It is derived from the word Matthew meaning gift of Yahweh in Hebrew. Spanish started using last names in the tenth century and increased in number post the 13th and 15th centuries (3). Andreu is the Catalan version of Andrew, which again comes from Andreas. Finally, rare last names may also be invented by parents hoping to give their child an individualistic name that stands out from the crowd. Our. Vivacious Redneck names originating from the community's love for freedom and nature. It is derived from the Basque word aitz that means rock or stone.. Santoro a name that means saint, indicating a familys religious beliefs or association with a particular saint. They eventually reached as far as Switzerland and Mexico, where it is in the top 50 most common names. Perhaps one of your ancestors took in its shade centuries ago! Battenberg This was the surname adopted by a branch of the British royal family in 1917, and was later changed to Mountbatten in 1947. These names can help tell us about the history of a family and its members; for instance, someone with the surname Smith might be descended from a blacksmith. 33 Teacher Thank You Notes From Parents to Show Your Appreciation. It is a topographic Spanish surname and denotes a person who belongs to several places named Araya or Araia in Spain. Aburto Basque, Spanish, Spanish (Mexican) The surname Aburto is a topographic name from Basque aburto 'place of kermes oaks', from abur 'kermes oak' + the locative suffix -lo. Try these simple 'me time for moms' activities to get the recharge you need! Santos - saint, holy. 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. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider. A topographic name, Asturias is the name of a place in Spain. This Spanish last name is derived from the word alamillo that means a poplar tree or aspen.. Alberto is derived from the word Albert referring to noble or bright., This is a toponymic last name derived from the name of a Basque town called Aldats referring to a slope.. 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. Guzman stems from a nobleman who sacrificed his sons life to save a town. Common Hispanic Last Names. Yoshida (): Refers to a lucky or fortunate rice field. Valente a name that means valiant or courageous, indicating a familys values or reputation for bravery. American actress and four-time Golden Globe Award nominee Cameron Diaz is a famous bearer of this last name. formal surname changes documented in local court records are relatively rare. Required fields are marked *. The meanings of last names can often provide insight into the familys background, occupation, and cultural heritage. People who were given this nickname were often angry, sulky, or hard-headed. Some name definitions are interesting and unusual. The Visigoths left an imprint on Hispanic culture in the 5th-century, notably their names. Acosta is a great surname for a coast-loving family. This name is derived from the Latin name Vitalis, which comes from the Latin word Vita meaning life.. The Basque origins of Vasquez are thought to have been a nickname for people who showed the cunning characteristics of the vela or crow. Thought to be a teasing nickname, it nevertheless stuck and spread with the wandering of the Basque people. This leather was available only on the Balearic Island, Spain. 2. Espinoza descended from several regions in Spain, which were likely named in Latin, and called espino, meaning hawthorn. Many pedigreed people carried this name through history, bringing it to the U.S. in the 1500s. Galindo derived from the Germanic name Walah, meaning foreigner or stranger. If you are lucky enough to have a last name like one of these, 90 Witty Halloween Party Names for Spooky Vibes, If you're throwing a ghostly party this All Hallows' Eve, you'll have to compete with at least a few other events on the same night. Sebastin Gutirrez was the Venezuelan film director and screenwriter who wrote Gothika and Snakes on a Plane. The maker of these shoes was referred to as Abarca. People with fathers named Diego became Diaz or son of Diego.. Timofeev derived from the first name Timofey, which means honoring God or fearing God. This likely started as a personal name meaning man and later became a surname with the noble meaning son of man.. But the country, located in Southeast Asia, is . Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. You can find variants of Guerra in all Hispanic countries. Urena derives from the Basque word uranga, meaning water place. The original location of the area in Salamanca is now deserted, but the city thrives and is known for its majestic views of the Tormes river. Last names that are derived from a person's occupation are found in many countries around the world, and Spain is no exception. Before this, people traveled so little that they called all Italians by this description simply because they didnt know any other Italian place names. 