Hispanic last names carry rich histories and meanings, reflecting the cultural diversity of Spanish-speaking countries. Many of these surnames originate from Spain, passed down through generations and spread across Latin America during the colonial period.
These names often hold deep connections to geography, professions, personal characteristics, or religious traditions. From patronymic surnames like Hernández, derived from the father’s name, to toponymic ones like Mendoza, based on geographic locations. Hispanic surnames offer insights into heritage and history.
In this list, we explore the top 100 most common Hispanic last names and their meanings.
Top 100 Most Common Hispanic Last Names
1. García
García is one of the most common Hispanic last names, with Spanish origins. It derives from the Basque word meaning “young” or “brave.” The name is widespread across Spanish-speaking countries and has various spelling variations depending on the region.
2. Rodríguez
Rodríguez originates from the Germanic name “Roderic,” meaning “famous ruler.” It is a patronymic surname, meaning “son of Rodrigo.” It is one of the most popular surnames in Spain and Latin America.
3. Martínez
Martínez is a patronymic surname that means “son of Martín.” Martín itself is derived from the Roman name “Martinus,” which comes from Mars, the Roman god of war. This surname is prevalent in Spain and many Hispanic countries.
4. Hernández
Hernández is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Hernando.” Hernando comes from the Germanic name Ferdinand, meaning “bold voyager.” It is commonly found in Spain and Latin American countries.
5. López
López is derived from the Latin word “lupus,” meaning “wolf.” This patronymic surname means “son of Lope.” It is very common in Spain, Mexico, and other Hispanic nations.
6. González
González comes from a Visigothic name meaning “son of Gonzalo.” Gonzalo itself means “battle genius” or “warrior.” The name is prominent in Spain, Argentina, and Venezuela.
Quick Fact:
Some last names, like García, Rodríguez, and González, are very common in many Hispanic countries, such as Mexico, Spain, and Argentina.
7. Pérez
Pérez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Pedro.” Pedro is the Spanish form of Peter, derived from the Greek word “petros,” meaning “rock.” This surname is prevalent in Spain, Mexico, and other Spanish-speaking countries.
8. Sánchez
Sánchez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Sancho.” Sancho is derived from the Latin name Sanctius, which means “holy” or “blessed.” The surname is widely used in Spain and across Latin America.
9. Ramírez
Ramírez means “son of Ramiro.” Ramiro is derived from the Germanic words “ragin” (advice) and “mari” (famous), translating to “wise counselor.” This surname is common in Spain, Mexico, and Argentina.
10. Torres
Torres is a surname derived from the word “tower” in Spanish. It was likely used to describe someone who lived near a tower or fortress. This surname is widespread throughout Hispanic countries.
11. Flores
Flores is derived from the Latin word “flos,” meaning “flower.” It was originally a given name in medieval Spain. The surname is very common in Mexico, Central America, and Spain.
12. Rivera
Rivera is a toponymic surname meaning “riverbank” or “shore” in Spanish. It likely refers to someone who lived near a river. The surname is popular in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other Spanish-speaking regions.
13. Gómez
Gómez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Gome.” Gome is of Visigothic origin, meaning “man” or “warrior.” This surname is common in Spain and Latin American countries.
14. Díaz
Díaz is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Diego.” Diego is the Spanish form of the name James, which originates from the Hebrew name Jacob. The surname is widespread in Hispanic countries.
15. Jiménez
Jiménez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Jimeno.” Jimeno comes from the Basque word for “he who hears” or “he who listens.” The surname is prevalent in Spain, Colombia, and Mexico.
16. Cruz
Cruz means “cross” in Spanish, referring to the Christian cross. It could be a religious surname or signify someone who lived near a cross-shaped monument. It is common across Spanish-speaking countries.
17. Morales
Morales is a toponymic surname meaning “mulberry trees” in Spanish. It was used to describe people living near mulberry groves. The surname is common in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Latin American countries.
