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Mexico is the country where most Spanish-speaking people live (1). As a result, most popular Mexican surnames are either derived from Spanish or have originated in Spain.
Mexicans inherit two surnames: the first is their father’s last name, whereas the second is their mother’s. This trend ensures that surnames exist for at least two generations. Moreover, the parents of the child have the liberty to choose the father’s or the mother’s last name as their child’s surname. Understanding the cultural significance of these surnames reflects a rich heritage that traces back to the Spanish colonization of Mexico. This historical context shapes not only the names themselves but also the identities of those who carry them.
This post brings you a list of the most common Mexican last names, their meanings, and origins.
Naming Conventions In Mexico
Mexican names follow Spanish naming customs, with individuals having personal names followed by their father’s paternal surname and their mother’s paternal surname. People may have two personal names, but the first is typically used alone. The father’s surname is commonly used as the primary surname, while women may modify their names after marriage by adding their husband’s paternal surname with ‘de.’
List Of Popular Mexican Surnames Or Last Names
This list includes some of the most popular Mexican surnames, along with their meanings and origins. These names not only serve as identifiers but also weave a tale of ancestry and cultural heritage.
1. Aguilar
This surname was first found in Castile, an important Christian kingdom of medieval Spain. It refers to the person who lived in a region called Aguilar. The name comes from the Latin word ‘Aquilare’ meaning ‘eagles’ lair.’
2. Aguirre
It denotes any of the several places reflecting open spaces or pastures. This is derived from the Basque word ‘Ager’ meaning ‘prominent’ or ‘exposed place.’
3. Arellano
It refers to a place named Arellano in the Navarre region of Spain. The name comes from the Latin name ‘Aurelianus’ meaning ‘farm or the estate of Aurelius.’
4. Ayala
It is a toponymic surname for someone from the town of Ayala/Aiara in the province of Basque country in Spain. It is derived from the Basque elements ‘ai’ meaning ‘hillside’ or ‘slope’ and ‘alha’ meaning ‘pasture.’
5. Bernal
It is the Spanish variant of the name ‘Baruch,’ which means ‘blessed’ in Hebrew.
6. Barrera
It is the Spanish word for ‘barrier.’ It refers to a family that lived by a gate or fence or any other barrier.
7. Becerra
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This refers to a high-spirited person and is derived from the Spanish word ‘becerra’ meaning a ‘young cow.’
8. Beltran
It is derived from the Germanic personal name that is composed of the Old Germanic elements ‘berht’ meaning ‘bright’ and ‘hrabn’ meaning ‘raven.’
9. Bravo
It comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word ‘bravo,’ which means ‘rough, wild, and courageous.’ The name likely began as a nickname.
10. Cano
This surname is derived from a nickname used for someone with prematurely white hair. The name is taken from the Latin word ‘cano’ meaning ‘white or gray-haired.’
11. Cardenas
This surname is the feminine plural of the Spanish word ‘Cardeno’ meaning ‘purplish-blue.’ The name is a toponymic one because it is also the name of a village in the community of La Rioja in Spain.
12. Castaneda
It is a toponymic surname referring to any of the several places by this name in Spain. The name comes from the Spanish word ‘castaña’ meaning ‘chestnut.’
13. Castellanos
It denotes a place inhabited or founded by ‘Castilians.’ The name is derived from the Latin word ‘castellum’ meaning ‘castle.’
14. Castro
It means ‘castle’ in Spanish. The name comes from the Latin word ‘castrum,’ which means a ‘castle.’
Trivia15. Carrillo
It is the Spanish word for ‘cheek.’ This surname was likely a nickname for someone who was bold or someone with some peculiarity of the cheek.
16. Cervantes
This is a toponymic name for someone from a place called Cervantes in Spain. The name is likely derived from the Latin word ‘serviens’ meaning ‘to serve’ or could refer to a servant.
17. Cisneros
This surname originated from the place called Cisneros in the Palencia province of Spain. The name is a derivation of the Spanish word ‘cisne’ meaning ‘swan.’
18. Contreras
It refers to the family line that lived in the region of Conteraras in the Burgos province of Spain. The name of the place is derived from the Late Latin word ‘contraria’ meaning ‘surrounding region.’
19. Cortes
It is the Spanish word for ‘courteous,’ ‘polite,’ or ‘gracious.’ The surname likely started out as a nickname for a polite and civil person.
