Castilian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Meanings

Castilian last names, also known as Spanish surnames, are a rich tapestry of history, culture, and language. These names, passed down through generations, hold profound meaning and often reflect the lineage, origin, or characteristics of their bearers. Exploring the origins and meanings of Castilian last names provides a fascinating window into the history and culture of Spain and its influence on the world.
1. **Alvarez:** Son of Alvaro, a name of Germanic origin meaning "wise elf" or "noble warrior."
2. **Alonso:** Son of Alonso, a Spanish variation of the name "Alphonso," meaning "ready for battle" or "noble warrior."
3. **Arias:** Descendant of Arias, a name of Germanic origin meaning "honorable" or "noble."
4. **Barros:** From the place name "Barros," meaning "marshes" or "wetlands."
5. **Blanco:** Meaning "white," likely referring to a person's complexion or a geographical feature.
6. **Cabrera:** From the place name "Cabrera," meaning "goat herder."
7. **Calderón:** Meaning "little cauldron" or "small kettle."
8. **Campos:** Meaning "fields" or "open country."
9. **Cánovas:** Likely from the place name "Cánovas," meaning "reed beds."
10. **Carrillo:** Meaning "little cart" or "small wagon."
11. **Castillo:** Meaning "castle," likely referring to a place of residence or a geographical feature.
12. **Castañeda:** From the place name "Castañeda," meaning "chestnut grove."
13. **Cervantes:** From the place name "Cervantes," meaning "deer's place."
14. **Colón:** Meaning "dove" or "pigeon."
15. **Cortez:** From the place name "Cortez," meaning "court" or "royal palace."
16. **Díaz:** Son of Diego, a Spanish name meaning "rich" or "well-off."
17. **Domínguez:** Son of Domingo, a Spanish name meaning "belonging to the Lord."
18. **Fernández:** Son of Fernando, a Spanish name meaning "brave" or "bold."
19. **Flores:** Meaning "flowers."
20. **García:** Son of Garci, a Germanic name meaning "spear" or "warrior."
21. **González:** Son of Gonzalo, a Spanish name meaning "warfare" or "fighting."
22. **Gómez:** Son of Gomo, a Germanic name meaning "man" or "protector."
23. **Hernández:** Son of Hernando, a Spanish variation of "Fernando," meaning "brave" or "bold."
24. **Jiménez:** Son of Jaime, a Spanish name meaning "supplanter" or "he who takes the place of another."
25. **León:** Meaning "lion," possibly referring to a person's strength or a heraldic symbol.
26. **Llorente:** Meaning "shining" or "bright."
27. **López:** Son of Lope, a Spanish name meaning "wolf cub."
28. **Martínez:** Son of Martín, a Spanish name meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
29. **Meléndez:** From the place name "Meléndez," meaning "honey sweet."
30. **Mendoza:** From the place name "Mendoza," meaning "place of the mountain."
31. **Miranda:** From the place name "Miranda," meaning "to look out over" or "watchtower."
32. **Moreno:** Meaning "dark" or "brown," likely referring to a person's complexion.
33. **Muñoz:** Son of Muno, a Spanish name meaning "monk."
34. **Navarro:** From the place name "Navarro," meaning "shipyard."
35. **Nieto:** Meaning "grandson" or "descendant."
36. **Núñez:** Son of Nuño, a Spanish name meaning "strength" or "power."
37. **Ortega:** From the place name "Ortega," meaning "bear place."
38. **Pérez:** Son of Pedro, a Spanish name meaning "rock" or "stone."
39. **Ramírez:** Son of Ramiro, a Germanic name meaning "powerful ruler."
40. **Rodríguez:** Son of Rodrigo, a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
41. **Romero:** Meaning "pilgrim" or "one who travels to Rome."
42. **Ruiz:** Son of Ruy, a Spanish name meaning "red" or "ruddy."
43. **Sánchez:** Son of Sancho, a Spanish name meaning "holy" or "divine."
44. **Santos:** Meaning "saints" or "holy ones."
45. **Serrano:** Meaning "mountain dweller."
46. **Silva:** Meaning "forest" or "woods."
47. **Torres:** Meaning "towers" or "high buildings."
48. **Valdés:** Son of Vald, a Germanic name meaning "ruler of the valley."
49. **Vega:** Meaning "meadow" or "plain."
50. **Velasco:** Meaning "veil" or "curtain."
51. **Vidal:** Meaning "life" or "alive."
52. **Villa:** Meaning "town" or "village."
53. **Villanueva:** Meaning "new town" or "new village."
54. **Villar:** Meaning "farm" or "estate."
55. **Zapata:** Meaning "shoe" or "sandal."