Royal Spanish surnames have a long and important history, closely connected to Spain’s kings and queens. These last names come from powerful families who helped shape the country through their roles in politics, the military, and the royal court.
Many of these families were given noble titles like Dukes and Counts, and they played key roles in Spain’s rise to power. These surnames aren’t just family names—they represent honor, respect, and a proud legacy that is still remembered today.
Here is the best list of royal Spanish surnames that carry a legacy of nobility and honor
Royal Spanish surnames
Borbón
Meaning: The royal house currently ruling Spain.
Significance: The House of Borbón has reigned over Spain since the 18th century and is the family of the current king, Felipe VI.
Trastámara
Meaning: A noble dynasty that ruled Spain in the late Middle Ages.
Significance: The Trastámara dynasty ruled Castile, León, and Aragón from the 14th to the 16th century.
Habsburgo
Meaning: The Habsburg dynasty, rulers of Spain in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Significance: The Habsburgs oversaw Spain during its “Golden Age” and vast empire, including King Charles I and Philip II.
Castilla
Meaning: Derived from the Kingdom of Castile.
Significance: The Castilian monarchy was a key part of the unification of Spain.
Aragón
Meaning: Refers to the Kingdom of Aragón.
Significance: The royal family of Aragón was instrumental in uniting Spain with Castile through marriage.
León
Meaning: From the medieval Kingdom of León.
Significance: The Kingdom of León played a crucial role in the Reconquista and the formation of Spain.
Navarra
Meaning: Refers to the Kingdom of Navarre.
Significance: The Navarrese monarchy was independent until its incorporation into Spain in the 16th century.
Enríquez
Meaning: A noble family tied to Castilian royalty.
Significance: The Enríquez family held high-ranking positions and significant influence in the Castilian court.
Alba
Meaning: Refers to the Dukes of Alba, a prominent noble family.
Significance: The House of Alba has a long-standing history of power and influence in Spanish nobility.
Ferdinando
Meaning: A variant of Ferdinand, a name tied to several kings of Spain.
Significance: Ferdinand II of Aragón was one half of the Catholic Monarchs, instrumental in uniting Spain.
Velasco
Meaning: A noble family with medieval roots.
Significance: The Velascos held powerful positions as Dukes and military leaders in service to the Spanish crown.
Mendoza
Meaning: From the Basque region, meaning “cold mountain.”
Significance: The Mendoza family was one of the most influential noble families in Spain during the Renaissance.
Osorio
Meaning: A noble surname linked to medieval Spanish nobility.
Significance: The Osorio family held dukedoms and were key figures in the Spanish court.
Pimentel
Meaning: A noble family with origins in Galicia and León.
Significance: The Pimentels were granted the title of Count of Benavente, a powerful noble house in Spanish history.
Manrique
Meaning: A noble family name in medieval Spain.
Significance: The Manrique family held various titles and positions of power, including Counts and Dukes.
Zúñiga
Meaning: A noble family originally from Navarre.
Significance: The Zúñigas held titles such as Duke of Béjar and Count of Plasencia, playing significant roles in Spanish history.
Lara
Meaning: From the historic County of Lara in Castile.
Significance: The Lara family was one of the most powerful noble houses during the Middle Ages.
Cardona
Meaning: A surname associated with the town of Cardona.
Significance: The House of Cardona was one of the most influential noble families in Catalonia, holding the title of Dukes of Cardona.
Almanzor
Meaning: Derived from an Arabic name meaning “victorious.”
Significance: Almanzor was a powerful leader during the Caliphate of Córdoba, influencing Spanish history.
Ayala
Meaning: From the valley of Ayala in the Basque Country.
Significance: The Ayala family was influential in Castilian politics, with notable figures such as Pedro López de Ayala, a renowned diplomat and historian.
Guzmán
Meaning: A surname derived from the town of Guzmán in Burgos.
Significance: The Guzmán family, particularly the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, played key roles in Spanish military and colonial ventures.
Borja
Meaning: Refers to the town of Borja in Aragón.
Significance: The House of Borja (Borgia) became one of the most powerful families in Spain and Italy, with two popes emerging from this lineage.
Fernández de Córdoba
Meaning: Refers to descendants from the city of Córdoba.
Significance: The Fernández de Córdoba family was known for military leadership, with Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, also known as “El Gran Capitán,” being one of Spain’s greatest military leaders.
Suárez
Meaning: Derived from the personal name Suero, meaning “strong.”
Significance: A noble family with medieval roots, the Suárez family held significant influence during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs.
Álvarez de Toledo
Meaning: A noble surname connected to the city of Toledo.
Significance: The Álvarez de Toledo family, particularly the Dukes of Alba, has been one of Spain’s most powerful and prestigious noble families for centuries.
Sandoval
Meaning: Refers to a place in Burgos, Spain.
Significance: The Sandoval family held high ranks in the Spanish nobility, with titles such as Dukes of Lerma.
Cisneros
Meaning: Derived from a town in Palencia, Spain.
Significance: Cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros, a significant figure in Spanish history, belonged to this family and was instrumental in religious and political reforms.
Alburquerque
Meaning: Refers to the town of Alburquerque in Extremadura, Spain.
Significance: The Dukes of Alburquerque were one of the most important noble families, holding significant influence during the reign of the Habsburgs.
López de Haro
Meaning: A noble family originating from the Lords of Haro in La Rioja.
Significance: The López de Haro family founded the city of Bilbao and were powerful figures in the medieval Kingdom of Castile.
Enríquez
Meaning: Son of Enrique (Henry).
Significance: The Enríquez family, a noble lineage of Castile, held important titles such as Admirals of Castile, with close ties to the monarchy.
Figueroa
Meaning: Derived from a fig tree.
Significance: The Figueroa family held noble titles such as Counts of Feria and were influential in Spanish and Portuguese courts.
Sarmiento
Meaning: Refers to a vine shoot.
Significance: The Sarmiento family was prominent in Castile, holding titles like Counts of Salinas and Lords of Ribadavia.
Ulloa
Meaning: Derived from the town of Ulloa in Galicia.
Significance: The Ulloa family held noble titles and were influential during the reigns of Ferdinand and Isabella, playing a significant role in the Spanish conquests.
Moncada
Meaning: Refers to a place in Catalonia.
Significance: The Moncada family was one of the most powerful noble families in Catalonia and Aragón, holding titles such as Marquises of Aitona.
Ponce de León
Meaning: Descendants of Pedro Ponce de León, a nobleman.
Significance: The Ponce de León family was closely tied to Spanish royalty, with Juan Ponce de León, the famous explorer, being a notable descendant.
Zaragoza
Meaning: Refers to the city of Zaragoza in Aragón.
Significance: Noble families with the Zaragoza surname were influential in the medieval Kingdom of Aragón, holding titles and positions in the court.
Cortés
Meaning: Courteous or polite.
Significance: The Cortés family, notably Hernán Cortés, was pivotal in the conquest of the Americas, shaping the future of Spain’s colonial empire.
