100 Spanish Surnames List (Exploring Rich Heritage and History)

Spanish family names were first used in the Middle Ages to set themselves apart from other ethnicities. While some Spanish surnames have Latin origins, others have Germanic roots brought by the Visigoths between the fifth and seventh centuries. In reality, they typically use the last two surnames of their parents or grandparents, changing them depending on the situation and presenting them uncommonly in the Hispanic community – compound forms. Approximately 20% of the world’s population has a Spanish surname due to immigration and colonization. Popular Spanish last names can be ornamental, descriptive, matronymic, patronymic, occupational, or related to any specific occupation or place of residence, which becomes a component of an individual’s familial identity. This extensive list of Spanish surnames will assist you in understanding the Spanish surnames and is just as fascinating as the nation.

100 List of Most Common Hispanic Last Names:

Some Spanish surnames give an idea about the country’s rich history. The origin of Spanish last names also has a rich story behind them.

1. Garcia:

• Meaning: Derived from the name Garcia, which means “young” or “youthful” in Basque.
• Origin: The origin of the Spanish last name Garcia is from the Basque Country.
• Refers to: It refers to the descendants of someone named Garcia.
• Famous personality: Federico Garcia Lorca, a renowned Spanish poet and playwright.
• Geographical Footprint: Garcia is widely distributed throughout Spain but particularly common in regions like Galicia, Castile, and Andalusia.

2. Fernandez:

• Meaning: “Son of Fernando.” Fernando means “bold voyager” or “brave journey” in Old Germanic.
• Origin: It has Germanic origins but is widespread in Spain.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Fernando.
• Famous personality: Alejandro Fernandez, a famous Spanish singer.
• Geographical Footprint: Fernandez is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in Asturias, Cantabria, and Catalonia.

3. Rodriguez:

• Meaning: “Son of Rodrigo.” Rodrigo means “famous ruler” or “renowned power” in Old Germanic.
• Origin: Germanic roots, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: Indicates descent from someone named Rodrigo.
• Famous personality: Penelope Cruz Sanchez, a renowned Spanish actress and Oscar winner.
• Geographical Footprint: Rodriguez is widespread across Spain but particularly common in regions like Castile and Leon.

4. Lopez:

• Meaning: Derived from the Latin “Lupus,” meaning “wolf.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It possibly refers to someone associated with wolves or Lope.
• Famous personality: Enrique Lopez Perez, a prominent Spanish judge.
• Geographical Footage: Lopez is familiar throughout Spain, especially in regions like Asturias and Galicia.

5. Martinez:

• Meaning: “Son of Martinez.” Martinez is derived from the Latin “Martinus,” meaning “of Mars” or “war-like.”
• Origin: This is a royal Spanish surname from Latin roots, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Mart√≠n.
• Famous personality: Javier Martinez, a well-known Spanish football player.
• Geographical Footage: Martinez is widespread across Spain and is particularly common in regions like Navarre and La Rioja.

6. Sanchez:

• Meaning: “Son of Sancho.” Sancho is a given name derived from the Latin “Sanctus,” meaning “saintly” or “holy.”
• Origin: Latin roots, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It denotes patrilineal descent from someone named Sancho.
• Famous personality: Iker Casillas Fernandez, a renowned Spanish football goalkeeper.
• Geographical Footage: Sanchez is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Extremadura and Andalusia.

7. Perez:

• Meaning: This surname is derived from the given name Pedro, meaning “rock” or “stone” in Latin.
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: Indicates descent from someone named Pedro.
• Famous personality: Pablo Picasso, a world-renowned Spanish painter and sculptor.
• Geographical footprint: Perez is common across Spain but particularly prevalent in regions like Catalonia and Aragon.

8. Gomez:

• Meaning: Derived from the given name Gomes, which means “man” or “husband” in Gothic.
• Origin: Gothic in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with men or masculinity.
• Famous personality: Juan Jose Gomez Centurion, a Spanish politician.
• Geographical Footprint: Gomez is widespread across Spain, particularly in regions like Murcia and Valencia.

9. Diaz:

• Meaning: The meaning of the name is derived from the given name Diego, meaning “doctrine” or “teaching” in Hebrew.
• Origin: Hebrew in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: This royal Spanish surname Indicates descent from someone named Diego.
• Famous personality: Mariano Rajoy Brey, former Prime Minister of Spain.
• Geographical Footprint: The surname is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in Galicia and Asturias.

10. Alonso:

• Meaning: Derived from the given name Alfonso, meaning “noble and ready” or “noble and eager” in Gothic.
• Origin: Gothic in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Alfonso.
• Famous personality: Fernando Alonso, a renowned Spanish Formula One racing driver.
• Geographical Footprint: Alonso is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and Leon.

