Spanish Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Meaning and Origin

Spanish last names, also known as apellidos, are a fascinating reflection of Spain's rich history and diverse cultural influences. These surnames often provide insights into family lineage, geographical origins, and even ancestral occupations. This comprehensive guide delves into the meanings and origins of some of the most common and unique Spanish last names, offering a glimpse into the fascinating tapestry of Spanish heritage.
1. **Alvarez:** Son of Alvaro; a name of Germanic origin meaning "noble counsel."
2. **Alonso:** Son of Alonso; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Alwin" meaning "noble friend."
3. **Acosta:** From a place name meaning "place of the acacias."
4. **Aguirre:** From a place name meaning "eagle's nest."
5. **Arias:** From a place name meaning "near the river."
6. **Arroyo:** From a place name meaning "stream, brook."
7. **Barrios:** From a place name meaning "neighborhood, suburb."
8. **Beltran:** From a Germanic name meaning "bright raven."
9. **Benitez:** Son of Benito; a Spanish variation of the Latin name "Benedictus" meaning "blessed."
10. **Blanco:** Meaning "white."
11. **Cabrera:** From a place name meaning "goat enclosure."
12. **Calderon:** From a place name meaning "cauldron, kettle."
13. **Campos:** Meaning "fields, plains."
14. **Cano:** From a place name meaning "reed, cane."
15. **Carrasco:** From a place name meaning "rough, rocky terrain."
16. **Castillo:** Meaning "castle."
17. **Cortes:** Meaning "courts, royal courts."
18. **Diaz:** Son of Diego; a Spanish variation of the Latin name "Didacus" meaning "teacher."
19. **Dominguez:** Son of Domingo; a Spanish variation of the Latin name "Dominicus" meaning "belonging to the Lord."
20. **Fernandez:** Son of Fernando; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Ferdinand" meaning "peaceful journey."
21. **Flores:** Meaning "flowers."
22. **Garcia:** Son of Garcia; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Garcian" meaning "spearman."
23. **Gonzalez:** Son of Gonzalo; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Gunthild" meaning "battle-warrior."
24. **Gomez:** Son of Gomes; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Gomes" meaning "famous protector."
25. **Hernandez:** Son of Hernando; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Herman" meaning "man of the army."
26. **Herrera:** From a place name meaning "iron mine."
27. **Jimenez:** Son of Jaime; a Spanish variation of the Latin name "Jacobus" meaning "supplanter."
28. **Lopez:** Son of Lope; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Lupus" meaning "wolf."
29. **Martinez:** Son of Martin; a Spanish variation of the Latin name "Martius" meaning "belonging to Mars."
30. **Martin:** From a place name meaning "place of the pines."
31. **Mendoza:** From a place name meaning "mountain of gold."
32. **Mendez:** Son of Menendez; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Manda" meaning "man of the tribe."
33. **Miranda:** From a place name meaning "lookout, watchtower."
34. **Moreno:** Meaning "brown, dark."
35. **Morales:** From a place name meaning "the morals, customs."
36. **Navarro:** From a place name meaning "shipyard."
37. **Nieto:** Meaning "grandson."
38. **Nunez:** Son of Nuno; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Nunno" meaning "bold."
39. **Ortega:** From a place name meaning "bear's den."
40. **Perez:** Son of Pedro; a Spanish variation of the Latin name "Petrus" meaning "stone, rock."
41. **Perez:** Son of Pedro; a Spanish variation of the Latin name "Petrus" meaning "stone, rock."
42. **Ramirez:** Son of Ramiro; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Ramir" meaning "great counselor."
43. **Rodriguez:** Son of Rodrigo; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Rodger" meaning "famous ruler."
44. **Romero:** From a place name meaning "pilgrim, wanderer."
45. **Ruiz:** Son of Rodrigo; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Rodger" meaning "famous ruler."
46. **Sanchez:** Son of Sancho; a Spanish variation of the Germanic name "Sand" meaning "protector of men."
47. **Santos:** Meaning "saints."
48. **Sanz:** From a place name meaning "place of the sands."
49. **Serrano:** From a place name meaning "mountain dweller."
50. **Silva:** Meaning "forest, woods."
51. **Torres:** Meaning "towers."
52. **Valdes:** From a place name meaning "valley of the king."
53. **Valencia:** From a place name meaning "place of the strong walls."
54. **Vega:** Meaning "valley, meadow."
55. **Velasquez:** Meaning "small sail."
56. **Velez:** From a place name meaning "veil, curtain."
57. **Vera:** Meaning "true, authentic."
58. **Vicente:** Spanish variation of the Latin name "Vicentius" meaning "conquering."
59. **Villa:** Meaning "village."
60. **Villanueva:** Meaning "new village."