20. Cuevas
It means ‘caves’ in Spanish. It is a toponymic name for someone who lived near or in a cave. It could also be a name denoting someone from the places by this name in the provinces of Malaga and Burgos of Spain.
21. de Leon
It denotes someone from the city of Leon in Spain. The name ‘Leon’ is the Spanish word for ‘Lion.’
22. Dominguez
It means ‘son of Domingo.’ The name Domingo is the Spanish form of the name ‘Dominic,’ which comes from the Late Latin name ‘Dominicus’ meaning ‘of the Lord.’
23. Enriquez
It means ‘son of Enrique.’ The name ‘Enrique’ is the Spanish version of the name ‘Henry.’ This name comes from the Germanic name ‘Heimirich,’ which is a combination of the Germanic elements ‘Heim’ meaning ‘home’ and ‘ric’ meaning ‘power’ or ‘ruler.’
24. Espinoza
It is a variant of the name ‘Espinosa’ that comes from the Spanish word ‘Espinoso’ meaning ‘thorny.’
25. Figueroa
It comes from the name of several places in Galicia region of Spain. The name is derived from the Portuguese word ‘figueira’ or the Spanish word ‘higuera,’ both meaning a ‘fig tree.’
26. Franco
It means ‘frank’ or ‘free’ in Spanish. The name Franco also refers to ‘Franks,’ who were an old Germanic tribe.
27. Gallardo
It is the Spanish word for ‘gallant’ or ‘dashing,’ The name traces its origins to a Germanic personal name made from the combination of the Old Germanic elements ‘gail’ meaning ‘joyous’ or ‘cheerful’ and ‘hard’ meaning ‘strong’ or ‘brave.’
28. Gallego
It is the Spanish word for ‘Galician’ meaning someone from the Galicia region of Spain. It is thus a toponymic surname.
29. Garza
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It means ‘heron’ in Spanish and originally may have been a nickname for someone with long legs.
30. Guerrero
It means ‘warrior’ in Spanish. It was likely first used by a family line of soldiers.
31. Guzman
It is a toponymic name referring to someone who originally belonged to the village of Guzman in the Burgos province of Spain.
32. Hernandez
It means ‘son of Hernando.’ The name ‘Hernando’ is a Spanish variant of the name Ferdinand, which comes from Old German. The name is composed of the Old Germanic elements ‘fardi’ meaning ‘journey’ and ‘nand’ meaning ‘daring’ or ‘brave.’
33. Herrera
It is an occupational name since it is the Spanish word for a ‘blacksmith’ or someone who works with iron. It could also be a toponymic name referring to someone from any of the places named Herrera in the provinces of Seville and Badajoz of Spain.
34. Ibarra
It is a toponymic name used for those who belonged to the town of Ibarra in the Basque country province of Spain. The name Ibarra comes from the Basque word ‘Ibar’ meaning ‘meadow’ or a ‘valley.’
35. Jimenez
It means ‘son of Jimeno.’ The name ‘Jimeno’ is a variant of ‘Simon,’ which is likely derived from the Basque word ‘seme’ meaning ‘son.’
36. Lara
It is a toponymic name for someone from a place called Lara de los Infantes in the Burgos province of Spain.
37. Leon
It is a toponymic name for someone from the city of Leon in Spain. The name is the Spanish word for ‘lion.’
38. Lopez
It means ‘son of Lope.’ The name ‘Lope’ comes from the Latin word ‘Lupus’ that means ‘wolf.’
Trivia39. Lozano
It is the Spanish word for ‘lush’ or ‘exuberant’ or ‘profuse.’ The name likely began as a nickname for an elegant or vibrant person.
40. Lugo
It is a toponymic name for someone from the city of Lugo in the Galicia province of Spain.
41. Luna
A toponymic surname derived from the name of several places called Luna in Spain. It originally comes from the Latin word ‘luna’ meaning ‘moon.’
42. Macias
It is derived from the name ‘Matthew’ that comes from the Hebrew name ‘Mattityahu’ meaning ‘gift of god.’
43. Maldonado
It is a derivative of the Spanish phrase ‘mal donado’ which means ‘ill-favored,’ and it was adopted from a nickname. The name could also be a toponymic one referring to someone from the various places of this name in Spain.