11. Ortiz:

• Meaning: Ortiz is an Old Spanish surname that is derived from the Latin word “fortis,” meaning “brave” or “strong.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It possibly relates to someone with attributes of bravery or strength.
• Famous personality: David Ortiz, a famous Spanish-American baseball player.
• Geographical Footprint: Ortiz is prevalent across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Castile.

12. Ruiz:

• Meaning: Derived from the Latin word “rodus,” meaning “famous” or “illustrious.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It indicates someone of illustrious or famous descent.
• Famous personality: Fernando Ruiz Hierro, a renowned Spanish footballer.
• Geographical Footprint: Ruiz is common throughout Spain, particularly in regions like Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha.

13. Ramirez:

• Meaning: Derived from the Germanic name “Ramiros,” meaning “famous counselor” or “wise protector.”
• Origin: Germanic roots, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It indicates someone of wise or noble descent.
• Famous personality: Sergio Ramírez, a famous Nicaraguan writer of Spanish descent.
• Geographical Footprint: Ramírez is widespread across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Murcia.

14. Jimenez:

• Meaning: Derived from the name Jimeno, which means “son” or “follower” in Basque.
• Origin: Basque in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It possibly refers to someone’s son or follower.
• Famous personality: Miguel de Jiménez, a notable Spanish mathematician.
• Geographical Footprint: Jiménez is prevalent throughout Spain, particularly in regions like Navarre and La Rioja.

15. Torres:

• Meaning: The surname Torres is derived from the Latin word “Turris,” meaning “tower” or “fortress.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with a tower or fortress.
• Famous personality: Fernando Torres, a well-known Spanish footballer.
• Geographical Footprint: Torres is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Catalonia and Valencia. Torres is also a surname commonly found in Catalan and Portuguese populations.

16. Dominguez:

• Meaning: It is derived from the Latin name “Dominicus,” meaning “belonging to the Lord” or “of the master.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may indicate someone belonging to the Lord or a master.
• Famous personality: Ana Belén Domínguez, a renowned Spanish actress.
  Geographical Footprint Domínguez is widespread across Spain, especially in regions like Galicia and Asturias.

17. Vazquez:

• Meaning: Derived from the Latin name “Vasquius,” meaning “Basque” or “from Gascony.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may indicate someone from the Basque region or Gascony.
• Famous personality: Javier Vázquez, a well-known Spanish baseball player.
• Geographical Footprint: Vázquez is prevalent throughout Spain, particularly in Galicia and Cantabria.

18. Reyes:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Rey,” meaning “king.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It indicates someone associated with royalty or kingship.
• Famous personality: José Reyes, a well-known Spanish baseball player.
• Geographical Footprint: Reyes is familiar across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

19. Molina:

• Meaning: Derived from the Latin word “molina,” meaning “mill” or “grinder.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with a mill or grinder.
• Famous personality: Luis Molina, a renowned Spanish physicist.
• Geographical Footprint: Molina is widespread across Spain, particularly in regions like Murcia and Valencia.

20. Sierra:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “sierra,” meaning “mountain range” or “saw.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a mountain range or saw.
• Famous personality: Martha Sierra, a famous Spanish artist.
• Geographical Footprint: Sierra is common throughout Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Aragon.

21. Herrera:

• Meaning: This Hispanic last name is derived from the Spanish word “Herrero,” meaning “blacksmith.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with blacksmithing.
• Famous personality: Juan Manuel Herrera, a renowned Spanish chef.
• Geographical Footprint: Herrera is prevalent across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and León.

22. Cordero:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “cordero,” meaning “lamb” or “sheep.” This
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with sheep or lamb.
• Famous personality: Mercedes Cordero, a famous Spanish biologist.
• Geographical Footprint: Cordero is common across Spain, especially in Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura regions.

23. Bravo:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “bravo,” meaning “fierce” or “courageous.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone with attributes of fierceness or courage.
• Famous personality: Juan Bravo, a historical figure and leader of the Castilian Revolt of the Comuneros.
• Geographical footprint: Bravo is widespread across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and Andalusia.

24. Iglesias:

• Meaning: We bet you have heard this surname before. The famous Hispanic last name is derived from the Spanish word “Iglesia,” meaning “church.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with the church.
• Famous personality: Julio Iglesias, a famous Spanish singer.
• Geographical footprint: Iglesias is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in Galicia and Asturias.

