They can add depth and dimension to a fictional characters identity, and can even be used as inspiration for real-life names. This is a surname with a lot of history. This Spanish surname is derived from the word Candela referring to a candle.. This ultimate guide of the most common Spanish last names with their meanings can inspire you to select one for your newborn baby or lead you to discover your ancestral roots. So, if you are fascinated by the countrys traditions and names, check out these Spanish last names that are not just distinctive but also carry a profound meaning. Here are some rare surnames with their meanings: Abernathy - Scottish surname meaning "mouth of the river Nethy" Baskin - Scottish surname meaning "little basin" Cromwell - English surname meaning "crooked stream" Darcy - Irish surname meaning "descendant of the dark one" Endicott - English surname meaning "dweller at the end of the cottage" I'm Jennely. Cervantes most commonly derives from the word servant or servandus, meaning one who cares for cattle. Cervantes was popularized by the novel Don Quixote, which is regarded as one of the pinnacles of literature and one of the worlds most translated books. Lopez is derived from the personal Latin name Lupus, meaning wolf. It was an honor to be named after the wolf, who is considered brave and cunning. Nassau The House of Nassau has provided rulers for Luxembourg and the Netherlands, and is also a cadet branch of the Belgian royal family. Another reference suggests it could have been derived from the Basque words asta and ur referring to rock and water respectively. Sosa is a variant of sousa and is derived from the Latin word salsus that refers to salty. It is also a toponymic name referring to people who lived near River Sousa. Espinosa a name that means thorny, possibly indicating an ancestor who lived in an area with many thorn bushes or had a prickly personality. There are towns named Herrera in Argentina and Panama and about 20 villages in Spain alone, making this one of the most popular Hispanic surnames. Habsburg The House of Habsburg was one of the most powerful royal dynasties in Europe, ruling over Austria, Spain, and many other territories for centuries. Tveiten Norwegian origin meaning meadow farm. In English, names ending in -son or beginning with Fitz-, O'-, or Mc-/Mac- are patronymics. Uncommon Hispanic last names These Hispanic surnames originate from Spanish-speaking countries. Atienza is an eponymous last name originated as a noble family name from the Manchego municipality (also called La Mancha) in Spain. Caro means beloved or dear in Spanish. In the 13th-century, the bearer would have owned a fortified castle or tower, giving Torres an air of nobility and grand history. Amari (): Refers to the universe or the world. One of the most enduring naming legacies of the Visigoth invasion was the Germanic name Raginmari, meaning famously wise. Ramirez is the Hispanic derivative of this legacy. Another suggestion is the name comes from the word alba meaning sunrise or white., This patronymic name means son of Alvaro. The word Alvaro is derived from Alpher which refers to army or warrior., Amador is a variant of the Latin word Amator referring to lover of God., Amaya is a toponymic surname referring to a village located in the Burgos province of Spain. I'm a qualified highschool teacher by profession and also have a master's degree in business management. Although a part of Scandinavia, Norwegians do not follow the same naming culture as the Scandinavians. Spanish last names are commonly heard around the globe. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Torrez is a variant of Torres, which is the plural of the word Torre meaning a tower in Spanish. Abarca Abarca is an occupational last name. Miranda refers to places in Spain and Portugal, meaning admired place. Miranda may also derive from the Spanish miralla, meaning lookout post. This is a communal name for people who hailed from a specific area. Garca - 1,378,000 people (3.48%) Pre- Roman, Basque. People who lived within sight of great fortresses might have used it as a landmark and later as a surname. Here are some uncommon Black last names with their meanings: Its worth noting that last names can have multiple meanings and origins, and may have evolved over time, so these meanings are not necessarily exhaustive or definitive. Some uncommon last names that start with each letter of the alphabet: These are just a few examples of uncommon last names that start with each letter of the alphabet. