rare spanish surnames
Rivera - river bank, shore. This Spanish last name has roots of origin in Portugal, Italy, and Catalonia. Wettin The House of Wettin was the ruling dynasty of Saxony, as well as several other European states, for centuries. It means thorn in Spanish and is referred to people who lived near a thorny bush. Denoting ownership of a grand house and lands, de Salazar became just Salazar in modern times. 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. Here are some unique last names and their meanings: Below are some uncommon last names with their meanings: These are just a few examples of uncommon last names and their meanings. The singer Enrique Iglesias is a famous bearer of this surname. It is also worth noting that last names can have multiple meanings and interpretations depending on the language and cultural context in which they are used. Our. Some uncommon last names that are found in Australia: These uncommon last names in Australia may have Greek or other European origins, reflecting the countrys history of immigration and multiculturalism. Spanish last names are derived from family names, occupations, and places of birth, or some are also descriptive surnames. It is derived from Costa referring to riverbank in Portuguese. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Trombetta a name that means little trumpet, possibly indicating an ancestor who played a musical instrument or had a loud, commanding voice. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. There are towns named Herrera in Argentina and Panama and about 20 villages in Spain alone, making this one of the most popular Hispanic surnames. Allende is a toponymic surname originally used for referring to someone who lived on the other side of a landmark. Cortez, or Cortes in Portuguese, derived from Old French and was often given to a man who was well regarded due to his good education or refined manner. Below are some uncommon Korean last names, along with their meanings: Note: The meanings are based on the Hanja characters used in the name, which are Chinese characters used in written Korean. This name is derived from the Spanish phrase Valle de eras referring to Valley of eras. It also denotes a toponymic name derived from Valderas in the Leon province of Spain. Fajardo a name that means belted, possibly indicating an ancestor who wore a belt or had a profession that required a belt. Talamantes hailed from a village in Zaragoza and is exotic, even by Hispanic measures. Might it mean beauty and elegance? Finally, rare last names may also be invented by parents hoping to give their child an individualistic name that stands out from the crowd. Glcksburg The current ruling family of Denmark, the House of Glcksburg, has held the throne since 1863. Get close to the ancestry and significance of some of the popular Spanish surnames. What can set your celebration apart from the others? In English, names ending in -son or beginning with Fitz-, O'-, or Mc-/Mac- are patronymics. Lebedev derived from the word lebed', meaning swan. Habsburg The House of Habsburg was one of the most powerful royal dynasties in Europe, ruling over Austria, Spain, and many other territories for centuries. Rubio is the Spanish word for blond and originally may have referred to people with blond hair or lightly-colored hair. 50 Powerful Quotes to Remind Us to Live With Intention. It comes from the Late Latin word Salvator, which means savior., It is derived from the old Roman word Salvius, which comes from the Latin word Salvus that means safe., San Miguel is a toponymic name that refers to people who lived near the church of St. This surname may have originally referred to people with dark or brown hair. There are many claims to French royalty, and its believed the name pre-dates even that. Last Name. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. This is a variant of cardozo derived from the Latin word carduus meaning thorny.. Families were sometimes called Del Castillo, which meant they were of the castle, and often hailed from the borderlands of Spain, where castles protected against invasion. 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 Spanish surname is derived from the word Candela referring to a candle.. They can add depth and dimension to a fictional characters identity, and can even be used as inspiration for real-life names. Palmero is a toponymic surname referring to someone from the city of Palma in Spain. Cepeda a name that means wooded hill, possibly indicating an ancestor who lived near or owned a wooded area. It is derived from the Basque word aitz that means rock or stone.. Assuming that your last name is rarer than Smith, it would mean that fewer than 1.5% of people in the US have your last name. Diaz is taken from the Latin dies, meaning days. It was originally used to give people more Spanish-sounding names in the 9th-century. This is still true of Colombia, where the last name is common, and the area is known for its Paso Fino breed. 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. The Spanish population follows the custom of having two surnames, the first derived from the paternal and the second from the maternal side. It is mesmerizingly beautiful and one of the popular travel destinations. Pankratov derived from the first name Pankrat, which means all-powerful or almighty. A variant of Castilla or Castellano, this surname refers to a castle.. Let your child's teacher know they are appreciated with these thoughtful sentiments to include in a teacher thank you note! Daz or Dez. Names are a wonderful way to start knowing about a country. Dominguez was given to people who were sons of men named Domingo, a Spanish language version of Dominic. Rizzo a name that means curly-haired, possibly indicating an ancestor with curly hair or a distinctive hairstyle. This is a popular toponymic surname in Spain and likely referred to people who lived in villages surrounded by thickets or groves or a forest., Suarez refers to son of Suero. The name Suero is derived from the Medieval Spanish word Sueris meaning an army.. The Hispanic double surname system traces back to the nobility class of Castile in the 16th century. 6. People with fathers named Diego became Diaz or son of Diego.. Pacheco is derived from the Latin Franciscus, meaning free man, and may have spread through Roman use. It is a variant of Badillo. Spanish last names sometimes point to personality traits, characteristics and qualities, and physical attributes. 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. It is the Spanish word for a rooster. It was likely associated with people who took a lot of pride in themselves. 