What is Your Last Name in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide to Spanish Surnames

Are you curious about Spanish last names? Perhaps you're looking for the meaning of your own surname or you're simply interested in the rich history and cultural significance of these unique names. This guide will delve into the world of Spanish last names, providing you with a comprehensive list of over 40 common surnames and their detailed meanings. Get ready to discover the stories behind these fascinating names!
1. **Alonso:** Meaning "son of Alonso," a popular name in Spain, often derived from the Germanic name "Adalwolf," meaning "noble wolf."
2. **Alvarez:** Meaning "son of Álvaro," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Germanic name "Alwar," meaning "elf counsel."
3. **Arias:** Meaning "descendent of Arias," a name of Germanic origin, meaning "honorable" or "noble."
4. **Arroyo:** Meaning "stream," often referring to a geographical feature or location.
5. **Barros:** Meaning "marshlands," a name often associated with areas near rivers or swamps.
6. **Benítez:** Meaning "son of Benito," a name of Latin origin, meaning "blessed" or "well-meaning."
7. **Blanco:** Meaning "white," often referring to a person's complexion or a geographical feature.
8. **Borja:** A name of Spanish origin, likely related to the town of Borja in Aragon, known for its ancient Roman ruins.
9. **Cabello:** Meaning "hair," often referring to a person's hair color or style.
10. **Calderón:** Meaning "small cauldron," often referring to a type of cooking pot or a geographical feature.
11. **Calvo:** Meaning "bald," often referring to a person's lack of hair.
12. **Campos:** Meaning "fields," often referring to a geographical feature or area of land.
13. **Carrillo:** Meaning "chariot," often referring to a type of wheeled vehicle.
14. **Castillo:** Meaning "castle," often referring to a fortified structure or a geographical feature.
15. **Castro:** Meaning "fort," often referring to a fortified structure or a geographical feature.
16. **Cortés:** Meaning "short," often referring to a person's height or a geographical feature.
17. **Díaz:** Meaning "son of Diego," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Greek name "Dionysius," meaning "belonging to Dionysus."
18. **Domínguez:** Meaning "son of Domingo," a name of Latin origin, meaning "belonging to the Lord."
19. **Fernández:** Meaning "son of Fernando," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Germanic name "Ferdinand," meaning "brave peace."
20. **Flores:** Meaning "flowers," often referring to a type of plant or a geographical feature.
21. **García:** Meaning "son of Garcia," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Germanic name "Gerhard," meaning "strong spear."
22. **Gómez:** Meaning "son of Gomo," a name of Germanic origin, meaning "powerful" or "brave."
23. **González:** Meaning "son of Gonzalo," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "battle-warrior."
24. **Hernández:** Meaning "son of Hernando," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Germanic name "Ferdinand," meaning "brave peace."
25. **Herrera:** Meaning "ironworker," often referring to a person who works with metal.
26. **Jiménez:** Meaning "son of Jaime," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Hebrew name "Jacob," meaning "supplanter."
27. **López:** Meaning "son of Lope," a name of Germanic origin, meaning "wolf cub."
28. **Martínez:** Meaning "son of Martín," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "belonging to Mars."
29. **Meléndez:** Meaning "honey," often referring to a type of sweet substance or a geographical feature.
30. **Mendoza:** A name of Spanish origin, likely related to the town of Mendoza in Castile, known for its vineyards.
31. **Miranda:** Meaning "to look out," often referring to a geographical feature with a good view.
32. **Moreno:** Meaning "dark-skinned," often referring to a person's complexion.
33. **Muñoz:** Meaning "son of Muño," a name of Germanic origin, meaning "protected by God."
34. **Navarro:** Meaning "from Navarre," a region in northern Spain.
35. **Núñez:** Meaning "son of Nuño," a name of Germanic origin, meaning "bold" or "courageous."
36. **Ortega:** Meaning "bear," often referring to a type of animal or a geographical feature.
37. **Pérez:** Meaning "son of Pedro," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Greek name "Petros," meaning "stone."
38. **Ramírez:** Meaning "son of Ramiro," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Germanic name "Ramiro," meaning "famous counsel."
39. **Rodríguez:** Meaning "son of Rodrigo," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric," meaning "famous ruler."
40. **Romero:** Meaning "pilgrim," often referring to a person who travels to a holy site.
41. **Sánchez:** Meaning "son of Sancho," a popular name in Spain, derived from the Germanic name "Sanctus," meaning "holy."
42. **Santos:** Meaning "saints," often referring to religious figures.
43. **Serrano:** Meaning "from the mountains," often referring to a person who lives in a mountainous region.
44. **Silva:** Meaning "forest," often referring to a geographical feature or area of trees.
45. **Torres:** Meaning "towers," often referring to a fortified structure or a geographical feature.
46. **Valdés:** Meaning "son of Valde," a name of Germanic origin, meaning "strong rule."
47. **Vargas:** Meaning "variations," often referring to a type of change or difference.
48. **Vega:** Meaning "meadow," often referring to a geographical feature or area of grassland.
49. **Velasco:** Meaning "old man," often referring to an elder or a person of wisdom.
50. **Villa:** Meaning "town," often referring to a small settlement or a geographical feature.
51. **Villanueva:** Meaning "new town," often referring to a recently established settlement.
52. **Zapata:** Meaning "shoe," often referring to a type of footwear.