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Those with this name can likely trace their genealogy to a descendant named Alvaro. The name itself is probably from the Nahuatl achio meaning . This Spanish surname is a toponymic name derived from either Vadillo de la Sierra in Avila, Spain or Valillo de la Guarena in Zamora, Spain. Castellano is a variant of castilla or castro referring to a castle in Spanish. Some of the most interesting, rare Spanish last names include Talamantes, Zugasti, Gallegos, and Colon. Some uncommon European last names along with their meanings: Its worth noting that last names in Ireland can have multiple spellings and variations, and some may have evolved over time or been anglicized from their original Gaelic forms. There are several factors that can contribute to a last name being considered rare: Its important to note that what is considered a rare last name can vary depending on the context, culture, and geographic region in question. Magical, supernatural, and mystical names for your little stars. This toponymic surname refers to people belonging to Salamanca, a city situated in the northwestern part of Spain. Ordoez a name that means descendant of Ordoo, a common medieval Spanish name. Orti stems from the Basque fortis, meaning brave, or Latin fortunius, meaning fortunate. Ortiz is either a fortunate son or a brave one, either way, Ortiz is well-rooted in ancient history. Our. Rodriguez is phonetically derived from the term Rhyd-derch, which means powerful chief, and its easy to see why the name was adopted into the Spanish culture. Costa is the Spanish word for coast and can also refer to a riverbank or a slope., It is a plural of the Spanish word Costal, which means a sack or bag.. Here are some examples of fictional surnames: These fictional surnames are often memorable and have become iconic due to the popularity of the characters and media they are associated with. Yamamoto (): Refers to the root or base of a mountain. The Serrano family name is frequently found in the state of Nevada and can also be found in the Philippines and Italy. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Adriano is thus a toponymic surname. Some of the most beautiful Spanish surnames are descriptive names inspired by the names of places, animals, or physical traits. However, after marriage, women have the choice of adopting their husbands last names. This is a Spanish variant of Zechariah which means Yahweh or God in Hebrew. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hispanic cultures historically placed a high value on horses. Bigotes - Means "whiskers" Escarra - Means "left-handed" Ladrn - Means "thief" Lanzo - Means "to throw" Jaramillo is a Spanish toponymic last name referring to the name of a place located in the Burgos province of Spain. Sandoval would name their place of origin Sandoval because the land name denotes freshly cleared land. Finally, rare last names may also be invented by parents hoping to give their child an individualistic name that stands out from the crowd. German last names can have a variety of origins, including geographical, occupational, and personal names. There were many regions named Garza in Spain, and Garza may refer to the natives of the area. 2011 - 2023 MomJunction Private Limited. Orlandi a name that means from the land of gold, possibly indicating an ancestor who came from a place known for its gold reserves. While some Spanish last names are frequently heard throughout Spanish-centric regions, others are rarely ever heard. 4. The first surname generally comes from the father and is the primary family name, while the second (or last) surname comes from the mother. It combines the Spanish word sala meaning hall and the Basque word zahar meaning old. The name Salazar thus means old hall. The name may also be toponymic and refer to people originally from the town of Salazar in the Burgos province of Spain. It is derived from the Spanish word Ribera meaning river bank or shore., It refers to son of Rodrigo. The name Rodrigo comes from the name Roderick, which has Germanic origins and means famous power.. Serrano refers to someone who lives near a Sierra, the Spanish word for a saw-shaped mountain, and is derived from the Latin serrago. Serrano is thought to be a Castilian name from the mountains of Burgos. Ochoa is a Basque name found in Spain, France, and the Philippines and is the actual term for the wolf. This can be a given name and is the equivalent of the Spanish name Lope also meaning wolf.. The name is a plural of the word Varga, which in some Spanish dialects means a thatched hut or steep slope or a pastureland., The name comes from the Medieval Spanish and Old Basque word Velasco, which means a crow., Vega means a meadow in Spanish. This Spanish surname likely refers to a person who lived inside or near a tower.. The name of the place likely comes from Arabic in which it means the cherry., Alegria has Spanish and Portuguese origins and refers to joy or happiness., Alejo is derived from the ancient Greek name Alexis referring to helper, defender or protector.. It is a toponymic surname from Conteraras located in the Burgos province of Spain. You can ask us for more information or search here the oldest documented location of each surname. Likely, these villages were so named because they were built into baking hot depressions in the land. Marco is derived from the Latin word Marcus referring to the Roman God Mars.. