Last Names in Puerto Rico: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the rich tapestry of last names in Puerto Rico, a reflection of the island's history and cultural heritage. From Spanish influences to indigenous roots, explore the diverse origins and meanings behind some of the most common surnames found in the island. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the linguistic nuances and cultural significance of these last names, offering insights into the vibrant and multifaceted heritage of Puerto Rico.
1. **Acevedo:** From the Spanish word "acevedal," meaning "grove of holm oaks."
2. **Acosta:** Descendant of a person who lived near a coastal area.
3. **Aguilar:** From the Spanish word "aguila," meaning "eagle."
4. **Alarcón:** From the Spanish word "al-arcón," meaning "the chest."
5. **Albizu:** From the Arabic word "al-biz," meaning "the hawk."
6. **Alejandro:** From the Greek word "Alexandros," meaning "defender of men."
7. **Alers:** Of German origin, meaning "noble."
8. **Alicea:** From the Spanish word "alice," meaning "noble."
9. **Alonso:** From the German word "Aelward," meaning "noble strength."
10. **Alvarado:** From the Spanish word "alvarado," meaning "alight or illuminated."
11. **Alvarado:** From the Spanish word "alvarado," meaning "alight or illuminated."
12. **Andino:** From the Spanish word "andino," meaning "mountainous."
13. **Angueira:** From the Portuguese word "angueira," meaning "eel."
14. **Aponte:** From the Spanish word "aponte," meaning "pointer."
15. **Arana:** From the Spanish word "arana," meaning "spider."
16. **Arroyo:** From the Spanish word "arroyo," meaning "stream."
17. **Avilés:** From the Latin word "avila," meaning "bird."
18. **Ayala:** From the Spanish word "ayala," meaning "falcon."
19. **Baez:** From the Spanish word "baez," meaning "low."
20. **Balaguer:** From the Spanish word "balaguer," meaning "castle."
21. **Barreto:** From the Spanish word "barreto," meaning "bearded."
22. **Bautista:** From the Latin word "baptista," meaning "baptizer."
23. **Bejarano:** From the Spanish word "bejarano," meaning "from Béjar."
24. **Belén:** From the Hebrew word "bethlehem," meaning "house of bread."
25. **Berríos:** From the Spanish word "berrio," meaning "meadow."
26. **Blanco:** From the Spanish word "blanco," meaning "white."
27. **Bonilla:** From the Spanish word "bonilla," meaning "little good."
28. **Cabrera:** From the Spanish word "cabra," meaning "goat."
29. **Calderón:** From the Spanish word "calderon," meaning "cauldron."
30. **Camacho:** From the Spanish word "camacho," meaning "leather worker."
31. **Campos:** From the Spanish word "campo," meaning "field."
32. **Candelaria:** From the Spanish word "candelaria," meaning "candlelight."
33. **Cardona:** From the Spanish word "cardona," meaning "thistle."
34. **Carrasquillo:** From the Spanish word "carrasquillo," meaning "small oak."
35. **Carrillo:** From the Spanish word "carrillo," meaning "cart."
36. **Castillo:** From the Spanish word "castillo," meaning "castle."
37. **Castro:** From the Spanish word "castro," meaning "fortress."
38. **Cepeda:** From the Spanish word "cepeda," meaning "brushwood."
39. **Cestero:** From the Spanish word "cestero," meaning "basket maker."
40. **Cintrón:** From the Spanish word "cintrón," meaning "girdle."