18. Ortiz
Ortiz is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Orti,” which comes from the Basque name Ortun, meaning “stubborn” or “tenacious.” The surname is prevalent in Spain, Colombia, and Puerto Rico.
19. Reyes
Reyes means “kings” in Spanish. It may have been used to denote someone who played a role in royal activities or lived near a king’s estate. The surname is widespread in Mexico, the Philippines, and Spain.
20. Gutíerrez
Gutíerrez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Gutierre.” Gutierre is of Visigothic origin, meaning “he who rules with the spear.” The surname is common in Spain and Latin America.
21. Castro
Castro is a toponymic surname derived from the Latin word “castrum,” meaning “fortress.” It likely referred to someone who lived near or worked in a fort. It is prevalent in Cuba, Spain, and other Spanish-speaking countries.
22. Mendoza
Mendoza is a toponymic surname derived from the Basque words “mendi” (mountain) and “otz” (cold). It refers to people from a cold mountainous region. The surname is common in Argentina, Mexico, and Chile.
23. Silva
Silva is of Latin origin, meaning “forest” or “woodland.” It was often given to people living near forests. The surname is common in Spain, Brazil, and Portuguese-speaking regions.
24. Ruiz
Ruiz is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Ruy” or “Rodrigo.” Rodrigo is derived from the Germanic name Roderic, meaning “famous ruler.” This surname is popular in Spain and Latin America.
25. Vargas
Vargas is a toponymic surname that possibly originates from a place in Cantabria, Spain. It may refer to a fertile area or “watered land.” The name is common in Venezuela, Mexico, and other Hispanic countries.
26. Castillo
Castillo means “castle” in Spanish. It likely refers to someone who lived near or worked in a castle or fortress. This surname is prevalent in Mexico, Spain, and Latin America.
27. Chávez
Chávez is derived from the Portuguese word “chaves,” meaning “keys.” It could have been a nickname for someone in charge of keys or who lived near a key-shaped landform. The surname is common in Mexico, Venezuela, and Peru.
28. Ramos
Ramos means “branches” in Spanish. It may have been used to describe someone who worked in or lived near a forested area. The surname is common in Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American countries.
29. Delgado
Delgado means “slim” or “thin” in Spanish. It was likely a nickname for someone with a slender build. This surname is popular in Spain, Mexico, and many other Spanish-speaking countries.
30. Acosta
Acosta is a toponymic surname meaning “coast” or “shore” in Spanish. It was used to describe someone who lived by the sea or a coastal area. This surname is common in Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico.
31. Molina
Molina is derived from the word “molino,” meaning “mill” in Spanish. It was used for people who lived near or worked in a mill. The surname is common in Chile, Spain, and Colombia.
32. Sandoval
Sandoval is a toponymic surname derived from a place in Spain. It comes from the Latin words “saltus” (grove) and “novalis” (newly cleared land), meaning “new grove.” The surname is prevalent in Mexico and Spain.
33. Guerrero
Guerrero means “warrior” in Spanish. It was likely used to describe someone who was a soldier or had a brave character. This surname is common in Mexico, Colombia, and the United States.
34. Rojas
Rojas is derived from the Spanish word “rojo,” meaning “red.” It was often used to describe someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The surname is common in Chile, Peru, and Colombia.
35. Santiago
Santiago is a toponymic surname meaning “Saint James” in Spanish. It refers to the famous pilgrimage site in Spain, Santiago de Compostela. The surname is common in Puerto Rico, Spain, and other Hispanic countries.
36. Vera
Vera is a toponymic surname derived from the Latin word “verus,” meaning “true” or “faithful.” It can also refer to a place in Spain called Vera. The surname is common in Argentina, Spain, and Uruguay.
37. Peña
Peña means “rock” or “cliff” in Spanish. It likely referred to someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or worked with stone. The surname is prevalent in Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico.
38. Soto
Soto is a toponymic surname derived from the Latin word “saltus,” meaning “grove” or “thicket.” It was likely used to describe someone who lived near a wooded area. The surname is common in Chile, Mexico, and Spain.