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 5. Names are an important Spanish heritage, and thats why, unlike in Western culture, women dont lose their names when they get married; instead, they add their spousal name to their own, giving them two last names. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. This toponymic name refers to a city called Toledo in central Spain. Maehara (): Refers to a field in front of a village or town. Battenberg This was the surname adopted by a branch of the British royal family in 1917, and was later changed to Mountbatten in 1947. This means that Smith is held by around 1.5% of the US population. Glcksburg The current ruling family of Denmark, the House of Glcksburg, has held the throne since 1863. Guerrero is one of the revered Spanish/Hispanic last names steeped in history. Navarro describes a former resident of the kingdom of Navarre, a plain between France and Spain, which gets its name from the Basque nava, meaning plain near the mountains. Being a small region, it served as a distinctive differentiator for anyone who traveled from there. Jimeno was most likely used in Spain before the 5th-century when it became Jimeno. Heres a list of some uncommon Greek last names: Its worth noting that the rarity of a last name can depend on various factors, including its geographic distribution, historical origins, and demographic trends. Morales became the name of several Spanish towns. It is a variant of the name Gutierrez, which is a patronymic Spanish surname meaningson of Gutierre. The name Gutierre has Germanic origins and likely means he who rules or ruler of the army.. Talamo is the bridal bed, and the suffix ante brings back medieval times when marriages were made for alliances. Windsor The current royal family of the United Kingdom, who were originally known as Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, changed their name to Windsor in 1917. Common Hispanic Last Names. Ovchinnikov derived from the word ovchinnik, meaning shepherd or herder. Solis stems from several villages throughout Spain named from the root word soler., Soto denotes a thicket or grove on a river bank which conjures images of beautiful Spanish rural countryside. Before this, people traveled so little that they called all Italians by this description simply because they didnt know any other Italian place names. Every countrys people have a unique tradition or a naming system for their surnames. Perhaps one of your ancestors took in its shade centuries ago! 13 Ways for Busy Moms to Sneak in Some Me Time Moments. Your email address will not be published. Determining the most uncommon last names is a difficult task as it can vary depending on the population and geographical area being considered. Velasco, derived from vigila, which ironically meant alert, was a playful take on the reputation people likened to crows. Other variants of the name are Espino, Espinosa or Espinoza., It is the Spanish form of the name Stephen, which comes from the Greek word Stephanos referring to a crown.. Spanish last names are derived from family names, occupations, and places of birth, or some are also descriptive surnames. Fernandez is a Spanish patronymic last name referring to son of Fernando or son of Ferdinand. Ferdinand has several origins and means a brave journey., It is a surname of Italian, Spanish and Catalan origin. Below is a list of some uncommon last names: These names are not commonly found in certain populations or geographical areas, which makes them unique and distinct. Gutierre is thought to derive from the Germanic name Gunthair, which means battle sword. The sons of someone named Battle Sword likely came from a line of warriors or fighters. