioa (a type of tree).
27. **Calderon:** A place where the calderas (cauldrons) are found.
28. **Calimlim:** A place where the calimlim (a type of bird) is found.
29. **Camacho:** A place where the camas (beds) are found.
30. **Campos:** Field, plain, meadow.
31. **Canlas:** A place where the canlas (a type of vine) are found.
32. **Capili:** A place where the capili (a type of tree) is found.
33. **Carpio:** From the place of the carp (fish).
34. **Castillo:** Castle; a place of strength and security.
35. **Castro:** From the place of the chestnut tree.
36. **Catapang:** A place where the catapang (a type of tree) is found.
37. **Catibog:** A place where the catibog (a type of bird) is found.
38. **Cayetano:** A place where the cayetano (a type of tree) is found.
39. **Ceniza:** Ash; one who is humble.
40. **Chua:** A place where the chua (a type of tree) is found.
41. **Cruz:** Cross; symbol of Christianity.
42. **Dacuycuy:** A place where the dacuycuy (a type of tree) is found.
43. **David:** Beloved; God is my protector.
44. **De Guzman:** From the place of the Guzman (a family name).
45. **Del Rosario:** From the place of the rosary.
46. **Diaz:** Day; one who is born in the daytime.
47. **Domingo:** Sunday; one who is born on Sunday.
48. **Echavez:** A place where the echavez (a type of tree) is found.
49. **Elizalde:** From the place of the Elizabeth.
50. **Espinosa:** Thorn; one who is strong and resilient.