Last Names from Spain: A Comprehensive Guide to Spanish Surnames

Discover the rich history and meaning behind some of the most common and unique last names in Spain. This list offers a deep dive into the origins and significance of these surnames, providing a fascinating window into the cultural heritage of the Iberian Peninsula. From ancient roots to modern adaptations, explore the diverse tapestry of Spanish last names and uncover the stories they tell about their bearers.
1. **Alonso**: Meaning "son of Alonso", derived from the Germanic name "Aelred", meaning "noble counsel".
2. **Alvarez**: Meaning "son of Álvaro", a name of Germanic origin meaning "wise defender".
3. **Arias**: Meaning "son of Arias", derived from the Germanic name "Ari", meaning "eagle".
4. **Barros**: Meaning "clay", a topographic surname indicating origin from a place with clay soil.
5. **Bellido**: Meaning "warlike", derived from the Latin word "bellus", meaning "beautiful" or "handsome".
6. **Benitez**: Meaning "son of Benito", a name of Latin origin meaning "blessed".
7. **Blanco**: Meaning "white", a descriptive surname referring to the bearer's complexion or a location with white features.
8. **Cabrera**: Meaning "goat", a topographic surname indicating origin from a place with goats.
9. **Calvo**: Meaning "bald", a descriptive surname indicating the bearer's physical characteristic.
10. **Campos**: Meaning "fields", a topographic surname indicating origin from a place with open land.
11. **Cardenas**: Meaning "cardamom", a surname likely derived from the plant or a place associated with it.
12. **Carrillo**: Meaning "little cart", a surname likely related to a specific occupation or place.
13. **Castillo**: Meaning "castle", a topographic surname indicating origin from a place with a castle.
14. **Castro**: Meaning "castle", a topographic surname similar to "Castillo" but with a different origin.
15. **Diaz**: Meaning "son of Diego", derived from the Latin name "Didacus", meaning "teacher" or "instructor".
16. **Fernandez**: Meaning "son of Fernando", a name of Germanic origin meaning "brave defender".
17. **Garcia**: Meaning "son of García", a name of Germanic origin meaning "spear ruler".
18. **Gómez**: Meaning "son of Goma", a name of Germanic origin meaning "man" or "warrior".
19. **Gonzalez**: Meaning "son of Gonzalo", a name of Germanic origin meaning "battle-strong".
20. **Hernandez**: Meaning "son of Hernando", a name of Germanic origin meaning "strong and brave warrior".
21. **Jimenez**: Meaning "son of Jaime", derived from the Spanish name "Jaime", meaning "supplanter".
22. **Lopez**: Meaning "son of Lope", a name of Basque origin meaning "wolf".
23. **Martinez**: Meaning "son of Martin", derived from the Latin name "Martinus", meaning "warlike".
24. **Martin**: Meaning "warlike", derived from the Latin name "Martinus".
25. **Mendoza**: Meaning "mountain of gold", a topographic surname likely referring to a location with gold deposits.
26. **Miranda**: Meaning "lookout point", a topographic surname indicating origin from a high location offering a view.
27. **Moreno**: Meaning "dark", a descriptive surname referring to the bearer's complexion or a location with dark features.
28. **Navarro**: Meaning "shipyard", a topographic surname indicating origin from a place with a shipbuilding facility.
29. **Nunez**: Meaning "son of Nuño", a name of Germanic origin meaning "bold" or "audacious".
30. **Ortega**: Meaning "bear", a surname likely referring to a location associated with bears.
31. **Perez**: Meaning "son of Pedro", derived from the Latin name "Petrus", meaning "stone" or "rock".
32. **Prado**: Meaning "meadow", a topographic surname indicating origin from a grassy area.
33. **Ramirez**: Meaning "son of Ramiro", a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous counsellor".
34. **Rodriguez**: Meaning "son of Rodrigo", a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous ruler".
35. **Romero**: Meaning "pilgrim", a surname possibly referring to a person who made a pilgrimage to Rome.
36. **Ruiz**: Meaning "son of Ruy", a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous".
37. **Sanchez**: Meaning "son of Sancho", a name of Germanic origin meaning "holy man".
38. **Santos**: Meaning "saints", a surname possibly referring to a place associated with saints.
39. **Sanz**: Meaning "holy man", a surname similar to "Sanchez" but with a different origin.
40. **Silva**: Meaning "forest", a topographic surname indicating origin from a wooded area.
41. **Torres**: Meaning "towers", a topographic surname indicating origin from a place with towers.
42. **Valdez**: Meaning "son of Valdes", a surname of Germanic origin meaning "powerful ruler".
43. **Vargas**: Meaning "fields", a topographic surname similar to "Campos" but with a different origin.
44. **Vazquez**: Meaning "son of Vasco", a name of Basque origin meaning "strong" or "powerful".
45. **Vega**: Meaning "valley", a topographic surname indicating origin from a low-lying area.
46. **Velasquez**: Meaning "son of Velasquez", a surname likely derived from a type of sheep or a location associated with them.
47. **Vidal**: Meaning "life", a surname likely derived from the Latin word "vita", meaning "life".
48. **Villa**: Meaning "town", a topographic surname indicating origin from a place with a town.
49. **Villanueva**: Meaning "new town", a topographic surname indicating origin from a newly established town.
50. **Zapata**: Meaning "shoe", a surname likely related to a specific occupation or place.