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our. Abarca Abarca is an occupational surname referring to 'maker of leather shoes'. But the country, located in Southeast Asia, is . It likely referred to people with red hair or complexion. MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. The topographical name refers to people who lived near a mountain ridge or chain of hills.. When did Spanish start using surnames? It is derived from the Basque word Etxeberria referring to the new house.. It is a variant of the name Silveira, which comes from the Portuguese word Silva referring to woods or a woodland., Solano is a toponymic surname referring to those who belonged to any of the many places called Solano in Spain. Ruiz a name that means famous wolf, indicating a familys association with the wolf or the wolfs qualities of strength, cunning, and ferocity. They can add interest and uniqueness to a persons identity, and reflect the diversity of Australias population. List Of Common Spanish Surnames Or Family Names. Dolgov a name that means long-haired, possibly indicating an ancestor with long hair. It is a nickname likely given to a quarrelsome person or someone who is engaged in warfare. This surname refers to a spacious fort.. Pinto refers to colorful or painted. It is also a toponymic surname derived from the name of a place called Pinto in Madrid. Achio Spanish (Latin American) Possibly derived from the town, Achio, near Guadalajara in Mexico. 6. It means thorn in Spanish and is referred to people who lived near a thorny bush. List Of Common Spanish Surnames Or Family Names 1. Velasquez is the Spanish variation of Velasco derived from Germanic roots. Alba Spanish From a Spanish nickname meaning "white". Romero refers to pilgrim to Rome. The word Romero also refers to the rosemary plant in Spanish. The longest single Spanish family name is Larizubirrementeria-Legarretaechebarria, which is 39 characters. Traditional Spanish names are intriguing and have been used in various parts of the world for generations. It seems like it could be meant to affectionately describe someone frail or delicate. Bel was the name of a king in the Babylonian Empire. It is a topographic Spanish surname and denotes a person who belongs to several places named Araya or Araia in Spain. Most people were serfs (agricultural laborers) or citizens under a Lord or King, and they took their names from where they lived, mostly in rural areas. The Hispanic double surname system traces back to the nobility class of Castile in the 16th century. Cruz means cross and denotes a person who lives near the crossroads.. Naming your little one after your favorite GOT character will also add them to the fan club. Maksimov derived from the first name Maksim, which means greatest or largest. It is derived from Esquerra, which is the Catalan word for left-handed. This name was probably used to refer left-handed people. Carrera is a toponymic surname and refers to thoroughfare or someone living by a main road., It is the plural version of the Spanish word Casa, which means house.. It is derived from the Greek word Andreas, and this Spanish surname means a man or masculine., It is related to the surname Andrada. Andres comes from the Greek word Andreas meaning a man, manly or masculine.. Be intentional quotes are a great way to remind ourselves to be present and purposeful in life. (Or sometimes it's just something you pick up when you get married. Martinez means son of Martin. The name Martin comes from the Roman name Martinus, which refers to the Roman God Mars. Many names trace their roots back hundreds of years to noble lineages, painting vivid pictures of history and the Mediterranean way of life. Reyes originated from the word Rey referring to a king in Spanish. Last Name. Quezada a name that means fortified place, possibly indicating an ancestor who lived in or owned a fortified area or castle. Duran stems from the medieval word durand, meaning to endure, which was given as a first name and later adopted as a last name. Echeverria - a place Etxeberria in the Basque country. It denotes someone of a free and courageous disposition. This surname may have originally referred to people with dark or brown hair. Cabello - a knight. Orleans The House of Orleans is a branch of the Bourbon dynasty, which has provided several rulers for France over the years. Garza may have been given as a nickname to someone with long legs, like a heron, but it can also translate to a bird. The word guerre is common to many language bases but is unusually not Latin. Manage Settings Rivas were dwellers on the river or along river embankments. Gonzalo derived from the Visigoth term meaning battle elf or savior. Gonzales was given to the sons of Gonzalo and conjures images of mighty battles and heroic deeds. This is a popular toponymic surname in Spain and likely referred to people who lived in villages surrounded by thickets or groves or a forest., Suarez refers to son of Suero. The name Suero is derived from the Medieval Spanish word Sueris meaning an army.. Del Campo - the person from the field. Regardless of the roots and origins of a Spanish surname, they all have a common quality of beauty and a story behind them. Later, descendants became Jimenez, or son of Jimeno., Juarez is a medieval last name and is thought to have been a remnant of the Visigoth occupation, stemming from the term sur hari, meaning south army. The Latin word