25. Rivas:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “río,” meaning “river.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a river or associated with rivers.
• Famous personality: Javier Rivas, a renowned Spanish architect.
• Geographical footprint: Rivas is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

26. Navarro:

• Meaning: Navarro is a habitational surname derived from the Spanish word “Navarro,” meaning “Navarrese” or “from Navarre.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It indicates someone from the region of Navarre.
• Famous personality: Jesús Navarro, a famous Spanish singer.
• Geographical footprint: Navarro is widespread across Spain but particularly common in regions like Basque.

27. Solís:

• Meaning:Solis is derived from the Spanish word “sol,” which means the “sun.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with the sun.
• Famous personality: Juan Manuel Solís, a renowned Spanish astronomer.
• Geographical footprint: Solís is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha.

28. Calvo:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “calvo,” meaning “bald” or “hairless.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone with a bald head or hairless appearance.
• Famous personality: Manuel Calvo, a famous Spanish politician.
• Geographical footprint: Calvo is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Catalonia and Valencia. It is also a Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian surname.

29. Paredes:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “pared,” meaning “wall.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near or associated with walls.
• Famous personality: María Paredes, a renowned Spanish architect.
• Geographical footprint: Paredes is widespread across Spain, especially in Galicia and Andalusia.

30. Vidal:

• Meaning: Vidal is derived from the Latin word “vitulus,” meaning “calf” or “young bull.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with calves or young bulls.
• Famous personality: José Vidal is a famous Spanish painterwith this surname.
• Geographical footprint: Vidal is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in Catalonia and Galicia.

31. Gallego:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Gallego,” meaning “Galician” or “from Galicia.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It indicates someone from the region of Galicia.
• Famous personality: Luis Gallego Martín, a renowned Spanish businessman.
• Geographical footprint: Gallego is common across Spain, particularly in Galicia and Asturias.

32. Aguilar:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Aguila,” meaning “eagle.”
• Origin: Aguilar is a surname that is Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with eagles.
• Famous personality: Rosa Aguilar Rivero, a famous Spanish politician.
• Geographical footprint: Aguilar is widespread across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

33. Pastor:

• Meaning: Pastor is an occupational rare Spanish last name derived from the Latin word “pastor,” meaning “shepherd.”
• Origin: It is derived from Latin and adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with shepherding or pastoral activities. Usually, the surname is given as a surname for the profession of religious activity.
• Famous personality: Raúl Pastor Medrano, a renowned Spanish journalist.
• Geographical footprint: Pastor is common throughout Spain, particularly Castile and Aragon.

34. Mendoza:

• Meaning: Mendoza is derived from the Basque words “mendi” and “hotz,” meaning “cold mountain.”
• Origin: Basque in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a cold mountain or from a place with that characteristic.
• Famous personality: Ignacio de Mendoza, a famous Spanish conquistador.
• Geographical footprint: Mendoza is prevalent across Spain, especially in regions like Navarre and La Rioja.

35. Carmona:

• Meaning: Derived from the Arabic word “qar,” meaning “red” and “munya” meaning “mine” or “ore.”
• Origin: Arabic influence, widespread in Andalusia.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with red minerals or mining.
• Famous personality: José Antonio Carmona, a famous Spanish flamenco singer.
• Geographical footprint: Carmona is common in southern Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

36. Castillo:

• Meaning: Castillo is derived from the Spanish word “Castillo,” meaning “castle” or “fortress.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with castles or fortresses.
• Famous personality: Ana Castillo is a renowned Spanish-American novelist with this surname.
• Geographical footprint: Castillo is widespread across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and Aragon.

37. Roman:

• Meaning: Roman is a beautiful Spanish surname derived from the Latin word “Romanus,” meaning “Roman.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with Rome or of Roman descent.
• Famous personality: José Antonio Román, a famous Spanish cyclist.
• Geographical footprint: Román is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Castile and León.

38. Delgado:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Delgado,” meaning “thin” or “slender.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone with a thin or slender physique.
• Famous personality: Carmen Delgado Vottero, a renowned Spanish physician.
• Geographical footprint: Delgado is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

39. Rubio:

• Meaning: It is derived from the Spanish word “Rubio,” meaning “blonde” or “fair-haired.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone with blonde or fair hair.
• Famous personality: Luis Rubio, a famous Spanish economist.
• Geographical footprint: Rubio as a surname is widespread across Spain, especially in regions like Valencia and Catalonia.

40. Pascual:

• Meaning: Derived from the Latin word “Paschalis,” meaning “related to Easter” or “Passover.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It may denote someone born or associated with Easter or the Passover.
• Famous personality: Pascual Madoz Ibáñez, a renowned Spanish historian.
• Geographical footprint: Pascual is common throughout Spain, particularly Catalonia and Aragon.

