Argentine Last Names: A Deep Dive into Ancestry and Meaning

Unveiling the stories woven into Argentine surnames, this list delves into the rich tapestry of heritage and meaning. Explore the origins of these last names, revealing the cultural influences, historical events, and ancestral roots that shaped Argentine identity. From Spanish and Italian influences to indigenous roots, discover the fascinating meanings behind these common and unique surnames.
1. **Acosta:** From the Basque word "akosta," meaning "place by the coast." This surname suggests an ancestor who lived near the coast.
2. **Aguirre:** Originating from the Basque word "aguirre," signifying "eagle," this name is associated with strength, freedom, and keen eyesight.
3. **Alvarez:** Derived from the Germanic name "Alvar," meaning "wise elf" or "elf counsel." This surname reflects the influence of Germanic tribes on the Iberian Peninsula.
4. **Alonso:** A Spanish surname originating from the Germanic name "Alans," referring to a tribe that migrated to the Iberian Peninsula. It means "nobleman" or "warrior."
5. **Anderson:** An Anglicized form of the Norse name "Anders," meaning "man of mankind." This name points to the Scandinavian influence on Argentina's history.
6. **Arias:** A Spanish surname, likely a variant of "Arria," a Roman family name. It could also derive from the Basque word "arias," meaning "eagle."
7. **Arroyo:** A Spanish surname that translates to "stream" or "brook." This name reflects the importance of water resources in Argentina.
8. **Astorga:** A place-based name from the city of Astorga in Spain. It has roots in the Latin word "astur," meaning "astute" or "clever."
9. **Azcuénaga:** Derived from the Basque word "azkue," meaning "oven," this surname suggests an ancestor involved in baking or a location near an oven.
10. **Barros:** A Portuguese and Spanish surname meaning "mud" or "clay." It suggests an ancestor who lived in a place with fertile soil.
11. **Basualdo:** An Italian surname that derives from the Latin word "basilius," meaning "king." It could indicate the ancestor's social standing.
12. **Batista:** A Portuguese and Spanish surname that means "baptized" or "christened." It is a common surname in areas with a strong Catholic tradition.
13. **Bejarano:** This Spanish surname likely originated as a place-based name from Béjar, a town in Spain. It could be linked to the Roman word "beatius," meaning "blessed."
14. **Benitez:** A Spanish surname that means "son of Benito," a popular Christian name meaning "blessed." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian faith.
15. **Bermudez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Germanic word "bermude," meaning "famous" or "renowned." This name suggests an ancestor who was notable in their community.
16. **Bianchi:** An Italian surname that means "white" or "fair." It is associated with the color of the family's coat of arms or a characteristic of the ancestor's appearance.
17. **Blanco:** A Spanish surname meaning "white." It reflects a physical characteristic of the ancestor or a place of origin associated with the color white.
18. **Bocca:** An Italian surname that means "mouth" or "opening." It could be a descriptive name referring to a physical characteristic of the ancestor or a place name.
19. **Boffi:** An Italian surname meaning "ox" or "bull." It could indicate the ancestor's occupation, a physical characteristic, or a symbol representing strength.
20. **Bogado:** This Spanish surname is believed to derive from the Arabic word "buga," meaning "a small, light boat." It could suggest an ancestor involved in fishing or living near a body of water.
21. **Bonadeo:** An Italian surname likely stemming from the Latin word "bonitas," meaning "goodness" or "beauty." It could suggest an ancestor known for their kindness or beauty.
22. **Bonetti:** An Italian surname meaning "little good" or "small goodness." It may be a diminutive form of "Bonita," indicating a characteristic of the ancestor.
23. **Borges:** A Spanish surname that likely derived from the word "burga," meaning "castle" or "fortified place." It suggests an ancestor who lived near or within a castle.
24. **Caceres:** A Spanish surname possibly rooted in the word "cacere," meaning "a type of hunting dog." It could indicate the ancestor's occupation or a place associated with hunting.
25. **Calvo:** A Spanish surname meaning "bald" or "hairless." It reflects a physical characteristic of the ancestor or a descriptive name based on appearance.
26. **Campana:** A Spanish surname meaning "bell." It could refer to a place associated with bells, an ancestor's occupation, or a symbol representing a specific community.
27. **Canosa:** An Italian surname originating from the Latin word "canus," meaning "grey." It could be a descriptive name referring to the color of the ancestor's hair or a place name.
28. **Cardona:** A Spanish surname possibly derived from the Latin word "carduus," meaning "thistle." It could reflect a place where thistles grew or a symbolic reference to strength.