suerius is possibly the root of Suero and means swine herder.. Rivera - river bank, shore. By Antonia Leonard May 31, 2022 Uncommon Spanish last names Abarca - maker of leather shoes. The name is derived from the word Rojo meaning red in Spanish. The maker of these shoes was referred to as Abarca. (2). People bearing this name were those who came from those regions. Mendez derives from the medieval name Menendo, meaning whole sacrifice. It is said to have stemmed from the personal name of a Visigoth royal who converted to Christianity and was canonized, forever cementing his name into Hispanic history. People named Salinas shaped their identity based on their proximity to these natural landmarks. The maker of these shoes was referred to as Abarca. Andreu is the Catalan version of Andrew, which again comes from Andreas. It can also mean anyone from one of the many places named Campos throughout Spain. Though the name was Jewish, non-Jews kept the name after Jews were expelled from Spain in the 15th-century. All rights reserved. Guerrero could also be of Jewish origin, emanating from the Jewish communities within Spain and Portugal. Maybe it is more literal, with a definition of a physical characteristic. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. For Hispanics, it became Perez and was often given to those who were cornerstones or supportive of their communities or churches. Cantu is a toponymic last name referring to the town of Cantu in Italy. Hoberg (German, Danish Origin) - It is a geographical last name. This last name is derived from the name of a place called Abalos located in the Soria province of the Basque country. Let your child's teacher know they are appreciated with these thoughtful sentiments to include in a teacher thank you note! Below are some uncommon Korean last names, along with their meanings: Note: The meanings are based on the Hanja characters used in the name, which are Chinese characters used in written Korean. Here are some uncommon German last names along with their meanings: These names often reflect the familys occupation or origin, providing a glimpse into their cultural heritage. It is likely to have been derived from the name of a field which denoted the cultivation of a special variety of wheat.. Bernardo is related to Bernat, and it means Bernard too. Aguado (Spanish origin) - meany 'watery'. Guerra was likely given as a nickname for a soldier or someone who liked to fight like one. Gallegos was the term for a native of Galicia, a kingdom of Spain. The ez suffix in Spanish last names refers to a patronymic naming system that followed the Visigothic invasion. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood. Figueroa may also have meant someone who sold statuettes for religious rites or decoration. Abaroa Philippines: Many Filipinos have Hispanic first names and surnames, a legacy of the Philippines' history as a Spanish colony for three centuries. Cruz and words related to the Latin Crux have originated all over Europe and applied to the ancient devotional symbol of the cross. This last name comes from the Bible and means father of many in Hebrew. Lara also descends from a noble lineage of Gothic kings from Castile in Spain. They may represent a historical occupation of a person's ancestors, character traits, or geographic locales. It derives from the Latin ramus, meaning shoots, outgrowth, and could have been used to refer to a prominent landmark near a persons home. Overall, the rarity of a last name is less important than the personal connection and cultural significance it holds for you and your family. Mendoza could mean Son of a mountain dweller. Mendoza is used as a place name in Argentina, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Mareno is a variant of Moreno, which means dark or brown in Spanish. 33 Teacher Thank You Notes From Parents to Show Your Appreciation. Iglesias - Plural of the Spanish word for church. Estrada is another toponymic surname that refers to street or road in Spanish. Ferreira is a toponymic surname referring to someone who lived or worked near a forge of ironworks., It is derived from the word Florence or Florentia. This surname means prosperous or flourishing., It means son of Floro. The name Floro comes from the Latin word Flos meaning flower., This is a toponymic surname derived from Latin and refers to people who lived near a dry spring., Frontera is a geographical last name referring to boundary or frontier., It is the plural version of the Spanish word Fuente, which means a spring, fountain, or a well.. Rodriguez may have originally meant one with red hair, after the Germanic Visigoths coloring, but it became closely associated with Christianity in the 7th-century. It is likely derived from the Spanish word Camera referring to a chamber