41. Morales:

• Meaning: Morales is derived from the Spanish word “moral,” meaning “mulberry tree” or “morals.”
  Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with mulberry trees or someone with strong morals.
• Famous personality: Luis Morales, a famous Spanish composer.
• Geographical footprint: Morales is prevalent across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

42. Benitez:

• Meaning: It is derived from the given name “Benito,” meaning “blessed” or “well-spoken,” possibly indicating someone with attributes associated with being blessed or well-spoken.
  Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone with attributes associated with being blessed or well-spoken.
• Famous personality: Julio Benítez, a famous Spanish football player.
• Geographical footprint: Benítez is widespread across Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

43. Esquivel:

• Meaning: Derived from the Basque word “eski,” meaning “to the left,” possibly indicating someone from the left-hand side or with attributes associated with the left.
• Origin:This surname is Basque in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone from the left-hand side or with attributes associated with the left.
• Famous personality: Juan de Esquivel, a renowned Spanish explorer.
• Geographical footprint: Esquivel is prevalent throughout Spain but particularly common in regions like the Basque Country and Navarre.

44. Vargas:

• Meaning: Derived from the Basque word “bargas,” meaning “elevated place” or “high ground,” possibly indicating someone living in a high place or with attributes associated with elevation.
• Origin: Basque in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living in a high place or with attributes associated with elevation.
• Famous personality: Javier Vargas, a famous Spanish musician.
• Geographical footprint: Vargas is common across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

45. Soler:

• Meaning: Derived from the Catalan word “soler,” meaning “ground” or “floor,” possibly indicating someone living on the ground floor or lower level of a building.
• Origin: Catalan in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living on the ground floor or associated with the ground.
• Famous personality: Joan Soler, a famous Spanish cyclist.
• Geographical footprint: Soler is common in regions like Catalonia and Valencia.

46. Belmonte:

• Meaning: This surname Belmonte is a popular Hispanic last name derived from the Latin words “bella,” meaning “beautiful,” and “monte,” meaning “mountain,” possibly indicating someone living near a beautiful mountain.
• Origin: Latin in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near or on a beautiful mountain.
• Famous personality: Enrique Belmonte, a renowned Spanish painter.
• Geographical Footprint: Belmonte is prevalent across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Castile-La Mancha.

47. Reyes:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Rey,” meaning “king.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It indicates someone associated with royalty or kingship.
• Famous personality: José Antonio Reyes, a famous Spanish footballer.
• Geographical Footprint: Reyes is familiar across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

48. Rios:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “río,” meaning “river.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a river or associated with rivers.
• Famous personality: Sergio Ríos, a renowned Spanish actor.
• Geographical Footprint: Ríos as a surname is standard and is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Galicia and Andalusia.

49. Navas:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “navaja,” meaning “knife” or “blade,” possibly indicating someone involved in knife-making or using knives.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with knives or blade-making.
• Famous personality: Jesus Navas, a famous Spanish footballer.
• Geographical Footprint: Navas is widespread across Spain but particularly common in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

50. Soto:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “soto,” meaning “grove” or “thicket,” indicating someone living near or within a grove or thicket.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near or within a grove or thicket.
• Famous personality: Maria del Mar Soto, a renowned Spanish actress.
• Geographical Footprint: Soto is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and Leon.

51. Flores:

• Meaning: Flores is a beautiful Spanish surname derived from the Spanish word “flor,” meaning “flower,” possibly indicating someone associated with flowers or a florist.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with flowers or flower cultivation.
• Famous personality: Diego Flores, a famous Spanish painter.
• Geographical Footprint: Flores is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

52. Peralta:

• Meaning: Derived from the Basque words “Berri,” meaning “new,” and “alta,” meaning “heights,” possibly indicating someone from a new settlement at a high altitude.
• Origin: Basque in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone from a newly established settlement at high altitudes.
• Famous personality: Carlos Peralta, a renowned Spanish filmmaker.
• Geographical Footprint: Peralta is common in regions like Navarre and the Basque Country.

53. Robles:

• Meaning:Robles is derived from the Spanish word “roble,” meaning “oak tree,” possibly indicating someone living near or associated with oak trees. It is a rare Spanish surname.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near or associated with oak trees.
• Famous personality: Maria Robles, a renowned Spanish architect.
• Geographical Footprint: Robles is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

54. Gonzalez:

• Meaning: Derived from the name Gonzalo, meaning “battle” or “war.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Gonzalo.
• Famous personality: Santiago Gonzalez, a famous Spanish tennis player.
• Geographical Footprint: Gonzalez is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and Leon.