29. **Carmona:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing the city of Carmona in Spain. It could be linked to the Latin word "carmen," meaning "song."
30. **Carrasco:** A Spanish surname that could be linked to the word "carrasco," meaning "a kind of oak tree." It could indicate a place associated with oak trees or a symbol of strength and longevity.
31. **Castillo:** A Spanish surname meaning "castle." It suggests an ancestor who lived near or within a castle or was associated with the nobility.
32. **Castro:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place with a castle or fortified area. It could also be linked to the Latin word "castus," meaning "pure."
33. **Cervantes:** A Spanish surname that could be linked to the word "ciervo," meaning "deer." It could be a descriptive name referring to a characteristic of the ancestor or a place associated with deer.
34. **Chaves:** A Portuguese and Spanish surname that likely derived from the word "chave," meaning "key." It could be symbolic of power, access, or knowledge.
35. **Cifuentes:** A Spanish surname likely originating as a place name, referencing the town of Cifuentes in Spain. It could be linked to the Latin word "fons," meaning "fountain" or "spring."
36. **Colombo:** An Italian surname meaning "dove." It could be a symbolic name representing peace or a descriptive name referring to a characteristic of the ancestor.
37. **Coronel:** A Spanish surname meaning "colonel." It suggests an ancestor who held the rank of a colonel in the military or was associated with military service.
38. **Costas:** A Spanish surname meaning "coasts." It indicates an ancestor who lived near the coast or was associated with maritime activities.
39. **Crespo:** A Spanish surname meaning "curly." It reflects a physical characteristic of the ancestor or a descriptive name based on appearance.
40. **Cruz:** A Spanish surname meaning "cross." It is a symbolic name representing the Christian faith or a place name linked to a cross.
41. **Daza:** A Spanish surname that likely derived from the Arabic word "dāza," meaning "brilliant" or "shining." It could refer to the ancestor's personality or a place associated with brilliance.
42. **De la Cruz:** A Spanish surname meaning "from the cross." It is a combination of the surnames "de la" and "Cruz," suggesting an ancestor connected to the Christian faith or living near a cross.
43. **Delgado:** A Spanish surname meaning "thin" or "slender." It reflects a physical characteristic of the ancestor or a descriptive name based on appearance.
44. **Diaz:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Diego." It indicates a lineage connected to the Christian name Diego, which means "well-guided" or "wealthy."
45. **Dominguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Domingo." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Domingo, meaning "Lord."
46. **Echeverria:** A Basque surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place with a large oak tree. It could be linked to the word "etxebarri," meaning "oak tree house."
47. **Fernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Fernando." It indicates a lineage connected to the Christian name Fernando, meaning "brave" or "adventurous."
48. **Figueroa:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with fig trees. It could be linked to the word "higuera," meaning "fig tree."
49. **Flores:** A Spanish surname meaning "flowers." It suggests a place associated with flowers or a symbol representing beauty and joy.
50. **Fonseca:** A Portuguese and Spanish surname that likely derived from the Latin word "fons," meaning "fountain" or "spring." It could refer to a place with a fountain or a symbol representing abundance.
51. **Fuentes:** A Spanish surname meaning "fountains." It indicates a place associated with fountains or a symbol representing abundance and renewal.
52. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of García." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name García, meaning "strong spear."
53. **Garibaldi:** An Italian surname that likely derived from the word "garribáldo," meaning "a type of red-haired bird." It could be a descriptive name referring to the ancestor's hair color or a place name.
54. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo." It indicates a lineage connected to the Christian name Gonzalo, meaning "warlike" or "brave."
55. **Gomez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gómez." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Gómez, meaning "man of God."
56. **Gómez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gómez." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Gómez, meaning "man of God."
57. **Guerrero:** A Spanish surname meaning "warrior." It indicates an ancestor who was known for their military skills or bravery.
58. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Hernando, meaning "brave" or "strong."
59. **Herrera:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place with a blacksmith's shop or ironworks. It could be linked to the word "herrero," meaning "blacksmith."
60. **Huerta:** A Spanish surname meaning "garden" or "orchard." It indicates a place associated with gardens or a symbol representing fertility and abundance.
61. **Ibarra:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place with a beech tree grove. It could be linked to the word "ibarra," meaning "beech tree."
62. **Ibanez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Iban." It indicates a lineage connected to the Basque name Iban, meaning "God is merciful."
63. **Iglesias:** A Spanish surname meaning "churches." It indicates a place associated with churches or a symbol representing faith and community.
64. **Jimenez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Jaime." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Jaime, meaning "supplanter" or "he who takes the place of another."
