Most Common Last Names in Mexico: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering the most common last names in Mexico unveils fascinating insights into the country's history, culture, and heritage. This comprehensive list delves into the origins and meanings of the most prevalent surnames, providing a window into the rich tapestry of Mexican identity. From indigenous roots to Spanish influences, these names tell compelling stories of families and communities across generations.
1. **García:** Meaning "son of Garcias," it is derived from a Germanic name meaning "spearman."
2. **Rodriguez:** Meaning "son of Rodrigo," it originates from a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
3. **Hernández:** Meaning "son of Hernando," it derives from a Germanic name meaning "ruler of the army."
4. **López:** Meaning "son of Lope," it originates from a Germanic name meaning "wolf cub."
5. **González:** Meaning "son of Gonzalo," it derives from a Germanic name meaning "warfare."
6. **Martínez:** Meaning "son of Martín," it originates from a Latin name meaning "warlike."
7. **Pérez:** Meaning "son of Pedro," it originates from a Latin name meaning "rock."
8. **Sánchez:** Meaning "son of Sancho," it originates from a Germanic name meaning "holy warrior."
9. **Ramírez:** Meaning "son of Ramiro," it derives from a Germanic name meaning "famous counselor."
10. **Torres:** Meaning "towers," it refers to a place name.
11. **Flores:** Meaning "flowers," it is a popular surname throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
12. **Gómez:** Meaning "son of Gomo," it derives from a Germanic name meaning "man."
13. **Jiménez:** Meaning "son of Jaime," it originates from a Germanic name meaning "supplanter."
14. **Castro:** Meaning "castle," it refers to a place name.
15. **Reyes:** Meaning "kings," it is a popular surname throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
16. **Vázquez:** Meaning "son of Vasco," it originates from a Basque name meaning "servant."
17. **Romero:** Meaning "pilgrim," it refers to a person who makes a pilgrimage.
18. **Moreno:** Meaning "dark-skinned," it refers to a person's complexion.
19. **Alonso:** Meaning "son of Alonso," it originates from a Germanic name meaning "noble."
20. **Ruiz:** Meaning "red," it refers to a person's hair color.
21. **Alvarez:** Meaning "son of Álvaro," it originates from a Germanic name meaning "wise."
22. **Morales:** Meaning "morals," it refers to a person's ethical character.
23. **Santos:** Meaning "saints," it is a popular surname throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
24. **Cruz:** Meaning "cross," it refers to a religious symbol.
25. **Rivera:** Meaning "riverbank," it refers to a place name.
26. **Villa:** Meaning "village," it refers to a place name.
27. **Ortiz:** Meaning "son of Ortíz," it derives from a Germanic name meaning "bear."
28. **Mendoza:** Meaning "mountain of the Moors," it refers to a place name.
29. **Guerrero:** Meaning "warrior," it refers to a person's profession.
30. **Díaz:** Meaning "son of Diego," it originates from a Spanish name meaning "rich."
31. **Valdez:** Meaning "valley of the Moors," it refers to a place name.
32. **Miranda:** Meaning "to look," it refers to a person's physical appearance.
33. **Herrera:** Meaning "ironworker," it refers to a person's profession.
34. **León:** Meaning "lion," it is a popular surname throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
35. **Bravo:** Meaning "brave," it refers to a person's character.
36. **Vargas:** Meaning "garden," it refers to a place name.
37. **Vega:** Meaning "meadow," it refers to a place name.
38. **Maldonado:** Meaning "badly named," it refers to a person's name.
39. **Sosa:** Meaning "salty," it refers to a type of plant.
40. **Fuentes:** Meaning "springs," it refers to a place name.