55. Ferrer:

• Meaning: Ferrer is from the Latin word “ferrarius,” meaning “blacksmith,” indicating someone associated with blacksmithing or ironworking.
• Origin: Latin in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with blacksmithing or ironworking.
• Famous personality: Jose Ferrer, a renowned Spanish-American actor.
• Geographical Footprint: Ferrer is widespread across Spain but particularly common in regions like Catalonia and Valencia.

56. Estevez:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “este,” meaning “east,” indicating someone living or coming from the east.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living or coming from the east.
• Famous personality: Manuel Estevez is a renowned Spanish painter with this surname.
• Geographical Footprint: Estevez is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in Galicia and Andalusia.

57. Morales:

• Meaning: The surnameis derived from the Spanish word “moral,” meaning “mulberry tree” or “moral,”possibly indicating someone living near a mulberry tree or associated with moral values.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a mulberry tree or associated with moral values.
• Famous personality: Diego Morales, a famous Spanish football player.
• Geographical Footprint: Morales is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

58. Pacheco:

• Meaning: This rare Spanish surname is derived from the Latin word “pax,” meaning “peace,” possibly indicating someone associated with peace or peacemaking.
• Origin: Latin in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with peace or peacemaking.
• Famous personality: Juan Pacheco is a historical figure and Marquis of Villena.
• Geographical Footprint: Pacheco is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia and Murcia.

59. Vega:

• Meaning:The surname Vega is derived from the Spanish word “vega,” meaning “meadow” or “plain,” indicating someone living near or owning a fertile plain or meadow.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near or owning a fertile plain or meadow.
• Famous personality: Julio Vega, a renowned Spanish architect.
• Geographical Footprint: Vega is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Castile.

60. Casanova:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish words “casa,” meaning “house,” and “nueva,” meaning “new,” possibly indicating someone from a newly built house or settlement.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone from a newly built house or settlement.
• Famous personality: Miguel Casanova, a famous Spanish actor.
• Geographical Footprint: Casanova is common in regions like Valencia and Catalonia.

61. Montoya:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish words “monte,” meaning “mountain,” and “Yaya,” meaning “high,” possibly indicating someone from a high mountainous region.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone from a high mountainous region.
• Famous personality: Maria Montoya, a renowned Spanish painter.
• Geographical Footprint: Montoya is prevalent across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Aragon.

62. Alonso:

• Meaning: Derived from the Old Germanic name “Alfons,” meaning “noble and ready” or “noble and eager.”
• Origin: Germanic roots, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Alonso.
• Famous personality: Fernando Alonso, a well-known Spanish Formula One racing driver.
• Geographical Footprint: Alonso is common across Spain, particularly in Castile and Le√≥n regions.

63. Rivas:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Rio,” meaning “river,” possibly indicating someone living near a river or associated with rivers.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a river or associated with rivers.
• Famous personality: Juan Rivas, a renowned Spanish writer.
• Geographical Footprint: Rivas is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in Galicia and Andalusia.

64. Blanco:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “blanco,” meaning “white,” possibly indicating someone with fair or light complexion.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone with a fair or light complexion.
• Famous personality: Maria Blanco, a famous Spanish actress.
• Geographical Footprint: Blanco is common across Spain, especially in regions like Galicia and Asturias.

65. Acosta:

• Meaning: This Spanish surname is derived from ‘Costa,’ referring to a ‘riverbank.’
• Origin: The surname originated in Portugal, Italy, and Catalonia.
• Refers to: It may refer to someone who lived in the riverside. The descendants of this population might have inherited Acosta as their surname.
• Famous Personality: No known personality
• Geographical Footprint: the surname is majorly popular in Spain.

66. Fuentes:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Fuente,” meaning “fountain” or “source,” possibly indicating someone living near a fountain or water source.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a fountain or water source.
• Famous personality: Manuel Fuentes, a famous Spanish singer.
• Geographical Footprint: Fuentes is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

67. Ortega:

• Meaning: Derived from the Basque word “Ortz,” meaning “sky” or “height,” possibly indicating someone living in a high or elevated area.
• Origin: Basque in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living in a high or elevated area.
• Famous personality: Jose Ortega y Gasset, a renowned Spanish philosopher.
• Geographical Footprint: Ortega is prevalent across Spain, especially in the Basque and Navarre regions.

68. Molina:

• Meaning: Derived from the Latin word “molina,” meaning “mill” or “grinder.”
• Origin: Latin in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with a mill or grinder.
• Famous personality: Juan Ramon Molina, a famous Honduran-Spanish poet.
• Geographical Footprint: Molina is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Murcia and Valencia.