44. Marin
It is a derivative of the Latin name ‘Marinus’ meaning ‘of the sea.’ The name could have been an occupational name for someone who worked as sailor or a mariner.
45. Marquez
It means ‘son of Marcos.’ The name ‘Marcos’ is derived from the Latin name ‘Marcus’ which refers to the ‘God of Mars.’
Trivia46. Mata
It is the Spanish word for ‘bush’ or ‘shrubs.’ It is likely a toponymic name for someone who lived near bushes or shrubs.
47. Medina
It is a toponymic name for someone from any of many places with this name in Spain. This surname is derived from the name of Medina, a city in Saudi Arabia.
48. Mendez
It means ‘son of Menendo.’ The name ‘Menendo’ comes from the old Visigothic name ‘Hermenegildo,’ which in Old German meant ‘complete sacrifice.’
49. Miranda
It is derived from the Latin word ‘mirandus’ meaning ‘lovely’ or ‘wondrous’ or ‘admirable.’ It also denotes any of the various places named Miranda in Spain and Portugal.
50. Molina
It means a ‘mill’ in Spanish, and the surname could be an occupational name for a mill worker. There could also be toponymic origins to the name referring to someone from the various places by this name in Spain.
51. Montiel
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It comes from the Spanish word ‘monte,’ which means ‘hill’ or a ‘mountain.’ The name is a toponymic one referring to someone from various places by this name in Spain.
52. Montoya
It is likely derived from the word ‘monte’ that means ‘mountain’ in Spanish. This toponymic surname was the name of several small Spanish towns and villages in the past.
53. Mora
It is derived from the Spanish word ‘mora’ used to refer to ‘blackberry’ and ‘mulberry.’ The name could have been an occupational surname for a person who farmed these fruits. Morales (of Miles Morales fame) is a variant of Mora.
54. Moreno
It is the Spanish word for the color ‘brown’ or something dark in color. It could have been a nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion. It is said to have been a nickname among the Moorish invaders of Spain.
55. Munoz
It means ‘son of Muno.’ The name ‘Muno’ may be related to the Spanish word ‘monte,’ which means a ‘hill’ or a ‘mountain.’
56. Murillo
It is derived from the Spanish word ‘muro’ meaning ‘wall.’ The name is a toponymic one and refers to someone from any of the several places by this name in Spain.
57. Navarro
This surname denotes someone who is from the region of Navarre in Spain. The name ‘Navarre’ is derived from Basque and likely means ‘a valley or plain of people.’
58. Ochoa
It is a Castilianized form of the Basque personal name ‘Otxoa’ that is derived from the Basque word ‘otso’ meaning ‘wolf.’
59. Olivares
It is a toponymic name for someone from any of the several places by this name in Spain. The name Olivares is derived from the Spanish word ‘olivar,’ which means ‘olive grove.’
60. Orozco
It refers to a place named Orozco in the Basque country province of Spain. The name was adopted by those who originally belonged to this region.
61. Osorio
It is related to the Basque word ‘Otso’ meaning a ‘wolf.’ The name ‘Osorio’ likely refers to a ‘wolf hunter’ thus making the surname an occupational one.
62. Pacheco
This surname may be related to the Spanish word ‘pequeño’ which means ‘short,’ ‘small’ and ‘little.’ The name thus could have been a nickname, eventually transforming into a surname.
63. Palacios
It means ‘palace’ in Spanish, and the name was originally adopted by those who inhabited a place around a palace or a mansion.
64. Parra
It is the Spanish word for ‘vine,’ and denotes someone who lived around such plants.
Trivia65. Peralta
It is a toponymic name derived from any of the places called Peralta in various provinces of Spain. The name originally comes from the Latin phrase ‘petra alta’ meaning ‘high rock.’
66. Pineda
This surname has been adopted by those living in any of the several places called Pineda in the various provinces of Spain. The name originally refers to ‘pine forest.’
67. Quintero
It is a variant of the name ‘Quinteiro’ found in the Galicia region of Spain. The word ‘Quinteiro’ is the Galician word for a yard or a farmstead, thus referring to someone who lived in or near any of these places.