or room., It is the Spanish word for bell. This Spanish occupational last name refers to the maker of bells.. Mesia was a small village where inhabitants fled during the Moorish invasion, escaping to regions where they would later set sail for the Americas. A topographic name, Asturias is the name of a place in Spain. Those who lived near borders, or trevena in old English, often took the name Trevino back with them to their villages. Uncommon or rare last names are often interesting and varied in origin. The process of researching your last name can be a fascinating activity for a family and a great way to bond and understand your roots more deeply. Names are also considered unique due to their meaning. Reyes might have been given as a nickname for a person who had a kingly manner, derived from the Latin rex, which means king. It could also refer to someone who played a king in pageants and festivals. They may also have variations or alternate spellings, depending on the language or region in which they are used. A last name that is rare in one country or language may be more common in another. One of the most widely used Christian names, Petros, meaning the rock, has derivatives in every European language. Santoro a name that means saint, indicating a familys religious beliefs or association with a particular saint. Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Garcia is the most popular Spanish last name in the top 50 most common last names worldwide, reaching 47th place. This is a spelling variant of Villanova referring to a new settlement., Villas is derived from Villads or Willihad, which comes from Old German and refers to a will for a battle or a desire for combat., Yanez is a patronymic surname referring to son of Juan. The name Juan is the Spanish variant of the name John, which has its origins in Hebrew and means Yahweh is gracious.. Abreu is a common Spanish surname especially with those of Portuguese and Sephardic Jewish descent. MomJunction provides content for informational purposes only. Homola (Czech, Slovak Origin) - Originates from 'homole', meaning 'cone'. Trujillo is a toponymic Spanish surname referring to a town of the same name in Spain. Rivas is a toponymic surname for someone who came from any of the several places called Rivas or Ribas in Spain. Arabic last names are usually indicative of a family's ancestry and culture. Michael. The name Michael comes from Hebrew and means who is like God., It means son of Sancho. The name Sancho comes from the Late Latin word Sanctius, which means saintly or holy., It is a combined form of the name Saint Anna. The word Anna is derived from the Hebrew word Hannah, which means favor or grace. Santana may also be a toponymic name referring to people who lived near the church of St.Anna., It means saints in Spanish. This is derived from the name of a province called Avila, in the present-day community of Castile and Leon in Spain. The surname Escudero comes from the word escudero, meaning shield carrier or assistant. This surname was given to those with this job. Zugasti is only carried by 20 people in Mexico and has a Basque origin, meaning a grove of elm trees.. It is a toponymic surname referring to the name of a town in Spain. Spaniards have spread across the globe for hundreds of years, taking their names with them and creating new combinations through marriage and births all the time. Alfaro also means a watchtower in Arabic. Belize: Formerly British Honduras, Belize is the only Central American country that does not have a "Spanish culture" and is not Spanish speaking. Names are a wonderful way to start knowing about a country. This was similar to the feasting halls depicted in Hun legends. Get ideas for selecting a name for your child that is truly one-of-a-kind and special. Perhaps it referred to a bright and luminous person. It is derived from the Basque word abaro which means refuge., Originated from the Basque language, this Spanish surname refers to priests street., This name originated from the Basque word abas meaning priests meadow., Abel is a Spanish surname derived from the Hebrew name Hevel referring to breath.. In this case, the name derived from Villa, a combination of Visigoth words for vigilant and war, giving the bearer quite a fierce reputation. 2. It is the combination of two Basque words arri meaning stone and ola meaning a house.. 8 Parachute Games for Kids Filled With High-Flying Fun. This is a toponymic last name derived from the name of a place called Etxeberria situated in the Basque country of Spain. Moler means to grind in Spanish, and Molina is derived from molino, the medieval word for miller. Molina originated in Castile, no doubt because the region has historically produced the most wheat in Spain, so they needed plenty of Molinas!