69. Salazar:

• Meaning: Derived from the Basque words “zal,” meaning “large” or “extensive,” and “har,” meaning “valley,” possibly indicating someone from a large valley.
• Origin: Basque in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone from a large valley.
• Famous personality: Martin Salazar, a renowned Spanish historian.
• Geographical Footprint: Salazar is prevalent in regions like the Basque Country and Navarre.

70. Marquez:

• Meaning: The surname is derived from the Spanish word “marques,” meaning “marquis” or “nobleman,” possibly indicating someone of noble descent.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone of noble descent.
• Famous personality: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a famous Colombian-Spanish author.
• Geographical Footprint: Marquez is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

71. Gomez:

• Meaning: Derived from the given name “Gomes,” which is of Visigothic origin, possibly meaning “man.”
• Origin: This one isVisigothic in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Gomes.
• Famous personality: Juan Carlos Gomez, a famous Spanish boxer.
• Geographical Footprint: Gomez is widespread across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and Leon.

72. Mendoza:

• Meaning: Derived from the Basque words “mendi,” meaning “mountain,” and “Hotz,” meaning “cold,” possibly referring to someone from a mountainous or cold region.
• Origin: The surname is Basque in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone from a mountainous or cold region.
• Famous personality: Eloy Mendoza, a renowned Spanish cyclist.
• Geographical Footprint: Mendoza is common in regions like La Rioja and Castile.

73. Del Valle:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish words “del,” meaning “of,” and “Valle,” meaning “valley,” indicating someone from a specific valley.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone from a specific valley.
• Famous personality: Jose Del Valle, a famous Spanish linguist.
• Geographical Footprint: Del Valle is prevalent across Spain, especially in regions with numerous valleys.

74. Hierro:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Hierro,” meaning “iron,” possibly indicating someone associated with ironworking or iron deposits.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with ironworking or iron deposits.
• Famous personality: Eduardo Hierro, a renowned Spanish sculptor, shares this surname.
• Geographical Footprint: Hierro is common across Spain, particularly in Asturias and Basque Country.

75. Duarte:

• Meaning: The surname Duarte is derived from the Old English name “Edward,” meaning “wealth” or “fortune.”
• Origin: English in origin, adopted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Edward.
• Famous personality: Juan Duarte, a famous Spanish architect.
• Geographical Footprint: Duarte is prevalent in regions like Catalonia and Valencia.

76. Cruz:

• Meaning: Cruz is a popular Spanish surname derived from the Spanish word “Cruz,” meaning “cross,” possibly indicating someone associated with Christianity or the Crusades.
• Origin: It is Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with Christianity or the Crusades.
• Famous personality: Ana Cruz, a famous Spanish politician.
• Geographical Footprint: Cruz is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in Galicia and Andalusia.

77. Palacios:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Palacio,” meaning “palace,” possibly indicating someone living near or associated with a palace.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near or associated with a palace.
• Famous personality: Maria Palacios, a famous Spanish architect.
• Geographical Footprint: Palacios is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Castile and Leon.

78. Guerrero:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “Guerrero,” meaning “warrior” or “fighter,” possibly indicating someone with a military or combative background.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone with a military or combative background.
• Famous personality: Marta Guerrero, a renowned Spanish actress.
• Geographical Footprint: Guerrero is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

79. Ortega:

• Meaning: Derived from the Basque word “Ortz,” meaning “slope” or “hillside,” possibly indicating someone living on or near a slope or hillside.
• Origin:This one surname is Basque in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living on or near a slope or hillside.
• Famous personality: Pablo Ortega, a famous Spanish architect.
• Geographical Footprint: Ortega is common in regions like Navarre and the Basque Country.

80. Medina:

• Meaning: Derived from the Arabic word “medina,” meaning “city” or “town,” possibly indicating someone from a city or town.
• Origin: Arabic in origin, widely adopted in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone from a city or town.
• Famous personality: Eva Medina, a renowned Spanish journalist.
• Geographical Footprint: Medina is prevalent across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Castile.

81. Roldan:

• Meaning: Derived from the Germanic name “Roland,” possibly meaning “famous throughout the land” or “renowned in the country.”
• Origin: Germanic in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It may denote patrilineal descent from someone named Roldan.
• Famous personality: Javier Roldan, a famous Spanish writer.
• Geographical Footprint: Roldan is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and Leon.