39. Contreras
Contreras is a toponymic surname originating from a town in Spain. It may have referred to someone who lived on the opposite side of a river or valley. The surname is common in Chile, Mexico, and Colombia.
40. Guzmán
Guzmán is of uncertain origin but is believed to be a toponymic surname from a region in Spain. It may derive from the Germanic words “gud” (God) and “man” (man), meaning “man of God.” The surname is prevalent in Mexico and Spain.
41. Ponce
Ponce is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Pons.” Pons is derived from the Latin word “pons,” meaning “bridge.” The surname is common in Puerto Rico, Spain, and other Spanish-speaking countries.
42. Bautista
Bautista means “Baptist” in Spanish, referring to Saint John the Baptist. It was commonly used as a religious surname. The name is prevalent in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and other Hispanic nations.
43. Fuentes
Fuentes means “fountains” or “springs” in Spanish. It likely referred to someone who lived near natural springs or a water source. The surname is common in Chile, Mexico, and Spain.
44. León
León means “lion” in Spanish, and it could be a reference to strength or bravery. It may also refer to someone from the region of León in Spain. The surname is prevalent in Mexico, Colombia, and Spain.
45. Morales
Morales is a surname derived from the Latin word “morus,” meaning “mulberry tree.” It was used to describe someone who lived near a mulberry grove. The surname is common in Mexico, Spain, and the United States.
46. Valdez
Valdez is a toponymic surname meaning “son of Valdo,” with Valdo derived from the Germanic word “wald,” meaning “rule” or “power.” The surname is common in Mexico, Spain, and the Philippines.
47. Montes
Montes means “mountains” in Spanish, likely referring to someone who lived near or worked in the mountains. The surname is prevalent in Spain, Mexico, and many other Spanish-speaking regions.
48. Espinoza
Espinoza (or Espinosa) is derived from the word “espino,” meaning “thorn” or “spiny bush.” It was used to describe someone who lived near thorny vegetation. The surname is common in Mexico, Chile, and Argentina.
49. Marín
Marín is a toponymic surname derived from the Latin word “marinus,” meaning “of the sea” or “sailor.” It was used to describe people who lived by the sea. The surname is prevalent in Spain, Mexico, and other Hispanic countries.
50. Herrera
Herrera is derived from the Latin word “ferrarius,” meaning “blacksmith” or “worker in iron.” It was likely used to describe a family of blacksmiths. The surname is common in Colombia, Spain, and Mexico.
51. Maldonado
Maldonado is a surname of Spanish origin, meaning “ill-favored” or “unfortunate.” Historically, it may have been used to describe someone who had bad luck. The surname is common in Mexico, Argentina, and Spain.
52. Aguirre
Aguirre is a Basque surname meaning “prominent” or “high pasture.” It likely referred to someone living in elevated or mountainous areas. The surname is prevalent in Spain, Venezuela, and Argentina.
53. Cano
Cano is derived from the Latin word “canus,” meaning “white-haired” or “grey.” It was likely a nickname for someone with white or grey hair. The surname is common in Colombia, Mexico, and Spain.
Quick Fact:
In Hispanic cultures, people usually have two last names—one from their father and one from their mother. For example, "García López" means García is from the father, and López is from the mother.
54. Cordero
Cordero means “lamb” in Spanish, possibly used as a nickname for someone gentle or associated with sheep herding. This surname is common in Puerto Rico, Spain, and Mexico.
55. Santillán
Santillán is a toponymic surname derived from a place in northern Spain. It may refer to “Saint Julian.” The surname is common in Argentina, Mexico, and Spain.
56. Vargas
Vargas is a surname of Spanish origin referring to a fertile or irrigated area. The name is widely found in Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia.
57. Domínguez
Domínguez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Domingo,” which comes from the Latin word “Dominicus,” meaning “of the Lord” or “belonging to God.” This surname is common in Spain and Latin America.
