Most Common Filipino Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common Filipino last names? This comprehensive guide explores the origins and meanings behind some of the most popular surnames in the Philippines. From traditional family lineages to Spanish influences, discover the fascinating stories behind these names and their cultural significance.
1. **Santos:** This surname, meaning "saints" in Spanish, is one of the most common Filipino last names. It was often given to Filipinos who converted to Catholicism during the Spanish colonial period.
2. **Reyes:** Meaning "kings" in Spanish, this surname is another popular choice, reflecting the influence of the Spanish monarchy.
3. **Cruz:** Derived from the Spanish word for "cross," this surname signifies the importance of Christianity in Filipino culture.
4. **Diaz:** This surname, meaning "day" in Spanish, is commonly found in the Philippines and Latin America.
5. **Garcia:** Originating from the Basque region of Spain, this surname means "farmer" or "son of Garcia."
6. **Fernandez:** Meaning "son of Fernando" in Spanish, this surname is a popular choice in many Spanish-speaking countries, including the Philippines.
7. **Rodriguez:** This surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo" in Spanish, is a common surname in Spain and the Philippines.
8. **Gonzales:** Derived from the Spanish word "Gonzalo," meaning "battle-worthy," this surname signifies strength and bravery.
9. **Perez:** Meaning "Pere" or "Peter" in Spanish, this surname is a common choice in both Spain and the Philippines.
10. **Lopez:** This surname, meaning "wolf" in Spanish, is a popular choice in Spain and the Philippines.
11. **Rivera:** Meaning "riverbank" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with coastal areas.
12. **Villanueva:** Meaning "new town" in Spanish, this surname is often found in areas that were settled later than others.
13. **Bautista:** This surname, meaning "baptist" in Spanish, is a common choice among Filipinos who are devout Catholics.
14. **Sandoval:** Meaning "high place" or "castle" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with areas of elevated terrain.
15. **David:** Derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved," this surname is a popular choice among Filipinos of Jewish descent.
16. **Flores:** Meaning "flowers" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with beauty and vibrancy.
17. **Alvarez:** This surname, meaning "son of Alvaro" in Spanish, is a common choice in Spain and the Philippines.
18. **Santiago:** Meaning "Saint James" in Spanish, this surname is a popular choice among Filipinos who are devout Catholics.
19. **Torres:** Meaning "towers" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with areas that have a strong military history.
20. **Jimenez:** This surname, meaning "son of James" in Spanish, is a common choice in both Spain and the Philippines.
21. **Ramirez:** Meaning "son of Ramiro" in Spanish, this surname is a popular choice in Spain and the Philippines.
22. **Martinez:** Meaning "son of Martin" in Spanish, this surname is a common choice in both Spain and the Philippines.
23. **Aguilar:** This surname, meaning "eagle" in Spanish, is often associated with strength and courage.
24. **Manalo:** Meaning "victory" in Tagalog, this surname is a popular choice among Filipinos who are proud of their heritage.
25. **Castro:** Meaning "castle" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with areas that have a strong military history.
26. **Delos Santos:** This surname, meaning "of the saints" in Spanish, is a popular choice among Filipinos who are devout Catholics.
27. **Dela Cruz:** Meaning "of the cross" in Spanish, this surname is a common choice among Filipinos who are devout Catholics.
28. **De Leon:** Meaning "of the lion" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with strength and courage.
29. **Dela Rosa:** Meaning "of the rose" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with beauty and love.
30. **De Guzman:** Meaning "of the guardian" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with protection and security.
31. **De Jesus:** Meaning "of Jesus" in Spanish, this surname is a popular choice among Filipinos who are devout Catholics.
32. **De la Torre:** Meaning "of the tower" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with areas that have a strong military history.
33. **De Guzman:** Meaning "of the guardian" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with protection and security.
34. **De Jesus:** Meaning "of Jesus" in Spanish, this surname is a popular choice among Filipinos who are devout Catholics.
35. **De la Torre:** Meaning "of the tower" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with areas that have a strong military history.
36. **Dela Vega:** Meaning "of the valley" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with areas of low-lying terrain.
37. **De Leon:** Meaning "of the lion" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with strength and courage.
38. **Dela Rosa:** Meaning "of the rose" in Spanish, this surname is often associated with beauty and love.
39. **Dela Cruz:** Meaning "of the cross" in Spanish, this surname is a common choice among Filipinos who are devout Catholics.
40. **Delos Santos:** Meaning "of the saints" in Spanish, this surname is a popular choice among Filipinos who are devout Catholics.