115+ Cool Last Names With a Powerful, Creative Vibe. For Hispanics, it became Perez and was often given to those who were cornerstones or supportive of their communities or churches. 13 Ways for Busy Moms to Sneak in Some Me Time Moments. Chepurnoy a name that means curly-haired, possibly indicating an ancestor with curly hair. Trombetta a name that means little trumpet, possibly indicating an ancestor who played a musical instrument or had a loud, commanding voice. Serrano a name that means from the mountains, indicating a familys origin in a mountainous region. Get ideas for selecting a name for your child that is truly one-of-a-kind and special. Aguilar derives from the Latin aquilare, meaning place of the eagles or haunt of the eagles. Its root is shared with the Arabic Aguiar, and both originate from a Jewish origin, coming from the Mozarabic knight of Toledo who hailed from the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th-century. Basurto means middle of the forest. It is also a toponymic surname which refers to the name of a place in the Basque country. Its worth noting that the rarity of a last name can also vary depending on the country or region in question, so the relative rarity of your last name may be different in other parts of the world. Bernadotte The current ruling dynasty of Sweden, the House of Bernadotte, has been in power since 1818. Determining the most uncommon last names is a difficult task as it can vary depending on the population and geographical area being considered. It could also mean someone who is capable, intelligent, and vigilant, similar to its Latin root word, habilis.. Some name definitions are interesting and unusual. Another reference suggests it could have been derived from the Basque words asta and ur referring to rock and water respectively. (Or sometimes it's just something you pick up when you get married. This toponymic name is derived from the name of a place in Spain. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Bel was the name of a king in the Babylonian Empire. The exact origin of Garcia is unknown, but its believed to have originated from the Basque hartz, meaning bear. Garcia also refers to the sons of Gerald, a name meaning rulers of the spear, which evokes imagery of conquerors and explorers. These names can be unique and distinctive, and often have interesting meanings that reflect their cultural and historical origins. Ovchinnikov derived from the word ovchinnik, meaning shepherd or herder. The names might be traditional or unique. To come from the Villareal, a royal estate, meant that the bearer would likely have some connection with the crown, and it was thus a name denoting nobility and prestige. Bernardo is related to Bernat, and it means Bernard too. Those who lived near borders, or trevena in old English, often took the name Trevino back with them to their villages. Avila stems from the verb avilar, derived from the Latin word evigilare. Avila is both a city and province in Spain, known for being temperate and fertile. It is derived from Emmanuel, which means God is with us in Hebrew. This Spanish last name means of the cross or of the crossroads likely referring to someone who lived at crossroads. Son of Diego. Nassau The House of Nassau has provided rulers for Luxembourg and the Netherlands, and is also a cadet branch of the Belgian royal family. A Spanish child will also take on the surname of their mother and father. Alvarado derives from the Arabic al-barrada,meaning a wall of small stones, or albar, meaning hilly, whitish lands. People who lived near this landmark, notably gothic knights who fought the moors, were referred to by their homes built in these white, hilly places. The name itself is probably from the Nahuatl achio meaning . The following two tabs change content below. Camacho existed in the pre-Christian era and is thought to come from the Gaelic term camb, which means disfigured. Camacho is also a gender-neutral first name and is believed to come from the nickname for the Linnet Robin bird. Flores stems from Latin, during the Roman occupation of Spain and Italy, which changed when the Visigoths defeated Rome. Lebedev derived from the word lebed', meaning swan. This last name is derived from Hadria that was the name of Roman settlements. Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Fajardo a name that means belted, possibly indicating an ancestor who wore a belt or had a profession that required a belt. They can add uniqueness and interest to a persons identity, and reflect the diversity of Canadas population. Zugasti is only carried by 20 people in Mexico and has a Basque origin, meaning a grove of elm trees.. Tapia refers to a mud wall or wall in Spanish. Volkov derived from the word volk, meaning wolf. 