82. Palomo:

• Meaning: It is from the Latin word “palumbus,” meaning “pigeon” or “dove,” possibly indicating someone associated with pigeons or doves.
• Origin: Latin in origin, adapted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with pigeons or doves.
• Famous personality: Rosa Palomo, a renowned Spanish singer.
• Geographical Footprint: Palomo is widespread across Spain but particularly common in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

83. Estrella:

• Meaning:It is from the Spanish word “Estrella,” meaning “star,” possibly indicating someone associated with stars or celestial bodies.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with stars or celestial bodies.
• Famous personality: Jose Estrella, a famous Spanish actor.
• Geographical Footprint: Estrella is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Catalonia.

84. Soto:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “soto,” meaning “grove” or “thicket,” indicating someone living near or within a grove or thicket.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near or within a grove or thicket.
• Famous personality: Maria del Mar Soto, a renowned Spanish actress.
• Geographical Footprint: Soto is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and Leon.

85. Campos:

• Meaning: Derived from the Spanish word “campo,” meaning “field” or “countryside,” possibly indicating someone living in or associated with fields or countryside.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living in or associated with fields or countryside.
• Famous personality: Carlos Campos, a renowned Spanish fashion designer.
• Geographical Footprint: Campos is prevalent throughout Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Castile.

86. Jiménez:

• Meaning: Derived from the given name Jimeno, a variant of Simon, possibly indicating “listener” or “he who hears.”
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Jiménez.
• Famous personality: María Jiménez, a famous Spanish singer.
• Geographical Footprint: Jiménez is common across Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura.

87. De la Cruz:

• Meaning: “De la Cruz” translates to “of the Cross” in English. It likely originates from a family that lived near a crossroads, a cross-shaped landmark or had some association with Christianity.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It typically indicates a familial association with the Christian cross or a crossroads.
• Famous personality: Juan de la Cruz, a renowned Spanish poet and mystic.
• Geographical Footprint: De la Cruz is common throughout Spain, especially in regions with a strong Catholic heritage.

88. De Jesús:

• Meaning: “De Jesús” translates to “of Jesus” in English. It often signifies a family’s devotion to or association with Jesus Christ, Christianity, or the given name Jesus.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It typically indicates a familial association with Jesus Christ or Christianity.
• Famous personality: Ana de Jesús, a notable Spanish nun and writer.
• Geographical Footprint: De Jesús is widespread across Spain, particularly in regions with a significant Catholic population, such as Andalusia and Castile.

89. Fonseca:

• Meaning: The surname Fonseca is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin word “fons siccus,” meaning “dry spring” or “dry fountain.” It likely originated as a locational surname for someone living near a dry spring or fountain.
• Origin: Portuguese in origin, though also found in Spain.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a dry spring or fountain.
• Famous personality: Juan de Fonseca, a Spanish nobleman and diplomat.
• Geographical Footprint: Fonseca is found in regions across Spain, particularly in areas with historical ties to Portugal and Galicia.

90. Gasper/ Gaspar:

• Meaning: The surname Gasper is derived from the given name Gaspar, which has its roots in the
• Biblical name Caspar, one of the Three Wise Men who visited the infant Jesus. It means “treasurer” or “bearer of treasure.” This is also a Spanish-Jewish surname.
• Origin: Spanish and Portuguese in origin.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Gaspar or may signify a family’s Christian faith.
• Famous personality: Manuel Gaspar, a notable Spanish economist.
• Geographical Footprint: Gasper is common in Spain, Portugal, and regions influenced by Iberian culture.

91. Gordon:

• Meaning: Here is a popular Spanish surname. The surname Gordon is of Scottish origin, derived from the place name Gordon in the Scottish Borders. It likely originated as a locational surname for someone from Gordon.
• Origin: The origin of the Spanish last name Gordon is Scottish. The surname can also be found in
• Spain due to historical migrations and intermingling of cultures.
• Refers to: It typically indicates a familial association with the place name Gordon in Scotland.
• Famous personality: Jose Gordon, a Spanish chef and restaurateur.
• Geographical Footprint Gordon is less common in Spain thanin Scotland but can still be found, especially in regions with historical ties to Scotland.

92. Joaquin:

• Meaning: The surname Joaquin is derived from the given name Joaquin, which has Hebrew origins, meaning “God will establish.” It often refers to Saint Joachim, Saint Anne’s husband and the Virgin Mary’s father.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It indicates patrilineal descent from someone named Joaquin or may signify a family’s Christian faith.
• Famous personality: Manuel Joaquin, a renowned Spanish painter.
• Geographical Footprint: Joaquin is prevalent throughout Spain and is often associated with regions with strong Catholic traditions. These are some common Christian surnames.