58. Benítez
Benítez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Benito.” Benito is derived from the Latin name “Benedictus,” meaning “blessed.” The surname is common in Argentina, Spain, and Mexico.
59. Peña
Peña is a toponymic surname meaning “rock” or “cliff” in Spanish, referring to someone living near a rocky area. The surname is prevalent in Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico.
60. Zúñiga
Zúñiga is a toponymic surname derived from a place in northern Spain. It refers to people originating from this region and is common in Chile, Mexico, and Spain.
61. Salazar
Salazar is a toponymic surname of Basque origin, meaning “old hall” or “palace.” The surname is common in Colombia, Mexico, and Spain.
62. Paz
Paz means “peace” in Spanish. It may have been used as a religious surname or a name given to someone who embodied peaceful qualities. The surname is prevalent in Bolivia, Mexico, and Argentina.
63. Solís
Solís is a toponymic surname referring to a place near the sun, possibly denoting sunny lands. The surname is common in Spain, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
64. Prieto
Prieto means “dark” or “swarthy” in Spanish, likely used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or complexion. The surname is prevalent in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia.
65. Estévez
Estévez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Esteban,” with Esteban derived from the Greek name “Stephanos,” meaning “crown.” The surname is common in Spain and Venezuela.
66. Valenzuela
Valenzuela is a toponymic surname derived from a place in Spain, meaning “small valley.” The surname is common in Mexico, Chile, and Spain.
67. Moya
Moya is a toponymic surname derived from a town in Spain. It may refer to someone from that region. The surname is prevalent in Argentina, Spain, and Venezuela.
68. Montesinos
Montesinos is derived from the Spanish word “monte,” meaning “mountain.” It likely referred to someone living near or working in the mountains. The surname is common in Spain and Latin American countries.
69. Duarte
Duarte is derived from the given name Eduardo, which means “wealthy guardian” or “protector.” This surname is prevalent in the Dominican Republic, Portugal, and Spain.
70. Palma
Palma is a surname referring to “palm trees” or “palm branches.” It could describe someone who lived near or worked with palm trees. The surname is common in Spain, Mexico, and the Philippines.
71. Pizarro
Pizarro is a toponymic surname referring to a place in Spain, possibly related to “stone” or “gravel.” The surname is common in Chile, Spain, and Peru.
72. Caballero
Caballero means “knight” or “gentleman” in Spanish. It was likely used for someone of noble standing or a chivalrous character. The surname is prevalent in Mexico, Spain, and Colombia.
73. Medina
Medina is derived from the Arabic word “madīnah,” meaning “city.” It is common in Spain, and its use spread throughout Latin America due to Moorish influence in Spain. The surname is prevalent in Mexico and the United States.
74. Jiménez
Jiménez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Jimeno.” Jimeno is of Basque origin and likely means “he who hears.” The surname is widespread in Spain and Latin American countries.
75. Iglesias
Iglesias means “churches” in Spanish. It was likely used to describe someone who worked at or lived near a church. The surname is common in Spain, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.
76. Serrano
Serrano is derived from the Spanish word “sierra,” meaning “mountain range” or “highlands.” The surname likely referred to someone living in or near mountainous areas. It is common in Spain and Mexico.
77. Osorio
Osorio is a surname of Spanish origin, possibly derived from the Latin word “ursus,” meaning “bear.” It may have been used to describe someone strong or powerful. The surname is prevalent in Spain and Colombia.
78. Bravo
Bravo means “brave” or “fierce” in Spanish. It was likely used as a nickname for someone with a bold or courageous character. The surname is common in Mexico, Chile, and Spain.
79. Coronado
Coronado means “crowned” in Spanish, possibly referring to someone who was honored or victorious. The surname is prevalent in Mexico, Spain, and the United States.
80. Vargas
Vargas is a toponymic surname referring to fertile or irrigated lands. The name is commonly found in Venezuela, Colombia, and Spain.