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. There are many such groves in the Iberian Peninsula; one oak has been growing for over 1,200 years. The Valientes hailed from an area in Spain known as little Valencia or Valenzuela. The area grew and became the site of many conflicts, which is possibly why people from the area were described as brave. Talamantes descend from the village of Borja, which has a population of less than 5,000. Abello is derived from the Latin name Abellio who is also referred to as a Pyrenean god. Talamo is the bridal bed, and the suffix ante brings back medieval times when marriages were made for alliances. The word is also thought to possibly derive from the Sephardic word Mesia, which means Messiah and could be a name bestowed by a priest. Abarca Abarca is an occupational last name. Fuentes, or fountains, were widespread in Spain, especially in the Fuentes region. Ordoez a name that means descendant of Ordoo, a common medieval Spanish name. Palmero is a toponymic surname referring to someone from the city of Palma in Spain. Freimuth (German Origin) - Originating from Middle High German, 'vr and muot' means 'mind spirit'. 6. Deleon is locational and was given to the lord of a piece of land and adopted by the people who worked the land. 2. I'm a qualified highschool teacher by profession and also have a master's degree in business management. Padilla was the name of several villages and is derived from the Latin patella, referring to a cooking pan for making bread. Ortega - nettle plant. Iturbe a name that means on the path, possibly indicating an ancestor who lived near or owned a path or roadway. Dominguez was given to people who were sons of men named Domingo, a Spanish language version of Dominic. Torres is a very cosmopolitan last name. Fernandez is the son of Fernando or Ferdinand, which is a given name made up of Germanic words for protection, journey, and ready. Fernandez had brave and adventurous ancestors who likely took their fathers name boldly across the seas. This last name is derived from the name of a place called Abalos located in the Soria province of the Basque country. Nakamura (): Refers to a central village. 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! Someone nicknamed Maldonado could have had unfortunate facial features but may also derive from the Catalan maldar, which means to strive. Either way, this name likely meant a descendant gave it their best effort. We won't send you spam. This Spanish surname means of the rose. It may have been a reference to someone who grew roses or lived near a field of roses. Rivera - river bank, shore. Allard derived from the Germanic personal name Alard, meaning noble strength., Desrochers means of the rocks or rocky., Morin derived from the personal name Morino, meaning dark-skinned., Nadeau means new or of recent origin., Tremblay means trembling or shaking.. The maker of these shoes was referred to as Abarca. It is derived either from the Latin word nonus meaning ninth or nunnus meaning grandfather., Ortega is a Spanish surname referring to the plant called nettle or urtica., It means son of Orti. The name Orti may have been derived from the Latin word Fortis, which means brave, strong or powerful., Padilla in Spanish refers to a small frying pan or a bread pan., Padron is a toponymic last name referring to a town in the Galicia province of Spain. Talamantes hailed from a village in Zaragoza and is exotic, even by Hispanic measures. Abreu is a common Spanish surname especially with those of Portuguese and Sephardic Jewish descent. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood. 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. 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.. Does your last name allude to the quality of strength? Luna refers to one who comes from an open courtyard- a habitational name in Aragonese, a Spanish dialect. It is a toponymic last name referring to the name of a town in Segovia province of Spain. Those with this name can likely trace their genealogy to a descendant named Alvaro. In other cultures, different letter combinations signify the "son of" meaning. It is derived from Costa referring to riverbank in Portuguese. Trinidad refers to trinity or holy trinity in Spanish. It is important to note that the popularity and rarity of last names can change over time due to factors such as immigration, intermarriage, and cultural assimilation. Nikonov derived from the first name Nikon, which means victor or conqueror. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. What Are Rare Hispanic Last Names? Rivas is often used with a place name to create a patronymic name, for example, Rivas-Vaciamadrid, referring to a community in Madrid. Bridal chambers were central to social advancement. It is predominantly found in Catholic areas today. