Last Name in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide delves into the intricacies of Spanish last names, exploring how they are used and pronounced. We'll cover the basic structure of Spanish last names, including the concept of double surnames, as well as common last names and their meanings. This comprehensive resource will equip you with the knowledge to understand and pronounce Spanish last names with confidence.
1. **Apellido:** This translates to "last name" in Spanish. It is the surname used to identify an individual.

2. **Apellidos:** This is the plural form of "apellido" and refers to multiple last names.

3. **Primer apellido:** This translates to "first last name" and refers to the paternal surname, the one inherited from the father.

4. **Segundo apellido:** This translates to "second last name" and refers to the maternal surname, the one inherited from the mother.

5. **Doble apellido:** This translates to "double surname" and refers to the combination of both paternal and maternal surnames, typically used in Spanish-speaking countries.

6. **García:** Meaning "son of Garcia" or "warrior," it's one of the most common Spanish last names.

7. **Rodriguez:** Meaning "son of Rodrigo," it's another extremely common Spanish last name.

8. **Gonzalez:** Meaning "son of Gonzalo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "war-eager."

9. **Fernandez:** Meaning "son of Fernando," a name derived from the Germanic words "frithu" (peace) and "nand" (bold).

10. **Lopez:** Meaning "wolf," this surname is derived from the Latin word "lupus."

11. **Martinez:** Meaning "son of Martin," a name of Roman origin meaning "warlike."

12. **Sanchez:** Meaning "son of Sancho," a name of Germanic origin meaning "holy."

13. **Perez:** Meaning "son of Pedro," a name of Greek origin meaning "stone" or "rock."

14. **Alonso:** Meaning "son of Alonso," a name of Germanic origin meaning "noble."

15. **Diaz:** Meaning "son of Diego," a name of Spanish origin meaning "rich."

16. **Romero:** Meaning "pilgrim," this surname is often associated with people who traveled to Rome.

17. **Torres:** Meaning "towers," this surname refers to people who lived near towers or castles.

18. **Moreno:** Meaning "dark-skinned," this surname is derived from the Spanish word for "black."

19. **Ruiz:** Meaning "son of Ruy," a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous."

20. **Hernandez:** Meaning "son of Hernando," a name of Germanic origin meaning "warrior."

21. **Martin:** Meaning "warlike," this surname is derived from the Roman name "Martinus."

22. **Gonzalez:** Meaning "son of Gonzalo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "war-eager."

23. **Rodriguez:** Meaning "son of Rodrigo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous ruler."

24. **Lopez:** Meaning "wolf," this surname is derived from the Latin word "lupus."

25. **Sanchez:** Meaning "son of Sancho," a name of Germanic origin meaning "holy."

26. **Perez:** Meaning "son of Pedro," a name of Greek origin meaning "stone" or "rock."

27. **Alonso:** Meaning "son of Alonso," a name of Germanic origin meaning "noble."

28. **Diaz:** Meaning "son of Diego," a name of Spanish origin meaning "rich."

29. **Romero:** Meaning "pilgrim," this surname is often associated with people who traveled to Rome.

30. **Torres:** Meaning "towers," this surname refers to people who lived near towers or castles.

31. **Moreno:** Meaning "dark-skinned," this surname is derived from the Spanish word for "black."

32. **Ruiz:** Meaning "son of Ruy," a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous."

33. **Hernandez:** Meaning "son of Hernando," a name of Germanic origin meaning "warrior."

34. **Castillo:** Meaning "castle," this surname refers to people who lived near or owned castles.

35. **Jimenez:** Meaning "son of Jimena," a name of Germanic origin meaning "protector."

36. **Ortega:** Meaning "bear," this surname is derived from the Spanish word for "bear."

37. **Dominguez:** Meaning "son of Domingo," a name of Latin origin meaning "belonging to the Lord."

38. **Vargas:** Meaning "valley," this surname refers to people who lived in valleys.

39. **Santos:** Meaning "saints," this surname refers to people who were devoted to saints.

40. **Flores:** Meaning "flowers," this surname is often associated with beauty and nature.