Filipino Last Names: Common Surnames in the Philippines

Discover the fascinating world of Filipino last names, a rich tapestry of heritage and cultural significance. These surnames often reflect family lineage, historical events, and even the geographical origins of ancestors. Let's explore some of the most common Filipino last names and uncover the stories behind them.
1. **Aguilar:** A name of Spanish origin, Aguilar means "eagle" or "one who has an eagle's nest," symbolizing strength and nobility.
2. **Alvarez:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "son of Alvaro," a name that signifies "wise" or "warrior."
3. **Bautista:** Derived from the Spanish word "Bautista," meaning "baptized," this surname is linked to Christian faith and the sacrament of baptism.
4. **Bernardo:** A name of Germanic origin, Bernardo means "brave bear" or "strong as a bear," symbolizing courage and resilience.
5. **Cabrera:** This Spanish surname signifies "one who lives in a goatskin tent," a testament to the history of pastoralism and nomadic life.
6. **Calderon:** Of Spanish origin, Calderón means "cauldron" or "big kettle," evoking images of warmth and gathering.
7. **Camacho:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "one who walks with a staff," suggesting a journey and a focus on the path ahead.
8. **Campos:** From the Spanish word "campo," meaning "field" or "open country," this surname signifies connection to nature and the agricultural way of life.
9. **Carpio:** Of Spanish origin, Carpio means "carp," symbolizing perseverance and determination, as carp are known for their resilience.
10. **Castillo:** This surname, meaning "castle" in Spanish, reflects a sense of security, strength, and protection.
11. **Cruz:** Derived from the Spanish word "cruz," meaning "cross," this surname is linked to the Christian faith and its central symbol.
12. **David:** A name of Hebrew origin, David signifies "beloved" or "one who is loved," conveying a sense of affection and connection.
13. **De Guzman:** This surname, with Spanish roots, means "son of Guzman," a name that signifies "God's protection."
14. **Diaz:** Of Spanish origin, Diaz means "son of Diego," a name that signifies "wealthy" or "well-off."
15. **Domingo:** This surname, also from Spanish, means "Sunday," perhaps reflecting the day of birth or a significant event.
16. **Flores:** Derived from the Spanish word "flor," meaning "flower," this surname signifies beauty, grace, and vibrancy.
17. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, Garcia means "son of Garcia," a name that signifies "bear."
18. **Gomez:** Of Spanish origin, Gomez means "son of Gomo," a name that signifies "wealthy" or "powerful."
19. **Gonzalez:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "son of Gonzalo," a name that signifies "war" or "battle."
20. **Guerrero:** From the Spanish word "guerrero," meaning "warrior," this surname signifies strength, courage, and protection.
21. **Hernandez:** A surname of Spanish origin, Hernandez means "son of Hernando," a name that signifies "strong" or "brave."
22. **Jimenez:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "son of Jimeno," a name that signifies "dove" or "peaceful."
23. **Jose:** A name of Hebrew origin, Jose signifies "God will add" or "God will increase," conveying a sense of blessing and prosperity.
24. **Ledesma:** From the Spanish word "ledesma," meaning "wooded land" or "forest," this surname signifies connection to nature.
25. **Lopez:** Of Spanish origin, Lopez means "son of Lope," a name that signifies "wolf" or "brave."
26. **Magno:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "great" or "grand," conveying a sense of importance and significance.
27. **Manalo:** Of Spanish origin, Manalo signifies "victory" or "triumph."
28. **Marquez:** From the Spanish word "marques," meaning "marquis" or "nobleman," this surname reflects a sense of nobility and social status.
29. **Martin:** A name of Latin origin, Martin signifies "warlike" or "belonging to Mars," the Roman god of war.
30. **Martinez:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "son of Martin," signifying strength and bravery.
31. **Mateo:** A name of Hebrew origin, Mateo signifies "gift of God" or "gift from God," conveying a sense of gratitude and blessing.
32. **Mendoza:** From the Spanish word "mendoza," meaning "protector of the mountains," this surname signifies a connection to nature and a role of guardian.
33. **Mercado:** Of Spanish origin, Mercado means "market" or "marketplace," reflecting a sense of commerce and trade.
34. **Miranda:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "one who looks out" or "one who is watchful," suggesting a keen eye for the world.
35. **Montemayor:** From the Spanish words "monte" (mountain) and "mayor" (greater), this surname signifies a place of significance and prominence.