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. These were not fence-sitters; the name referred to close residences to stones or boundary markers. Spanish last names sometimes point to personality traits, characteristics and qualities, and physical attributes. This toponymic surname refers to people belonging to Salamanca, a city situated in the northwestern part of Spain. Thus, Lorenzo is a toponymic surname. Giudice a name that means judge, indicating that the family may have had a member who was a judge or had some association with the legal system. It is related to the Spanish word Morera, which means a mulberry tree. However, after marriage, women have the choice of adopting their husbands last names. Sala is an occupational surname referring to a worker at a manor house.. Someone with Dominguez as their last name most likely had a religious ancestor. 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. Amari (): Refers to the universe or the world. Perhaps it referred to a bright and luminous person. Rare and uncommon last names are those that are not frequently found in a given population or geographical area. Jimeno was most likely used in Spain before the 5th-century when it became Jimeno. It is derived from a Roman name. Saeki (): Refers to a place near a river or stream. The surname is toponymic and refers to a dweller in the meadow., It comes from the Spanish word Vela, which means sail or it may even refer to its other meaning that is being watchful.. 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. German last names can have a variety of origins, including geographical, occupational, and personal names. It is a toponymic surname derived from the name of a town in Spain. However, here are some examples of rare and uncommon last names: These are just a few examples of rare and uncommon last names from various cultures and regions. Pizarro a name that may derive from pica y arroja meaning stab and throw, possibly indicating an ancestor who was skilled in fighting. For example, in German and Scandinavian countries, the letter combinations "son" and "sen" were added to last names to decipher when someone was the son of another. It is a variant of Joachim. This surname in Hebrew refers to lifted by God or lifted by Yahweh., It is an occupational last name derived from the Latin word Suerius referring to an army., La Torre is a Spanish surname that means a tower., Lago is a toponymic surname referring to a lake or someone who lived by a lake., Lanzo is derived from an Old Germanic word landa referring to land., Leo originated from a Latin word that refers to a lion., This patronymic surname refers to son of Lope. The name Lope comes from the Latin word Lupus meaning a wolf.. 3. Hispanic last names, known as appelidos, have rich meanings, often from a mix of cultures, lifestyles, and languages. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The singer Enrique Iglesias is a famous bearer of this surname. Abaroa Derived from the word Abaro, Abaroa means 'refuge'. Orlandi a name that means from the land of gold, possibly indicating an ancestor who came from a place known for its gold reserves. Alba Spanish From a Spanish nickname meaning "white". Arabic last names are usually indicative of a family's ancestry and culture. Spanish director, artist, and animator Alberto Mielgo, football players Alberto Moreno and Alberto Noguera are some popular namesakes. Who knew a parachute could bring so much fun? Abarca Abarca is an occupational surname referring to 'maker of leather shoes'. Rubio is the Spanish word for blond and originally may have referred to people with blond hair or lightly-colored hair. Here are ten uncommon British last names for you to consider: Here are some uncommon Japanese last names with their meanings: Below are some Italian uncommon last names with their meanings: Here are some rare French last names along with their meanings: These are just a few examples of uncommon French last names. Tineo is a toponymic last name for someone from the place called Tineo in the Asturias province of Spain. Having originated in Argentina, this word is an expression of hey and evolved as a Spanish surname. Achio Spanish (Latin American) Possibly derived from the town, Achio, near Guadalajara in Mexico. Sanchez is used as a given name and surname. They are quite unique. Prado is the Spanish word for a meadow., Puerta is the Spanish word for a door or gate. It is a toponymic last name referring to people who lived near the gates of a town., Real is derived from a Southern French word meaning Royal.. Aguinaldo derived from the Spanish word aguinaldo, meaning Christmas bonus or gift. 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. It is derived from the Spanish word arena referring to sand., It is derived from the Basque word Aritz meaning an oak tree., This name is derived from the German word Herman and refers to an army man., It is a variant of the name Armendariz, which comes from the Latin word armentarius meaning a herdsman., It is derived from the Latin word armenta that refers to herd., This Spanish last name is a variant of Arriola that originated in Basque. A variant of Castilla or Castellano, this surname refers to a castle.. Magical, supernatural, and mystical names for your little stars. Solis means sun and plot and is the namesake of old, beautiful, sunny places to dwell. 