93. Lago:

• Meaning: The surname Lago is derived from the Spanish word “lago,” meaning “lake.” It likely originated as a locational surname for someone living near a lake or in a place with “lago” in its name.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a lake or associated with a place named Lago.
• Famous personality: Maria del Lago, a notable Spanish poet.
• Geographical Footprint: Lago is common across Spain, particularly in regions with lakes or bodies of water.

94. Leo:

• Meaning: The surname Leo is derived from the Latin word “Leo,” meaning “lion.” It may have originated as a nickname or personal name based on lion characteristics, such as strength or courage.
• Origin: Latin in origin, adopted into Spanish.
• Refers to: It may denote someone with characteristics associated with lions, such as strength or courage.
• Famous personality: Antonio Leo, a renowned Spanish actor.
• Geographical Footprint: Leo is widespread across Spain, with no specific regional concentration.

95. Najarro:

• Meaning: The surname Najarro is of Spanish origin, possibly derived from the Arabic word “nahar,” meaning “river.” It may have originated as a locational surname for someone living near a river or in a place with “Najarro” in its name.
• Origin: Spanish in origin, possibly with Arabic influence.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a river or associated with a place named Najarro.
• Famous personality: Jose Najarro, a famous Spanish dancer.
• Geographical Footprint: Najarro is found throughout Spain, particularly in regions with historical Moorish influence.

96. Padron:

• Meaning: The surname Padron is of Spanish origin, derived from the Spanish word “Padron,” meaning “register” or “census.” It may have originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a registrar or census taker.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone associated with keeping registers or censuses.
• Famous personality: Elena Padron, a notable Spanish politician.
• Geographical Footprint Padron is prevalent throughout Spain, with no specific regional concentration.

97. Prado:

• Meaning: The surname Prado is derived from the Spanish word “Prado,” meaning “meadow” or “field.” It likely originated as a locational surname for someone living near a meadow or in a place with “Prado” in its name.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone living near a meadow or associated with a place named Prado.
• Famous personality: Francisco del Prado, a renowned Spanish artist.
• Geographical Footprint: Prado is common across Spain, particularly in regions with lush landscapes and agricultural areas.

98. Pinto:

• Meaning: The surname Pinto is of Spanish origin, possibly derived from the Latin word “pinctus,” meaning “painted” or “colored.” It may have originated as a nickname for someone with colorful or striking features.
• Origin: Spanish in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone with colorful or striking features.
• Famous personality: Clara Pinto, a famous Spanish singer.
• Geographical Footprint: Pinto is widespread across Spain, particularly in regions with diverse populations and cultural influences.

99. Sosa:

• Meaning: The surname Sosa is of Spanish origin and is believed to have originated from the region of Galicia. It may derive from the Galician word “soso,” meaning “dry” or “arid,” indicating someone from a dry or barren area. Alternatively, it could have originated as a patronymic surname meaning “son of Osorio.”
• Origin: Spanish, with roots in Galicia.
• Refers to: It may denote someone from a dry or barren area or indicate patrilineal descent from someone named Osorio.
• Famous personality: Juan Sosa, a notable Spanish historian.
• Geographical Footprint: Sosa is prevalent in Galicia and can also be found in other regions of Spain.

100. Sarto:

• Meaning: The surname Sarto is of Italian origin, derived from the Italian word “Sarto,” meaning “tailor.” It likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor or was involved in the garment-making industry.
• Origin: Italian in origin.
• Refers to: It may denote someone involved in tailoring or the garment-making industry.
• Famous personality: Alessandro Sarto, a renowned Italian fashion designer.
• Geographical Footprint: Sarto is less common in Spain than Italy but may be found in regions with historical Italian influence or significant Italian immigrant populations.

Spanish surnames are rich in linguistic, historical, and cultural significance and represent the country’s diverse heritage. Every surname has a story to tell about its ancestry, identity, and sense of belonging, ranging from patronymic origins to occupational associations and geographic features. These surnames have developed over centuries of migrations, conquests, and cultural exchanges, becoming entwined with Spain’s intricate web of customs. Spanish surnames, whether derived from Latin, Arabic, or other languages, are enduring historical connections that bind generations and communities throughout the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. These living legacies, not just names, continue to influence Spain’s dynamic cultural environment.

Disclaimer: This article’s information about Spanish surnames is based on etymological and historical research conducted up until the surname’s creation date. Despite our best efforts to guarantee accuracy, regional variations, linguistic evolution, and unique family histories may result in variations in surname meanings, origins, and associations. Surname interpretations can also differ depending on the cultural background and individual viewpoints. This material should not be regarded as authoritative or comprehensive; rather, it is meant only for general informational purposes. Those looking for more detailed information about a particular surname are urged to look into it further or speak with expert genealogists and historians.