68. Ramirez
It means ‘son of Ramiro.’ The name Ramiro comes from the Old German name of ‘Ramirus’ composed of the Old Germanic elements of ‘ragin’ meaning ‘counsel’ and ‘mari’ meaning ‘fame.’ It thus meant ‘famous counselor’ or ‘famed judge.’
69. Ramos
It is a toponymic name for someone who lived in a region that is thickly wooded. The name is derived from the Latin word ‘ramus’ meaning ‘branch.’
70. Rangel
It is a variant of the name ‘Rengel.’ This name is likely derived from the Old Germanic element ‘rang’ meaning ‘curved’ or ‘bent’ or ‘slender.’ It could have likely been an occupational name for someone who made or sold rings, belts, and sashes.
71. Resendiz
This is a derivative of the personal name ‘Resendes’ that is composed of the Germanic elements ‘reths’ meaning ‘advice’ or ‘counsel,’ and ‘sinths’ meaning ‘path’ or ‘way.’
72. Rios
This surname was adopted by the families who lived along the river. It is a derivative of the Spanish word ‘rio’ meaning ‘river.’
73. Robles
It is the Spanish word for ‘oak tree.’ The name is a toponymic one referring to someone who originally resided at a place close to oak trees.
74. Rocha
It is related to the Spanish word ‘roca,’ which means a ‘rock.’ It denotes someone who lived around a cliff or someone who lived in any of the several places by this name in Spain.
75. Roman
This is a derivative of the Latin last name ‘Romanus,’ which means ‘from Rome.’
76. Rosales
It is the Spanish word for ‘rose bushes.’ It refers to someone who lived around rose bushes. The name may also have been adopted by someone from the places called O Rosal and El Rosal in the Galicia region of Spain.
77. Rosas
It is the plural of the word ‘rosa,’ which means ‘rose’ in Spanish. It is a toponymic name for someone from several places with this name in Spain.
78. Ruiz
It means ‘son of Ruy.’ The personal name ‘Ruy’ is a short form of ‘Rodrigo,’ which is derived from ‘Roderick .’ The name ‘Roderick’ comes from Old German and is made with a combination of Germanic elements ‘hrod’ meaning ‘renowned’ and ‘ric’ meaning ‘power.’
79. Salgado
It is the Galician word for ‘salty.’ The name likely began as a nickname for someone witty or sharp, eventually turning into a surname.
80. Salinas
It is the Spanish word for ‘saline,’ and the name is likely an occupational one referring to someone who worked at a salt mine or sold salt for a living.
81. Sandoval
It is a toponymic name derived from the Latin words ‘saltus’ meaning ‘forest’ or ‘glade’ and ‘novalis’ meaning ‘unploughed land.’
82. Saucedo
This surname originally may have referred to those who inhabited areas near willow trees. It is a derivation of the Latin word ‘salix’ meaning ‘willow tree.’
83. Segura
It is the Spanish word for ‘safe’ or ‘secured.’ The name denotes someone from any of the several places with this name in Spain.
84. Silva
It is a variation of the Spanish word ‘selva’ meaning ‘forest.’ It could be a toponymic name for someone who originally lived beside a forest.
85. Solis
It is a toponymic name for someone from any of the places with this name in Spain. The name is likely derived from the word ‘sol’ which means ‘sun’ in Spanish.
86. Soto
It is the Spanish word for a ‘thicket.’ The name is a toponymic one since it is also the name of several places in Spain.
87. Tellez
It means ‘son of Tello.’ The name Tello is taken from the Latin ‘tellus’ meaning ‘earth’ or ‘land.’
88. Torres
It is the plural of the Spanish word ‘torre’ meaning ‘torres.’ This surname was likely given to those who inhabited a region around a tower or a fort.
89. Valenzuela
It refers to the places named Valenzuela in many provinces of Spain. The name means ‘Little Valencia.’
90. Vasquez
It means ‘son of Vasco.’ The name ‘Vasco’ comes from the old Spanish name ‘Velasco’ which means ‘crow’ or ‘raven.’
91. Velasco
It is derived from the personal name ‘Belasco’ combined with Basque elements ‘bel’ meaning ‘raven’ and the diminutive suffix ‘-sco. ‘
92. Velazquez
It means ‘son of Velasco,’ where Velasco means ‘crow’ or ‘raven’ in Basque.
