Last Name in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide to Meaning and Origin

Looking for the meaning behind your Spanish last name? In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the fascinating world of Spanish surnames, exploring their diverse origins and rich meanings. From ancient roots to modern adaptations, Spanish last names offer a window into history, culture, and family heritage. Join us as we unravel the stories behind these unique identifiers, providing a detailed look at the diverse meanings associated with each name.
1. **Acosta:** From the Basque word "akosta," meaning "high place" or "hillside."

2. **Aguilar:** Meaning "eagle's nest" or "eagle's crag," derived from the Latin "aquila."

3. **Alarcón:** A combination of the Arabic "al" (the) and "ar-qurun" (the horn), possibly referring to a location with a prominent rock formation.

4. **Alba:** Meaning "dawn" or "white," derived from the Latin "alba."

5. **Alberdi:** From the Basque word "alberdi," meaning "slope" or "hillside."

6. **Alcázar:** Meaning "castle" or "fortress," derived from the Arabic "al-qasr."

7. **Alejandro:** Spanish form of the Greek name "Alexandros," meaning "defender of men."

8. **Alfaro:** From the Arabic "al-far," meaning "the horse," likely referring to a place where horses were bred or kept.

9. **Alonso:** Spanish form of the Germanic name "Alwin," meaning "noble friend."

10. **Alvarez:** Meaning "son of Alvaro," a common Spanish name derived from the Germanic "Alfwari."

11. **Amado:** Meaning "beloved" or "loved," derived from the Latin "amatus."

12. **Andrade:** A combination of the Portuguese "andrade" and the Galician "ande," both meaning "rocky place."

13. **Angulo:** Meaning "angle" or "corner," derived from the Latin "angulus."

14. **Antonio:** Spanish form of the Roman name "Antonius," meaning "priceless."

15. **Arias:** From the Latin "Arias," meaning "of the air."

16. **Arroyo:** Meaning "stream" or "brook," derived from the Spanish "arroyo."

17. **Ayala:** A Basque name meaning "oak grove" or "oak forest."

18. **Badillo:** From the Spanish word "badillo," meaning "a small cup" or "a small container."

19. **Barajas:** A Spanish word meaning "shuffle" or "mix," possibly referring to a place where cards were played or gambling took place.

20. **Barranco:** Meaning "ravine" or "gorge," derived from the Spanish "barranco."

21. **Barrera:** Meaning "barrier" or "fence," derived from the Latin "barra."

22. **Benitez:** Meaning "son of Benito," a Spanish name derived from the Latin "Benedictus."

23. **Blanco:** Meaning "white" or "fair," derived from the Latin "blancus."

24. **Botello:** A Spanish word meaning "barrel" or "cask," possibly referring to a place where wine or other liquids were stored.

25. **Bravo:** Meaning "brave" or "courageous," derived from the Spanish "bravo."

26. **Bueno:** Meaning "good" or "well," derived from the Latin "bonus."

27. **Cabrera:** From the Spanish word "cabra," meaning "goat," possibly referring to a place where goats were herded or kept.

28. **Calderón:** A Spanish word meaning "cauldron" or "kettle," possibly referring to a place where metals were smelted or worked.

29. **Camacho:** A Spanish word meaning "leather jacket" or "coat," possibly referring to a place where leather goods were made or sold.

30. **Campos:** Meaning "fields" or "plains," derived from the Latin "campus."

31. **Cano:** From the Spanish word "cano," meaning "canoe" or "small boat," possibly referring to a place near a river or lake.

32. **Carrillo:** Meaning "small cart" or "wagon," derived from the Latin "carrus."

33. **Castillo:** Meaning "castle" or "fortress," derived from the Latin "castellum."

34. **Castro:** Meaning "castle" or "fort," derived from the Latin "castrum."

35. **Ceballos:** From the Spanish word "ceballo," meaning "young goat" or "kid."

36. **Cervantes:** Meaning "deer" or "stag," derived from the Latin "cervus."

37. **Chavez:** From the Spanish word "chave," meaning "key," possibly referring to a place where keys were made or sold.

38. **Cifuentes:** Meaning "fountains" or "springs," derived from the Latin "fons."

39. **Cisneros:** From the Spanish word "cisne," meaning "swan," possibly referring to a place where swans were seen or lived.

40. **Colón:** From the Spanish word "colón," meaning "column" or "pillar," possibly referring to a place with a prominent column or structure.