Last Names in Argentina: Exploring Common Surnames and Their Origins

Argentina, a vibrant nation with a rich history, boasts a diverse population reflected in its last names. Exploring these surnames reveals fascinating stories about immigration, cultural influences, and the evolution of Argentine identity. This article delves into the world of Argentine last names, providing insights into their meanings and origins.
1. **Agüero:** Meaning "water-carrier," this surname originates from the Basque region of Spain.
2. **Alberti:** This Italian surname derives from the Germanic name "Albert," meaning "noble and bright."
3. **Acosta:** A Spanish surname with roots in the Basque country, it means "high place" or "hill."
4. **Alonso:** A common Spanish surname, meaning "noble" or "famous." It's a variation of the name "Alfonso."
5. **Álvarez:** Another popular Spanish surname, meaning "son of Álvaro." It's derived from the Germanic name "Alfari," meaning "elf counsel."
6. **Aranda:** This Spanish surname has a few potential meanings, including "high place," "rocky place," or "sand."
7. **Arias:** Of Spanish origin, this surname signifies "someone who lives near the river."
8. **Ayala:** A Spanish surname with roots in the Basque country, it means "eagle's nest" or "high place."
9. **Balmaceda:** A Spanish surname with roots in the Basque country, it means "cliff" or "rocky place."
10. **Barrios:** A Spanish surname meaning "neighborhood" or "district."
11. **Batista:** A Portuguese surname of Latin origin, meaning "baptized" or "christened."
12. **Benítez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Benito," derived from the Latin name "Benedictus," meaning "blessed."
13. **Bermúdez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Bermudo," derived from the Germanic name "Beremund," meaning "famous protector."
14. **Blanco:** A Spanish surname meaning "white," likely referencing someone with fair hair or complexion.
15. **Borges:** A Spanish surname with roots in the Basque country, it means "bridge" or "ford."
16. **Bustamante:** A Spanish surname with roots in the Basque country, it means "beautiful place" or "lovely place."
17. **Cabrera:** A Spanish surname meaning "goat," likely referencing someone who raised goats or lived in an area where goats were common.
18. **Calderón:** A Spanish surname meaning "cauldron" or "cooking pot."
19. **Camargo:** A Spanish surname with roots in the Basque country, it means "flat meadow."
20. **Campos:** A Spanish surname meaning "fields" or "plains."
21. **Cantero:** A Spanish surname meaning "stone cutter" or "stonemason."
22. **Cardoso:** A Portuguese surname meaning "thistle," a type of prickly plant.
23. **Carranza:** A Spanish surname meaning "small house" or "cottage."
24. **Castillo:** A Spanish surname meaning "castle" or "fortress."
25. **Castro:** A Spanish surname meaning "castle" or "fortress."
26. **Ceballos:** A Spanish surname with roots in the Basque country, it means "onion."
27. **Cerezo:** A Spanish surname meaning "cherry tree."
28. **Correa:** A Spanish surname meaning "leather strap" or "belt."
29. **Costa:** A Portuguese and Spanish surname meaning "coast" or "shoreline."
30. **Crespo:** A Spanish surname meaning "curly" or "wavy."
31. **Cruz:** A Spanish surname meaning "cross."
32. **Da Silva:** A Portuguese surname meaning "of the forest" or "of the wood."
33. **Delgado:** A Spanish surname meaning "thin" or "slender."
34. **Díaz:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Diego."
35. **Domínguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Domingo," derived from the Latin name "Dominicus," meaning "belonging to the Lord."
36. **Fernández:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Fernando."
37. **Flores:** A Spanish surname meaning "flowers."
38. **García:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcias," derived from the Germanic name "Gerhart," meaning "spear warrior."
39. **Gómez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gumiel."
40. **González:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "war-spirited."
41. **Guevara:** A Spanish surname with roots in the Basque country, it means "place of the guavas."
42. **Hernández:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando."
43. **Iglesias:** A Spanish surname meaning "churches" or "church."
44. **Jiménez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Jaime."
45. **Ledesma:** A Spanish surname meaning "place of the willows."
46. **López:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope."
47. **Martínez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martín."
48. **Masías:** A Spanish surname meaning "farms" or "farmhouses."
49. **Meléndez:** A Spanish surname meaning "honey."
50. **Menéndez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Menendo."