Mexican Last Names and Meanings

Last names can tell us a lot about our heritage and where our ancestors came from. Below is a list of 10 of the most popular Mexican last names along with their meanings and origins, so you can learn something new about you and your culture. We have also included 10 of the most common Mexican surnames, stretching far back to the Spanish, Mayan, and Aztec origins of the country.

The History of Mexican Last Names

You’ll notice that many Mexican surnames originated in Spain. This is due to the Spanish colonizers that came to Mexico after the ancient civilizations, like the Mayans and Aztecs. The most notable Mexican last names come from all sorts of Spanish cultures, proving how much the country of Mexico has evolved over the last few centuries.

Mexican Naming Traditions

Mexican naming traditions are rich and often quite formal. They encompass a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and Catholic customs, resulting in a unique system that can sometimes be confusing to those unfamiliar with it. Of course, it's important to note that these naming traditions can vary and may not be followed strictly in every family or situation.

• First and Last Names: Typically, a Mexican baby is given two first names. The first of these is the main name, while the second is often chosen for religious or family reasons. For example, a child might be named "Maria Guadalupe" or "Jose Luis."
• Two Surnames: Unlike many Western cultures, Mexicans typically have two surnames. The first surname is inherited from the father's first surname, and the second surname is from the mother's first surname. For example, if a father's first surname is "Garcia" and the mother's is "Lopez," their child would have the full name of "Maria Guadalupe Garcia Lopez."
• Marriage Names: Upon marriage, women traditionally add their husband's first surname to theirs, often with the word "de" (of) in between. So, if Maria Guadalupe Garcia Lopez married a man with the surname "Martinez," she might become "Maria Guadalupe Garcia de Martinez."
• Children’s Surnames: When a couple has children, they usually take the first surname from both parents. So the children of Maria Guadalupe Garcia de Martinez and her husband would likely have the surname "Martinez Garcia."
• Hyphenated Surnames: In some cases, when both parents' surnames are deemed important, they may be hyphenated for the child. This practice is less common but still exists.
• Patronymics and Matronymics: Some Mexican names also feature patronymics (derived from the father's name) or matronymics (derived from the mother's name).

Popular Mexican Last Names

From the vibrant landscapes of Mexico comes a rich array of culture and heritage, beautifully reflected in the popular Mexican last names. These surnames, steeped in history and symbolism, tell captivating tales of the people and places that have shaped this fascinating country, such as the following popular last names.

