Filipino Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Are you curious about the origins and meanings of Filipino last names? This comprehensive guide explores the rich history and cultural significance behind these unique surnames. Filipino last names, often reflecting ancestral heritage, offer a window into the diverse tapestry of Philippine culture. Discover the stories behind common Filipino surnames and gain a deeper appreciation for their unique meanings.
1. **Abad:** From the Spanish word "abad" meaning "abbot" or "father superior" of a monastery.
2. **Agcaoili:** Meaning "from the place of the caoili," a type of bird.
3. **Aguilar:** Derived from the Spanish word "aguila" meaning "eagle."
4. **Alcantara:** Originating from the Spanish word "alcántara" meaning "fortress" or "bridge."
5. **Aldeguer:** Meaning "from the place of the alder tree."
6. **Alejandro:** From the Greek name "Alexandros" meaning "defender of men."
7. **Almario:** Derived from the Spanish word "almario" meaning "wardrobe" or "closet."
8. **Almendras:** Meaning "almond trees," referring to a place where almonds grow.
9. **Alvarez:** From the Spanish word "álvarez" meaning "son of Álvaro."
10. **Amante:** Derived from the Spanish word "amante" meaning "lover."
11. **Amparo:** Meaning "protection" or "shelter" in Spanish.
12. **Andrada:** Originating from the Spanish word "andrada" meaning "from the place of the andradas" (a type of plant).
13. **Angeles:** Meaning "angels" in Spanish.
14. **Antonio:** From the Latin name "Antonius" meaning "priceless" or "worthy of praise."
15. **Aquino:** Derived from the Spanish word "aquino" meaning "from the place of the aquinos."
16. **Araneta:** Meaning "from the place of the aranetas," a type of plant.
17. **Arias:** From the Spanish word "arias" meaning "from the place of the arias."
18. **Arroyo:** Meaning "stream" or "brook" in Spanish.
19. **Asuncion:** Derived from the Spanish word "asunción" meaning "assumption" (of Mary into heaven).
20. **Avelino:** From the Latin name "Avelinus" meaning "hazelnut."
21. **Avila:** Originating from the Spanish word "ávila" meaning "from the place of the ávilas."
22. **Ayala:** Derived from the Spanish word "ayala" meaning "from the place of the ayalas."
23. **Bacani:** Meaning "from the place of the bacanis," a type of tree.
24. **Bagtas:** From the Tagalog word "bagtas" meaning "to cross" or "to pass through."
25. **Balajadia:** Derived from the Chamorro word "balajadia" meaning "from the place of the balajadia" (a type of bird).
26. **Baldovino:** Meaning "brave ruler" in Italian.
27. **Bautista:** From the Spanish word "bautista" meaning "baptist."
28. **Baylon:** Originating from the Spanish word "baylon" meaning "from the place of the baylons."
29. **Beltran:** Derived from the Spanish word "beltrán" meaning "from the place of the beltráns."
30. **Benedicto:** From the Latin name "Benedictus" meaning "blessed."
31. **Bernardo:** Meaning "brave as a bear" in German.
32. **Besa:** From the Tagalog word "besa" meaning "kiss."
33. **Blanco:** Meaning "white" in Spanish.
34. **Bonifacio:** Derived from the Latin name "Bonifacius" meaning "good faith."
35. **Borja:** Originating from the Spanish word "borja" meaning "from the place of the borjas."
36. **Bueno:** Meaning "good" in Spanish.
37. **Cabrera:** From the Spanish word "cabrera" meaning "from the place of the cabras" (goats).
38. **Cacho:** Derived from the Spanish word "cacho" meaning "horn" or "branch."
39. **Calderon:** Meaning "cauldron" in Spanish.
40. **Camacho:** From the Spanish word "camacho" meaning "from the place of the camacho" (a type of tree).