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. Cruz means cross and denotes a person who lives near the crossroads.. It is borrowed from the Galician word for oak tree. It is likely a toponymic Spanish surname for someone who lived by an oak tree or an oak forest. Some of them have disappeared over the years due to the system of transmission of the paternal and maternal surnames used for centuries in Spain. Candella - chandler, candlemaker. Agua in Spanish means water. It refers to someone who lives or works near water. List Of Common Spanish Surnames Or Family Names. These names are less common than Garcia or Rodriguez, but they are just as interesting to discover. Robles were not just any forest dwellers; they lived near the oak groves. Morales identifies people living by natural landmarks, such as mulberry bushes. Dolgov a name that means long-haired, possibly indicating an ancestor with long hair. 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. 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.. Egorov derived from the first name Yegor or Georgy, which means farmer or earth-worker. Figueroa may also have meant someone who sold statuettes for religious rites or decoration. Estrada is another toponymic surname that refers to street or road in Spanish. Salas is a plural of Sala referring to a person who works at a manor house.. Espinosa a name that means thorny, possibly indicating an ancestor who lived in an area with many thorn bushes or had a prickly personality. Martinez means son of Martin. The name Martin comes from the Roman name Martinus, which refers to the Roman God Mars. Medina and Ortega are common geographical Hispanic surnames and there are numerous towns in the Spanish speaking world bearing these names. Manage Settings Hispanic cultures historically placed a high value on horses. Aiza Spanish, Basque From Basque aitz meaning "rock, stone". 1. Zolotov a Russian last name that means golden, it is rare outside of Russia and neighboring countries. Being the son of Nuno was quite a privilege in medieval times. Asis is the Spanish name for Assisi. Frolov derived from the first name Frol, which means happy or merry. It is also worth noting that a names rarity may change over time as naming trends and immigration patterns shift. This patronymic Spanish surname is derived from the name of Jesus. Salas stems from Sal and refers to a hall or family room, traditionally a meeting place for villages or families. Kappel means chapel or small church., Lohmann means man from the clearing in the woods., Cai () meaning vegetable garden or vegetable patch, Fang () meaning square or right angle, Guo () meaning outer wall or enclosure, Hu () meaning barbarian or foreigner, Jiang () meaning ginger or aromatic, Lai () meaning rely on or depend on, Shen () meaning to sink or to submerge, Tai () meaning place name or surname of an ancient official, Zhang () meaning chapter or section, Akande Yoruba origin meaning first born, Ayodele Yoruba origin meaning joy has come home, Chisom Igbo origin meaning God accompanies me, Ezeudu Igbo origin meaning king of the people, Ifeanyi Igbo origin meaning nothing is impossible with God, Iheanacho Igbo origin meaning what I have been looking for, Ijeoma Igbo origin meaning safe journey, Olumide Yoruba origin meaning my God has come, Onyekachi Igbo origin meaning who is greater than God?, Osei Akan origin meaning noble or honorable, Alderisi Italian origin meaning son of Aldo, Baudouin French origin meaning bold friend, Calovski Slavic origin meaning son of a blacksmith, Diercks German origin meaning ruler of the people, Eilertsen Scandinavian origin meaning son of Eilert, Fjellstrom Swedish origin meaning stream from the mountain, Gudmundsdottir Icelandic origin meaning daughter of Gudmund, Htta Norwegian origin meaning risk taker, Ildefons Spanish origin meaning eager for peace, Jaskiewicz Polish origin meaning son of Jasko, Kjellberg Swedish origin meaning mountain stronghold, Leijonhufvud Swedish origin meaning lions head, Mllerup Danish origin meaning mill farm, Nesheim Norwegian origin meaning headland home, Petkova Bulgarian origin meaning son of Petko, Qvarnstrom Swedish origin meaning mill stream, Rantala Finnish origin meaning place of the border, Sandsten Swedish origin meaning sandstone. 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. Some of the most beautiful Spanish surnames are descriptive names inspired by the names of places, animals, or physical traits. Many of these special surnames have interesting stories behind them. The bearer of the Estrada name once held land in Spain, and the name is taken from the Latin strata, meaning street or road. Estrada was passed down during the Middle Ages and likely meant the bearer had a prominent ancestor in their ancient history.