Last Names from Spain: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering your family's heritage is a fascinating journey. For those with Spanish roots, exploring the origins and meanings of their last names can offer a glimpse into their ancestors' lives. Spanish last names, known as "apellidos," are rich in history and tradition, often reflecting geographical locations, occupations, or even personal characteristics. This list dives into some of the most common and intriguing Spanish surnames, revealing their intricate meanings and the stories they tell.
1. **Alonso:** Meaning "son of Alfonso," a popular Spanish given name derived from the Germanic elements "al" (noble) and "sunu" (son).
2. **Alvarez:** Meaning "son of Alvaro," a name of Germanic origin meaning "wise counsel" or "elf-protector."
3. **Arias:** This surname has multiple possible origins. It could be derived from the Basque word "aria" (eagle), or from the Latin "area" (field) or "ari" (brave).
4. **Ayala:** A place name surname derived from the town of Ayala in the Basque Country, meaning "place of the eagles."
5. **Barajas:** Derived from the Basque word "baraja" (deck of cards) or possibly from the Spanish word "baraja" (to shuffle).
6. **Benitez:** Meaning "son of Benito," a name of Latin origin meaning "blessed."
7. **Blanco:** Meaning "white" or "fair," likely referring to a person's complexion or hair color.
8. **Cabrera:** Meaning "goat herder," a surname that reflects the occupation of its early bearers.
9. **Calvo:** Meaning "bald," often used to describe a person with a receding hairline.
10. **Campos:** Meaning "fields," a surname that likely refers to a family's ancestral lands or a place of origin.
11. **Cano:** Meaning "dog," a surname that could have been given as a nickname or a sign of a person's connection to dogs.
12. **Carrillo:** Meaning "little cart," possibly referring to a type of carriage or the occupation of a cartwright.
13. **Castillo:** Meaning "castle," a surname likely derived from a place name or reflecting a family's historical connection to a castle.
14. **Cervantes:** Meaning "from the cervantes," possibly referring to a location near a deer park or a family with a deer hunting tradition.
15. **Diaz:** Meaning "son of Diego," a name of Spanish origin meaning "wealthy" or "prosperous."
16. **Fernandez:** Meaning "son of Fernando," a name of Germanic origin meaning "peaceful journey."
17. **Garcia:** Meaning "son of Garcia," a name of Germanic origin meaning "spearman" or "warrior."
18. **Gonzalez:** Meaning "son of Gonzalo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "brave in battle."
19. **Gomez:** Meaning "son of Gome," a name of Germanic origin meaning "man of the land."
20. **Hernandez:** Meaning "son of Hernando," a name of Germanic origin meaning "brave ruler."
21. **Jimenez:** Meaning "son of Jaime," a name of Spanish origin meaning "supplanter" or "usurper."
22. **Lopez:** Meaning "son of Lope," a name of Basque origin meaning "wolf."
23. **Lopez de la Cruz:** This surname combines the common "Lopez" with "de la Cruz" (meaning "of the cross"), possibly indicating a family's religious devotion.
24. **Lopez de Haro:** A combined surname with "Lopez" and "de Haro," a place name in the Basque Country, possibly indicating a family's origin.
25. **Martin:** Meaning "war-like," a name of Latin origin derived from the Roman god of war, Mars.
26. **Martinez:** Meaning "son of Martin," referring to the common given name "Martin."
27. **Mendez:** Meaning "son of Menendo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "protector."
28. **Merino:** Meaning "sheepherder," a surname that likely refers to an occupation or a family's connection to sheep farming.
29. **Moreno:** Meaning "dark-skinned," referring to a person with a darker complexion.
30. **Navarro:** A place name surname derived from the region of Navarre in Spain.
31. **Nieto:** Meaning "grandson," possibly indicating a lineage or familial connection.
32. **Nuñez:** Meaning "son of Nuno," a name of Germanic origin meaning "bold" or "brave."
33. **Ochoa:** Meaning "eighth," possibly indicating birth order or a family's lineage.
34. **Ortega:** A place name surname derived from the town of Ortega in Spain.
35. **Perez:** Meaning "son of Pedro," a name of Spanish origin meaning "rock" or "stone."
36. **Prado:** Meaning "meadow," a surname likely referring to a place name or a family's connection to grasslands.
37. **Ramirez:** Meaning "son of Ramiro," a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous counsel."
38. **Rodriguez:** Meaning "son of Rodrigo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous ruler."
39. **Romero:** Meaning "pilgrim," referring to a person who travels to a holy place for religious reasons.
40. **Ruiz:** Meaning "red," likely referring to a person's hair color or complexion.
41. **Sanchez:** Meaning "son of Sancho," a name of Germanic origin meaning "protector of the holy."
42. **Santos:** Meaning "saints," a surname likely reflecting a family's religious devotion or connection to a saint.
43. **Sanz:** Meaning "healthy," referring to a person's physical well-being.
44. **Serrano:** Meaning "mountain dweller," a surname that likely reflects a family's origin or place of residence.
45. **Silva:** Meaning "forest," a surname that could refer to a place name or a family's connection to wooded areas.
46. **Suarez:** Meaning "son of Suarez," a name of Germanic origin meaning "brave counsel."
47. **Torres:** Meaning "towers," a surname that likely refers to a place name or a family's connection to a tower or fortress.
48. **Valdes:** Meaning "son of Valdo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "powerful ruler."
49. **Vargas:** Meaning "wilderness," a surname likely referring to a place name or a family's connection to an untamed area.
50. **Vazquez:** Meaning "son of Vasco," a name of Basque origin meaning "man."
51. **Vega:** Meaning "valley," a surname likely referring to a place name or a family's connection to a valley.
52. **Velasquez:** Meaning "son of Velasquez," a name of Basque origin meaning "small falcon."
53. **Vicente:** Meaning "victorious," a name of Latin origin meaning "conqueror."
54. **Villa:** Meaning "town," a surname that likely reflects a place name or a family's connection to a town or village.
55. **Villanueva:** Meaning "new town," a surname that likely refers to a place name or a family's connection to a newly founded town.
56. **Zapata:** Meaning "shoe," possibly referring to an occupation or a family's connection to shoemaking.
57. **Zaragoza:** A place name surname derived from the city of Zaragoza in Spain.
58. **Zurita:** A place name surname derived from the town of Zurita in Spain.