65. **Lagos:** A Spanish surname meaning "lakes." It indicates a place associated with lakes or a symbol representing peace and tranquility.
66. **Lara:** A Spanish surname that could be linked to the word "lara," meaning "home" or "hearth." It could also be a place name referencing a specific location.
67. **Larrain:** A Basque surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a rock or stone. It could be linked to the word "larrain," meaning "stone."
68. **Leon:** A Spanish surname meaning "lion." It is a symbolic name representing strength, courage, and royalty.
69. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Lope, meaning "wolf."
70. **Lucio:** A Spanish surname meaning "light." It is a symbolic name representing knowledge, understanding, and guidance.
71. **Machado:** A Spanish surname meaning "axe." It could refer to an ancestor's occupation or a place associated with axe-making.
72. **Madero:** A Spanish surname meaning "timber" or "wood." It could indicate an ancestor involved in forestry or a place where wood was plentiful.
73. **Maldonado:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with bad luck or misfortune. It could be linked to the word "mal," meaning "bad."
74. **Mancini:** An Italian surname meaning "man of the hands." It could be a descriptive name referring to the ancestor's occupation or a symbol of skill and craft.
75. **Manrique:** A Spanish surname that could be linked to the word "manrique," meaning "a type of bird of prey." It could be a descriptive name referring to the ancestor's personality or a place associated with birds of prey.
76. **Marquez:** A Spanish surname meaning "marquis." It indicates an ancestor who held the title of a marquis or was associated with nobility.
77. **Martin:** A Spanish surname meaning "warlike." It suggests an ancestor who was known for their strength and bravery.
78. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martín." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Martín, meaning "warlike."
79. **Mateo:** A Spanish surname meaning "gift of God." It suggests an ancestor who was considered a blessing or a gift.
80. **Mendez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Menéndez." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Menéndez, meaning "from the house of the lord."
81. **Merino:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with sheep. It could be linked to the word "merino," meaning "a type of sheep."
82. **Mesa:** A Spanish surname meaning "table." It could refer to a place associated with tables or a symbol representing unity and fellowship.
83. **Micheli:** An Italian surname that likely derived from the word "michele," meaning "who is like God." It could be a reference to the Archangel Michael or a symbol of strength and protection.
84. **Miranda:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place with a lookout point or a vantage point. It could be linked to the word "mirar," meaning "to look."
85. **Molina:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place with a mill. It could be linked to the word "molina," meaning "mill."
86. **Montero:** A Spanish surname meaning "hunter." It indicates an ancestor who was known for their hunting skills or was associated with the hunting profession.
87. **Moreno:** A Spanish surname meaning "dark" or "brown." It reflects a physical characteristic of the ancestor or a descriptive name based on appearance.
88. **Moscoso:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with flies. It could be linked to the word "mosca," meaning "fly."
89. **Muñoz:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Muñoz." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Muñoz, meaning "monk."
90. **Navarro:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a ship or boats. It could be linked to the word "nave," meaning "ship."
91. **Nieto:** A Spanish surname meaning "grandson." It suggests a lineage connected to the ancestor's grandson.
92. **Noriega:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a type of bird. It could be linked to the word "noria," meaning "a water wheel" or "a type of bird."
93. **Ochoa:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with eight houses or buildings. It could be linked to the word "ocho," meaning "eight."
94. **Olivera:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with olive trees. It could be linked to the word "oliva," meaning "olive."
95. **Ortega:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with bears. It could be linked to the word "oso," meaning "bear."
96. **Otero:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a hill or plateau. It could be linked to the word "otero," meaning "hill."
97. **Padilla:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a small wall or enclosure. It could be linked to the word "padillo," meaning "small wall."
98. **Palacios:** A Spanish surname meaning "palaces." It suggests an ancestor who lived near or within a palace or was associated with the nobility.
99. **Pardo:** A Spanish surname meaning "brown" or "tawny." It reflects a physical characteristic of the ancestor or a descriptive name based on appearance.
100. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Pedro, meaning "rock" or "stone."
101. **Pina:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with pine trees. It could be linked to the word "pino," meaning "pine."
102. **Pinzon:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a type of bird. It could be linked to the word "pinzón," meaning "finch."
103. **Ponce:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a bridge. It could be linked to the word "puente," meaning "bridge."
104. **Portillo:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a small gate or doorway. It could be linked to the word "porttillo," meaning "small gate."
105. **Prado:** A Spanish surname meaning "meadow." It indicates a place associated with meadows or a symbol representing peace and tranquility.
106. **Puente:** A Spanish surname meaning "bridge." It indicates a place associated with bridges or a symbol representing connection and passage.