36. **Moreno:** Of Spanish origin, Moreno means "dark-skinned" or "brown," reflecting the diversity of skin tones in the Philippines.
37. **Morales:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "manners" or "ethics," suggesting a strong sense of morality and proper conduct.
38. **Munoz:** From the Spanish word "munoz," meaning "one who lives near a monastery," this surname signifies a connection to religious institutions and a spiritual way of life.
39. **Navarro:** Of Spanish origin, Navarro means "one who comes from Navarre," a historical region in Spain.
40. **Ocampo:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "field of oats," reflecting a connection to agriculture and the land.
41. **Oliveros:** From the Spanish word "olivero," meaning "olive tree," this surname signifies peace, prosperity, and resilience.
42. **Pacheco:** Of Spanish origin, Pacheco means "one who comes from the village," suggesting a connection to a specific community.
43. **Padilla:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "little meadow" or "small field," reflecting a connection to the countryside.
44. **Palma:** From the Spanish word "palma," meaning "palm tree," this surname signifies victory, peace, and prosperity.
45. **Perez:** Of Spanish origin, Perez means "son of Pedro," a name that signifies "rock" or "stone."
46. **Ramos:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "branches" or "twigs," reflecting a sense of growth and expansion.
47. **Reyes:** From the Spanish word "rey," meaning "king," this surname signifies royalty, leadership, and power.
48. **Rivera:** Of Spanish origin, Rivera means "riverbank" or "riverside," reflecting a connection to waterways and a sense of flow.
49. **Rodriguez:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "son of Rodrigo," a name that signifies "famous ruler."
50. **Romero:** From the Spanish word "romero," meaning "rosemary," this surname signifies remembrance, loyalty, and faithfulness.
51. **Santos:** Derived from the Spanish word "santo," meaning "saint," this surname is linked to religious devotion and the veneration of saints.
52. **Sandoval:** Of Spanish origin, Sandoval means "one who comes from the valley," suggesting a connection to a specific geographical location.
53. **Santiago:** From the Spanish name Santiago, meaning "Saint James," this surname reflects Christian faith and the apostle James.
54. **Sevilla:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, signifies "one who comes from Seville," a city in Spain known for its vibrant culture.
55. **Silva:** From the Spanish word "silva," meaning "forest" or "woods," this surname signifies a connection to nature and the natural world.
56. **Solis:** Of Spanish origin, Solis means "sun" or "sunlight," reflecting a sense of warmth, energy, and vitality.
57. **Torres:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "towers," signifying strength, defense, and prominence.
58. **Valdez:** From the Spanish word "valdez," meaning "one who comes from the valley," suggesting a connection to a specific geographical location.
59. **Valenzuela:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "one who comes from Valenzuela," a place known for its lush vegetation and abundance.
60. **Vargas:** Of Spanish origin, Vargas means "one who comes from the grasslands," reflecting a connection to the countryside and agricultural life.
61. **Vasquez:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "son of Vasco," a name that signifies "basque."
62. **Vega:** From the Spanish word "vega," meaning "meadow" or "pasture," this surname signifies connection to nature and agricultural life.
63. **Velarde:** Of Spanish origin, Velarde means "one who comes from the valley," suggesting a connection to a specific geographical location.
64. **Velasquez:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "one who comes from the land of the velasco," a place known for its abundance of birds.
65. **Vera:** From the Spanish word "vera," meaning "truth" or "authenticity," this surname signifies honesty and sincerity.
66. **Villa:** Of Spanish origin, Villa means "village" or "town," suggesting a connection to a community and a sense of belonging.
67. **Villanueva:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "new town" or "new village," reflecting a sense of innovation and progress.
68. **Villanueva:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "new town" or "new village," reflecting a sense of innovation and progress.
69. **Villar:** From the Spanish word "villar," meaning "village" or "town," suggesting a connection to a community and a sense of belonging.
70. **Villegas:** Of Spanish origin, Villegas means "one who comes from the village," suggesting a connection to a specific community.
71. **Virgen:** Derived from the Spanish word "virgen," meaning "virgin," this surname is linked to the Virgin Mary and religious devotion.
72. **Ybanez:** Of Spanish origin, Ybanez means "son of Ibanez," a name that signifies "son of Ivan," a name meaning "God is gracious."
73. **Zapata:** This surname, also of Spanish origin, means "shoemaker," reflecting a connection to a specific craft and trade.
74. **Zulueta:** From the Spanish word "zulueta," meaning "one who comes from the mountains," suggesting a connection to a specific geographical location.