1. Aguilar - This Spanish last name is a habitational name for a region in Spain. It means “haunt of eagles.”
2. Alvarez - This is a patronymic Spanish last name that means “son of Alvaro.”
3. Cano - This last name was derived from a nickname that means “white-haired.”
4. Castillo - This is a habitational Mexican last name that refers to someone who lived near a large fortified building or castle.
5. Castro - This is a topographic name for a castle or fortress in the Galicia region of Spain.
6. Cisneros - This family name is derived from the Spanish word “cisne” which means “swan.” It is also a habitational name for a place in the province of Palencia.
7. Cortes - This Spanish surname is derived from the word “Corte” which is a nickname for a refined or courteous person.
8. Cruz - This is derived from the personal name that means “cross” or “dweller by a cross.”
9. Cuevas - This is a habitational name for caves found in the provinces of Burgos and Malaga.
10. De Leon - This surname can be referred to as topographic or patronymic. It can relate to the Spanish city of Leon or mean “son of Leon.”
11. Delgado -This Spanish and Portuguese last name is derived from a nickname for a thin or slender person.
12. Diaz - This is a patronymic surname that means “son of Diego.”
13. Dominguez - This surname is either derived from the Latin word “Dominicus” which means “belonging to the Lord” or it is patronymic for “son of Domingo."
14. Espinoza - This is a habitational name for many places named Espinosa in the Galicia and Vascongadas regions of Spain. It is derived from the word “Espino” which means “hawthorn.”
15. Estrada - This name is derived from the word “Estrada” which is Spanish for “road.” It can also be taken from the Latin word “strata” which means “paved road.”
16. Fernandez - This is a patronymic surname that means “son of Fernando.”
17. Flores - This name is derived from the Latin word “Floris” which means “flowers.” This habitational name was used for someone who dwelled near where flowers grew, commonly in Guatemala and Uruguay.
18. Franco - This surname is derived from the personal name “Frank” which means “free” in both Spanish and Italian. “Franco” was also used to describe a member of the Germanic people who lived in the lands around the Rhine River.
19. Fuentes - This Spanish surname means “fountains” and is a habitational name for someone who lived near a fountain or spring.
20. Garcia - This patronymic surname means “son of Garcia” which is the Spanish form of “Gerald.” “Gerald” is a Germanic name that means “rule of the spear.”
21. Garza - This is a Basque and Galician habitational surname that means “dweller at the sign of the heron.”
22. Gomez - This is a common Spanish patronymic surname that means “son of Gome.”
23. Gonzalez - This patronymic surname means “son of Gonzalo.”
24. Guerrero - This surname was derived from the word “Guerra” which means “war.” It was used as a nickname for a soldier.
25. Gutierrez - This is a patronymic surname that means “son of Gutierre.”
26. Guzman - This is a topographic surname for someone who resides in the village named “Guzman” in the Burgos region of Spain.
27. Hernandez - This patronymic name means either “son of Hernando” or “son of Fernando.” “Fernando” is the Spanish form of the Old German name “Ferdinand” which means “bold voyager.”
28. Herrera - This is a habitational surname for someone who resides in a village that has a blacksmith forge, which is called a “herreria.”
29. Ibarra - This is a Basque habitational name for someone who resided in a valley or plain near a river.
30. Iglesias - This is a habitational surname for a dweller near a church.
31. Jimenez - This very common patronymic surname means “son of Jimeno.”
32. Lopez - This Spanish patronymic name means “son of Lope.” It is derived from the Latin word “lupus” which means “wolf.”
33. Lozano - This surname is derived from a nickname used to describe an elegant or good-looking person.
34. Lugo - This is a habitational name for the city “Lugo” located in Galicia.
35. Luna - This Spanish surname is derived from the Latin word “lumina” which means “light.”
36. Maldonado - This is a habitational name for someone who lived in the village of “Maldonado” in the Albacete province. It was also used as a nickname for an “ill-favored” person.
37. Marin - This surname of Spanish origin was derived from the Latin word “Marinus” which means “of the sea.”
38. Marquez - This is a patronymic name that means “son of Marcus” or “son of Marcos.”
39. Martinez -This patronymic surname means “son of Martin.” It is also derived from the Latin word “Martinus” which is an alternative to “Mars,” the Roman God of fertility and war.
40. Mata - This is a habitational surname used in Spain and Portugal for someone who lived near the woods or a forest.
41. Medina - This is a habitational name for someone who resided in one of the cities named “Medina,” such as Medina del Campo in Valladolid province.
42. Mendez - This patronymic surname means “son of Mendel” or “son of Mendo.”
43. Mendoza - This Basque surname is a topographic name for someone who lived on or near a cold mountain.
44. Montoya - This Basque name is a topographic name for someone who dwells near hills and valleys.
45. Morales - This is a topographic surname for someone who lived near a mulberry bush.
46. Moreno - This surname is derived from a nickname for someone with dark hair.
47. Munoz - This is a patronymic name that means “son of Muno.” The personal name “Muno” means “hill.”
48. Navarro - This name of Basque origin is a habitational name for someone who lived in the Navarre village in Spain.
49. Ortega - This Galician surname is used for someone who lives in the village of Ortega in the Burgos province.
50. Ortiz - This is a very common patronymic surname that means “son of Orton or Orta.”
51. Parra - This is a habitational name for someone who lived near a grapevine or trellis.
52. Perez - This patronymic surname means “son of Pedro or Pero.”
53. Ramirez - This patronymic name means “son of Ramiro.”
54. Ramos - This habitational name was used for someone who resided in any of the towns called Ramos in Spain and Portugal.
55. Reyes - This surname is derived from the Latin word “Regis” which means “royal.”
56. Rios - This surname is derived from the Spanish word “Rio” which means “river.”
57. Rivera - This is a topographic name for someone who lives near a riverbank.
58. Rodrigo - This surname is derived from the Old Germanic personal name “Hrodric” which means “renowned power.”
59. Rodriguez - This is a patronymic surname that means “son of Rodrigo.”
60. Romero - This name is derived from a nickname that means “pilgrim.”
61. Rosas - This surname is derived from the Latin word “rosa” which means “rose.”
62. Rubio - This name is derived from a nickname for someone who has red hair.
63. Ruiz - This is a patronymic surname for “son of Ruy” which means “powerful ruler.”
64. Sanchez - This is a patronymic surname for “son of Sancho” which means “sanctified.”
65. Soto - This is a topographic name used for someone who dwelled near a grove or small wood.
66. Suarez - This patronymic name means “son of Suero or Soeiro.”
67. Torres - This topographic surname for someone who lived near or in a tower.
68. Vasquez - This is a patronymic surname that means “son of Vasco.”
69. Vega - This is a topographic name for someone who lives near a meadow.
70. Velasco - This Basque surname means “raven” and is derived from the personal name of someone who takes care of sheep.

Common Mexican Last Names

Delving into Mexican heritage, some surnames emerge as notably common, each carrying its unique story and historical importance deeply ingrained in the culture.

1. Flores - From the Spanish word for "flowers," this last name often indicates a person who lived near a flowery area or worked with flowers.
2. González - A patronymic name meaning "son of Gonzalo," which relates to battle, implying a warrior lineage.
3. Hernández - Meaning "son of Hernando" or "son of Fernando," it has Germanic roots associated with bravery in peace and war.
4. Jiménez - Stemming from "son of Jimeno," this name possibly derives from the Basque word for "winner."
5. Pérez - Meaning "son of Pedro," this name carries a biblical association to the apostle Peter, symbolizing a rock or stone, indicative of a solid, reliable character.
6. Ramírez - Signifying "son of Ramiro," it's associated with the Visigothic name meaning "famous counselor," denoting wisdom and leadership.
7. Rivera - This surname denotes someone who lived by a riverbank, linking the individual's identity to the life-giving aspect of rivers.
8. Ruiz - This short and impactful surname means "son of Ruy," an old nickname for Rodrigo, hinting at the famed and legendary rulers.
9. Sánchez - Derived from the name "Sancho," which means "sanctified," this surname is a nod to the legacy of familial sainthood.
10. Torres - Meaning "towers," it's likely a habitational name for someone who lived near a tower or worked in one, symbolizing vigilance.

What Are Rare Mexican Last Names?

In considering the unique tapestry of Mexican heritage, certain last names are distinguished by their rarity and historical significance. Names such as Zaragoza, Iturbide, Pizarro, and Abarca carry with them echoes of the past and a sense of distinction. These names, often tied to notable figures or specific regions, are less commonly encountered in the broader Mexican populace.