107. **Quevedo:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a small oak tree. It could be linked to the word "quevedo," meaning "small oak tree."
108. **Quintana:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a fifth part of a larger area. It could be linked to the word "quinta," meaning "fifth."
109. **Ramirez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Ramiro." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Ramiro, meaning "powerful ruler."
110. **Ramos:** A Spanish surname meaning "branches." It could refer to a place associated with trees or a symbol representing growth and renewal.
111. **Reyes:** A Spanish surname meaning "kings." It suggests an ancestor who held the title of a king or was associated with royalty.
112. **Rivas:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with banks or shores. It could be linked to the word "riva," meaning "bank."
113. **Rivera:** A Spanish surname meaning "river." It indicates a place associated with rivers or a symbol representing life and flow.
114. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Rodrigo, meaning "famous ruler."
115. **Rojo:** A Spanish surname meaning "red." It reflects a physical characteristic of the ancestor or a descriptive name based on appearance.
116. **Romero:** A Spanish surname meaning "pilgrim." It suggests an ancestor who was known for their religious devotion or traveled to a holy site.
117. **Rosales:** A Spanish surname meaning "rose bushes." It suggests a place associated with roses or a symbol representing beauty and love.
118. **Ruiz:** A Spanish surname meaning "red" or "ruddy." It reflects a physical characteristic of the ancestor or a descriptive name based on appearance.
119. **Sabatini:** An Italian surname that likely derived from the word "sabatino," meaning "Saturday." It could be a reference to the day of the week the ancestor was born or a symbol representing rest and renewal.
120. **Salazar:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a salt mine or a salty area. It could be linked to the word "sal," meaning "salt."
121. **Sanchez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Sancho." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Sancho, meaning "defender" or "protector."
122. **Santamaria:** A Spanish surname meaning "Saint Mary." It suggests an ancestor who was devoted to the Virgin Mary or lived near a church dedicated to her.
123. **Santiago:** A Spanish surname meaning "Saint James." It suggests an ancestor who was devoted to Saint James or lived near a church dedicated to him.
124. **Santos:** A Spanish surname meaning "saints." It suggests an ancestor who was known for their religious devotion or lived near a church.
125. **Sanz:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a willow tree. It could be linked to the word "sauce," meaning "willow."
126. **Silva:** A Portuguese and Spanish surname meaning "forest" or "woods." It indicates a place associated with forests or a symbol representing nature and wilderness.
127. **Solano:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with the sun. It could be linked to the word "sol," meaning "sun."
128. **Suarez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Suárez." It suggests a lineage connected to the Christian name Suárez, meaning "sour" or "bitter."
129. **Torres:** A Spanish surname meaning "towers." It suggests an ancestor who lived near or within a tower or was associated with the nobility.
130. **Valdez:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a valley. It could be linked to the word "valle," meaning "valley."
131. **Valdes:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a valley. It could be linked to the word "valle," meaning "valley."
132. **Varela:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a small pasture or meadow. It could be linked to the word "varela," meaning "small pasture."
133. **Vasquez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Vasco." It suggests a lineage connected to the Basque name Vasco, meaning "brave" or "strong."
134. **Vega:** A Spanish surname meaning "meadow." It indicates a place associated with meadows or a symbol representing peace and tranquility.
135. **Velazquez:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a sheep. It could be linked to the word "velazquez," meaning "little sheep."
136. **Velez:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with an old man. It could be linked to the word "viejo," meaning "old man."
137. **Vera:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with truth or veracity. It could be linked to the word "verdad," meaning "truth."
138. **Vergara:** A Basque surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a meadow or pasture. It could be linked to the word "vergara," meaning "meadow."
139. **Vidal:** A Spanish surname meaning "life." It is a symbolic name representing vitality, growth, and renewal.
140. **Villa:** A Spanish surname meaning "town" or "village." It suggests an ancestor who lived in a town or village.
141. **Villanueva:** A Spanish surname meaning "new town." It suggests an ancestor who lived in a newly founded town or village.
142. **Villegas:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a riverbank. It could be linked to the word "villa," meaning "town" and "ribera," meaning "riverbank."
143. **Virgili:** An Italian surname that likely derived from the word "virgilio," meaning "from Virgil," a famous Roman poet. It could be a reference to the poet or a symbol of creativity and eloquence.
144. **Zapata:** A Spanish surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a shoe or footwear. It could be linked to the word "zapata," meaning "shoe."
145. **Zarraga:** A Basque surname that likely originated as a place name, referencing a place associated with a type of bird. It could be linked to the word "zarraga," meaning "a type of bird."