81. Paredes
Paredes is a toponymic surname derived from the Spanish word “pared,” meaning “wall.” It may have referred to someone who lived near a wall or fortress. The surname is common in Spain, Mexico, and Venezuela.
82. Varela
Varela is a surname of Galician origin, possibly derived from “varela,” meaning “stick” or “rod.” It could refer to a person who worked with wood or carried a staff. The surname is prevalent in Spain, Argentina, and Uruguay.
83. Aranda
Aranda is a toponymic surname originating from a town in Spain. It may refer to “eagle” or someone living near a high place. The surname is common in Spain, Mexico, and Argentina.
84. Esquivel
Esquivel is a toponymic surname derived from a village in the Basque Country of Spain. It likely referred to someone from that region. The surname is prevalent in Mexico, Venezuela, and Spain.
85. Alvarado
Alvarado is derived from the Spanish word “álvarez,” meaning “son of Alvaro.” Alvaro comes from the Germanic name meaning “guardian” or “watchful.” The surname is common in Mexico, Spain, and Nicaragua.
86. Montes
Montes is a surname meaning “mountains” in Spanish. It likely referred to someone living in or near mountainous areas. The surname is common in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia.
87. Quiroga
Quiroga is a toponymic surname derived from a town in Galicia, Spain. It may refer to “willow trees.” The surname is common in Argentina, Chile, and Spain.
88. Carrillo
Carrillo means “cheek” in Spanish, possibly used as a nickname for someone with prominent cheeks or facial features. The surname is prevalent in Mexico, Spain, and Colombia.
89. Téllez
Téllez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Tello,” with Tello being of Old Spanish origin, meaning “servant of God.” The surname is common in Spain and Latin American countries like Mexico and Venezuela.
90. Cisneros
Cisneros is a toponymic surname derived from a place in Spain. It may refer to “swans” and was likely used for someone from the region. The surname is prevalent in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia.
91. Rentería
Rentería is a toponymic surname from the Basque region of Spain, meaning “forge” or “ironworks.” It may have been used for someone who worked with metal. The surname is common in Colombia, Mexico, and Spain.
92. Figueroa
Figueroa is a toponymic surname meaning “fig tree” in Spanish. It likely referred to someone who lived near or worked with fig trees. The surname is prevalent in Chile, Puerto Rico, and Spain.
93. Méndez
Méndez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Mendo,” a name of Visigothic origin that means “protection” or “safety.” The surname is common in Mexico, Spain, and Colombia.
94. Carranza
Carranza is a toponymic surname from a town in the Basque region of Spain. It likely referred to someone from this area. The surname is prevalent in Mexico, Colombia, and Spain.
95. Lobo
Lobo means “wolf” in Spanish. It may have been used as a nickname for someone with wolf-like qualities or for a hunter. The surname is common in Mexico, Portugal, and Spain.
96. Robledo
Robledo is a toponymic surname derived from the Spanish word “roble,” meaning “oak tree.” It likely referred to someone living near an oak grove. The surname is prevalent in Spain, Colombia, and Mexico.
97. Montalvo
Montalvo is a toponymic surname meaning “high mountain” or “hill” in Spanish. It refers to someone who lived in or near elevated land. The surname is common in Mexico, Ecuador, and Spain.
Quick Fact:
Many Hispanic last names come from the father’s first name. For example, Hernández means "son of Hernando," and Martínez means "son of Martín.
98. Villalobos
Villalobos means “town of wolves” in Spanish. It likely referred to someone from a village with wolves or named after wolves. The surname is prevalent in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Spain.
99. Valencia
Valencia is a toponymic surname referring to the city of Valencia in Spain. It is derived from the Latin word “valentia,” meaning “strength” or “valor.” The surname is common in Colombia, Spain, and Mexico.
100. Velasco
Velasco is a surname of Basque origin, meaning “crow” or “raven.” It may have been used to describe someone with dark hair or characteristics similar to the bird. The surname is prevalent in Spain, Mexico, and Argentina.
