Filipino Last Names: A Legacy of Spanish Colonization

Filipinos, with their unique blend of cultures, have a fascinating history reflected in their surnames. The prevalence of Spanish last names among Filipinos is a direct consequence of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines that lasted for over 300 years. During this period, Filipinos were mandated to adopt Spanish surnames, often reflecting their social status, occupation, or place of origin. This article delves into the origins and meanings of some of the most common Spanish surnames found in the Philippines, offering a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Spanish influence on Filipino identity.
1. **Agustin:** Meaning "great" or "noble," a name associated with the early Christian saint, Saint Augustine of Hippo.
2. **Aguilar:** A Spanish surname meaning "eagle," reflecting the family's strength, courage, or even their association with a location known for eagles.
3. **Alcantara:** Originating from the Spanish town of Alcántara, known for its bridge over the Tagus River, this name often signifies a family's link to this specific location.
4. **Aldecoa:** Derived from the Basque word "alde," meaning "village," this surname suggests an origin from a rural area.
5. **Almendral:** Meaning "almond tree," this surname could indicate an ancestral association with almond cultivation.
6. **Alvarado:** A Spanish surname meaning "guarded" or "protected," likely reflecting the family's role in defense or security.
7. **Amado:** Meaning "beloved" or "cherished," this surname indicates a family's affection and importance.
8. **Andrada:** A surname with origins in the Spanish region of Andalusia, it might signify an ancestral connection to this area.
9. **Añonuevo:** Meaning "new year," this surname could reflect the family's arrival or birth in a new year.
10. **Aquino:** A Spanish surname meaning "of Aquitaine," a region in southwestern France, indicating a possible ancestral connection to this area.
11. **Arceo:** A surname potentially derived from the Spanish word "arco," meaning "arch," possibly indicating an ancestral association with a location containing an arch.
12. **Arellano:** A Spanish surname meaning "high plain," suggesting an ancestral origin from an elevated region.
13. **Arias:** A Spanish surname meaning "of the air," possibly signifying a connection to a location with high altitude or good air quality.
14. **Bautista:** Meaning "baptist," this surname reflects a Christian heritage, possibly associated with a family member known for their religious devotion.
15. **Beltran:** A Spanish surname meaning "bright" or "shining," this name might indicate a family's association with light, knowledge, or a bright personality.
16. **Benitez:** A surname meaning "blessed," this name suggests a family's deep religious faith.
17. **Blanco:** Meaning "white," this surname likely refers to a family's association with purity, clarity, or perhaps even a fair complexion.
18. **Borja:** A Spanish surname with origins in the town of Borja, known for its castle and its association with the Borgia family.
19. **Cabrera:** A surname meaning "goat," likely indicating an ancestral connection to goat herding or a location with a goat population.
20. **Calderon:** A surname derived from the Spanish word "caldero," meaning "cauldron," possibly reflecting an association with cooking or a location near a cauldron.
21. **Camacho:** A Spanish surname meaning "pillow," likely referencing a family's association with bedding or comfort.
22. **Campos:** Meaning "fields," this surname indicates an ancestral connection to a location with farmland.
23. **Cancio:** A surname likely related to the Spanish word "canción," meaning "song," suggesting an association with music or singing.
24. **Capulong:** This surname, though Spanish in origin, is likely a corrupted version of the Spanish surname "Capulongo," meaning "long neck."
25. **Carpio:** A Spanish surname meaning "carp," possibly reflecting an ancestral connection to fishing or a location with a carp population.
26. **Castillo:** Meaning "castle," this surname indicates an ancestral association with a fortified structure or possibly a family's role in defense.
27. **Catalan:** A surname associated with the region of Catalonia in Spain, reflecting an ancestral connection to this area.
28. **Cayetano:** Meaning "cheerful" or "joyful," this surname suggests a family's positive disposition.
29. **Ceballos:** A Spanish surname meaning "onions," possibly indicating an ancestral connection to onion cultivation.
30. **Ceniza:** Meaning "ash," this surname could reflect an ancestral connection to a location with volcanic activity or perhaps a profession related to ash.
31. **Cervantes:** A surname meaning "deer," likely reflecting an ancestral connection to deer hunting or a location with a deer population.
32. **Chua:** This surname, while sounding Spanish, actually has Chinese origins and became a popular surname among Filipinos due to intermarriage.
33. **Cojuangco:** A Spanish surname meaning "jockey," possibly indicating an ancestral connection to horse racing.
34. **Cruz:** Meaning "cross," this surname reflects a strong Christian belief and possibly a family's association with the Catholic Church.
35. **De Guzman:** A Spanish surname meaning "of Guzman," reflecting an ancestral connection to the Guzman family.
36. **De Jesus:** Meaning "of Jesus," this surname reflects a strong Christian faith and possibly a family's devotion to Jesus Christ.
37. **Del Rosario:** Meaning "of the rosary," this surname indicates a family's deep connection to the Catholic Church.
38. **Diaz:** A Spanish surname meaning "day," possibly signifying an association with the sun, light, or a family's arrival or birth on a particular day.
39. **Domingo:** Meaning "Sunday," this surname could reflect a family's association with the Christian Sabbath or a birth on a Sunday.
40. **Dizon:** A surname likely derived from the Spanish word "dizon," meaning "ten," possibly indicating a family with ten children or a connection to a location with ten houses.