93. Vera
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It is a toponymic name to those who originally came from any of the several places by this name in Spain. The word ‘vera’ means ‘edge’ or ‘border’ or ‘shore’ in Spanish.
94. Villalobos
It denotes a person who inhabited the town of Villalobos in Spain. This is a combination of the Spanish word ‘villa’ meaning ‘town’ and ‘lobo’ meaning ‘wolf.’
95. Villarreal
It denotes the ancestral line from any of the places called Villarreal in Spain. The name is derived from Spanish elements ‘villa’ meaning ‘town’ and ‘real’ meaning ‘royal.’
96. Villegas
This surname is derived from the ancestors who adopted the name while living at Villegas, a place in the Burgos province of Spain.
97. Zamora
It refers to a place called Zamora in Spain. The name was likely adopted by a family line that lived in the city.
98. Zarate
It refers to a place named Zarate in Spain. The name is likely taken from the Basque elements ‘zara’ meaning ‘forest’ and ‘athe’ meaning ‘door.’ The name could have also referred to someone who lived near the forest opening.
99. Zavala
It is a variant of the word ‘Zabala,’ which is a place in Spain. The name of this place comes from the Basque word ‘Zabal’ meaning ‘wide’ or ‘broad’ or ‘extensive.’
100. Zuniga
It is derived from the name of a place in the Navarre province of Spain. The name is derived from the Basque word ‘estugune’ meaning a ‘channel’ or ‘strait.’
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any regional variations in the use of Mexican surnames?
Yes, common Mexican surnames may change based on the region, and there may be subtle changes, such as spelling or pronunciation changes, to them as well. For example, Perez could also be pronounced as Pérez, Gomez is the unaccented form of Gómez, or De la Cruz is a variant of Cruz. Besides, there are habitational names like Farias and Trujillo.
2. What role do Mexican surnames play in shaping identity?
Mexican surnames serve as a crucial element of identity, connecting individuals to their family history and cultural heritage. These surnames reflect the social and historical narratives of Mexico, symbolizing lineage, ancestry, and regional traditions. By carrying both the father’s and mother’s paternal surnames, they act as a bridge between past and present, preserving the family’s legacy and reinforcing the individual’s place within the broader cultural context. This naming tradition is a vital part of personal and collective identity, intertwining family pride with national heritage.
3. What are the most significant historical events that influenced the development of Mexican surnames?
The Spanish conquest of Mexico, the implementation of civil registration in the 19th century, and the Mexican Revolution are some of the most significant historical events that influenced the development of Mexican surnames, and even Mexican baby names.
4. Are there any notable individuals or families with prominent Mexican surnames?
Many notable individuals and families have prominent Mexican surnames, including the musician Carlos Santana, the painter Frida Kahlo, professional boxer Marco Antonio Barrera, and the politician Vicente Fox. Besides, award-winning singer and actress, Naya Rivera, award-winning director, Alejandro González Iñárritu, actor and producer, Benicio Monserrate Rafael del Toro Sánchez (Benicio del Toro), and Olympic gold and silver medalist and Cuban baseball player, Jonder Martínez have Mexican surnames.
These days, parents want their children’s names to stand out, so they look at other customs and traditions to gain inspiration. If you are fascinated by different cultures and want your baby to have a Mexican last name that sounds delightful, explore these popular options. These surnames are primarily of Spanish origin and have been used in Mexico since the Spanish conquest of the region. The names have now become a part of the Mexican culture and reflect the nation’s rich history. You may also find some of these surnames overlapping with names used in other South American countries, such as Peruvian last names or Colombian last names, because of their shared history. So, experiment with the surnames provided in the list and check which ones go well with your baby’s first name.
Infographic: Mexican Surnames Or Last Names
Mexican or not, one may agree that they have some of the most attractive and popular surnames. Besides their uniqueness, Mexican names also have meanings rooted in their cultural beliefs and background. If this has piqued your interest, here is a list of some of the most famous Mexican last names for you to peruse. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- The most famous Mexican surnames reflect the country’s historical connection to Spain because of the Spanish colonization.
- Another unique feature of Mexican last names is that people generally have two of them; one from their father and the other from their mother.
- Mexican surnames such as Cuevas, Herrera, Molina, and Osorio are known for their geographical and occupational connections.
Illustration: Common Mexican Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
References
1. Exporting to Mexico – Market Overview; Export.gov
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