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

Discover the rich tapestry of Cuban last names, tracing their origins and understanding their profound meanings. This comprehensive guide delves into the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Cuban surnames, offering insights into the history, heritage, and identity of the Cuban people. From Spanish and African roots to indigenous influences, Cuban last names provide a window into the vibrant past and present of this island nation.
1. **Abreu:** From the Basque word "Aberu", meaning "mouth of a river" or "opening".
2. **Acevedo:** Meaning "place of the olives", derived from the Spanish word "acebo".
3. **Acosta:** A Spanish surname derived from the word "costa", meaning "coast".
4. **Agüero:** Meaning "field of water", derived from the Spanish word "agua" (water).
5. **Alayón:** Possibly derived from the Arabic word "al-Ayun", meaning "the eyes" or "the springs".
6. **Alarcon:** From the Spanish word "alarcón", meaning "hawk".
7. **Albelo:** A Canarian surname, meaning "white hill".
8. **Albornoz:** Derived from the Spanish word "albornoz", meaning "a robe or cloak".
9. **Alejandro:** Of Greek origin, meaning "defender of mankind".
10. **Alfaro:** Derived from the Spanish word "alfarero", meaning "potter".
11. **Alonso:** A Spanish surname derived from the Germanic name "Aloysius", meaning "famous warrior".
12. **Alvarez:** Meaning "son of Álvaro", a Germanic name meaning "wise and powerful".
13. **Amador:** A Spanish surname derived from the word "amado", meaning "beloved".
14. **Arias:** Derived from the Latin word "Arias", meaning "of the air".
15. **Armas:** Meaning "weapons", derived from the Spanish word "arma".
16. **Arroyo:** From the Spanish word "arroyo", meaning "stream" or "brook".
17. **Barreto:** Derived from the Portuguese word "barreto", meaning "a type of cloth".
18. **Bautista:** Of Christian origin, meaning "baptized".
19. **Behar:** A Basque surname meaning "sheep".
20. **Beltrán:** A Spanish surname derived from the Germanic name "Baldric", meaning "bold ruler".
21. **Benítez:** Meaning "son of Benito", a Spanish name of Latin origin meaning "blessed".
22. **Blanco:** Meaning "white", derived from the Spanish word "blanco".
23. **Borges:** A Spanish surname derived from the word "borja", meaning "a type of vine".
24. **Cabrera:** Derived from the Spanish word "cabra", meaning "goat".
25. **Calderón:** From the Spanish word "calderón", meaning "cauldron".
26. **Calvo:** Meaning "bald", derived from the Spanish word "calvo".
27. **Campillo:** A Spanish surname meaning "small field".
28. **Campos:** Meaning "fields", derived from the Spanish word "campo".
29. **Cantero:** Derived from the Spanish word "cantero", meaning "stone cutter".
30. **Capó:** A Spanish surname meaning "hood".
31. **Carballo:** Derived from the Spanish word "carballo", meaning "oak tree".
32. **Carrasco:** From the Spanish word "carrasco", meaning "a thicket of trees".
33. **Casas:** Meaning "houses", derived from the Spanish word "casa".
34. **Castellanos:** From the Spanish word "castellano", meaning "from Castile".
35. **Castro:** Derived from the Spanish word "castro", meaning "fortress".
36. **Ceballos:** A Spanish surname of uncertain origin, possibly meaning "onion field".
37. **Cervantes:** From the Spanish word "cervantes", meaning "deer hunter".
38. **Chacón:** A Spanish surname of uncertain origin, possibly related to the word "chacona", meaning "a type of dance".
39. **Chávez:** Derived from the Spanish word "chávez", meaning "key".
40. **Cifuentes:** Meaning "sources of water", derived from the Spanish word "fuente".
41. **Coello:** A Spanish surname of uncertain origin, possibly meaning "rabbit".
42. **Colón:** Derived from the Spanish word "colón", meaning "dove".
43. **Correa:** From the Spanish word "correa", meaning "leather strap".
44. **Cortés:** Meaning "courteous", derived from the Spanish word "cortés".
45. **Crespo:** From the Spanish word "crespo", meaning "curly".
46. **Cruz:** Meaning "cross", derived from the Spanish word "cruz".
47. **Díaz:** Meaning "son of Diego", a Spanish name of Greek origin meaning "well-taught".
48. **Domínguez:** Meaning "son of Domingo", a Spanish name of Latin origin meaning "belonging to the Lord".
49. **Echevarría:** A Basque surname meaning "house of the sheep".
50. **Fernández:** Meaning "son of Fernando", a Germanic name meaning "peaceful journey".