8 Parachute Games for Kids Filled With High-Flying Fun. Be intentional quotes are a great way to remind ourselves to be present and purposeful in life. Fernandez is a Spanish patronymic last name referring to son of Fernando or son of Ferdinand. Ferdinand has several origins and means a brave journey., It is a surname of Italian, Spanish and Catalan origin. Leon is also a nickname given to someone who was as brave as a lion and likely had origins outside Hispanic circles, like the town of Lyon, in France. Son of Diego. When did Spanish start using surnames? Landmarks were the easiest way to differentiate yourself from others before last names were used. Morales identifies people living by natural landmarks, such as mulberry bushes. The ez suffix in Spanish last names refers to a patronymic naming system that followed the Visigothic invasion. Names are also considered unique due to their meaning. This was shortened to Vasco, and so in the Spanish tradition, the sons became Vazquez. Sons of Hernando, or Fernando, were named after men who were given a name that implied courage or daring. Much of its popularity is due to King Ferdinand III, who captured much of Spain back from the Moors, for which he was declared a saint. Iglesias - Plural of the Spanish word for church. The names might be traditional or unique. They may represent a historical occupation of a person's ancestors, character traits, or geographic locales. Vicario derives from the Latin vicarius, which is the root for the English word vicarious, and the Hispanic vicario. Named as a stand-in for an official, this required high standing and a good reputation. Means "days", Garca - May come from the Basque word for "bear", Gonzlez - Might mean "war hall" also means "son of Gonzalo", Guzman - Might mean "cadet or person in the army" or may mean "from the village of Guzmn", Romero - Means "a traveler" or "a pilgrim", Ruiz - Alludes to the meaning "famous ruler", Snchez - 8th most common Spanish surname. Hohenzollern The House of Hohenzollern was the royal family of Prussia and the German Empire, and also ruled over Romania for a time. This is a spelling variant of Villanova referring to a new settlement., Villas is derived from Villads or Willihad, which comes from Old German and refers to a will for a battle or a desire for combat., Yanez is a patronymic surname referring to son of Juan. The name Juan is the Spanish variant of the name John, which has its origins in Hebrew and means Yahweh is gracious.. Likely, these villages were so named because they were built into baking hot depressions in the land. 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. It is derived from the Basque word Eleiza referring to people who lived near or under a church., It is derived from the German name Heimrich referring to home-ruler.. It is related to the Spanish word Morera, which means a mulberry tree. Reyes might have been given as a nickname for a person who had a kingly manner, derived from the Latin rex, which means king. It could also refer to someone who played a king in pageants and festivals. The rarity of a last name can vary greatly depending on the geographic region and cultural community in which it is found, and naming trends can change over time. Spain is located in the mountainous region of the Iberian Peninsula, and glimpses of its culture and diversity can be seen in the Spanish surnames. Break down barriers and start conversations with these practical ways to talk to teens. Timofeev derived from the first name Timofey, which means honoring God or fearing God. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing ar more. The most historically famous Spanish last name belongs to King Philip II, whose full name was Felipe II de Habsburgo. This means that Smith is held by around 1.5% of the US population. This leather was available only on the Balearic Island, Spain. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Talamo is the bridal bed, and the suffix ante brings back medieval times when marriages were made for alliances. Kristin has a Bachelor's Degree in Education: Learning Disabilities, and a Master's Degree in Education: Emotional Impairments/Behavior Disorders. This Spanish surname likely refers to a person who lived inside or near a tower.. This name is not definitive and wouldnt have increased very quickly. Marquez is a popular baptismal name developed from the word mar, which means to gleam. Marc and all its variations were used in pre-medieval times to name religious buildings and sanctuaries throughout Italy, Spain, and France. Uncommon Hispanic last names These Hispanic surnames originate from Spanish-speaking countries. Get ideas for selecting a name for your child that is truly one-of-a-kind and special. Soto originally referred to fertile pasture land containing forest or woods from the Latin saltus.. Alberto Portuguese, Spanish From the given name Alberto. The word Palma also refers to palm in Spanish. However, some uncommon last names may include: These last names are not common in many countries, but they may be more frequently found in certain regions or ethnic communities. Rivas were dwellers on the river or along river embankments. Many Spanish surnames end in the letter combination "ez." )Mexico has an incredibly rich history, going back to ancient civilizations like the Aztecs, Olmecs, and Mayans.It was then colonized by the Spanish.Today, the country is made up of 31 states and one federal district, and has a . It derived from the Latin word Didacus or Didache, and means teaching., Domingo is the Spanish variant of the Latin name Dominicus, which means of the lord., Duarte is the Spanish form of Edward meaning rich guard., Duran is a Jewish or Catalan word referring to steadfast. In other derivatives, this name also suggests that it meant enduring or to be strong.. 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. Dominic was also given to children born on the Holy day, Sunday. It is derived from Emmanuel, which means God is with us in Hebrew. It also refers to be a variant of Abraham in Hebrew. Uncommon or rare last names are often interesting and varied in origin. It is also possible that it derived from the word courtier, describing one who attended to their sovereign or king. The town of Zamora is directly taken from the Arabic azemur, which means the wild olives. The town is centered around its production. It is a toponymic surname referring to the name of a town in Spain. Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below. In many monarchies, royal families often adopt a specific surname or dynastic name to reflect their royal heritage. Salas is a plural of Sala referring to a person who works at a manor house.. Zolotov a Russian last name that means golden, it is rare outside of Russia and neighboring countries. It is the combination of two Basque words arri meaning stone and ola meaning a house.. Delgado derives from the Latin delicatus and was often a nickname for someone thin. Another reference could also be the Spanish word Contrario, which means contrary. Settlers with this last name have been in the Americas since 1533, but it is more common in Mexico than in any other country. They are among the most popular Spanish last names in the world. This toponymic name refers to a city called Toledo in central Spain. Semyonov derived from the first name Semyon, which means hearing or listener. Alamilla Spanish From Spanish alamillo meaning "poplar, aspen". Your email address will not be published. Padilla was the name of several villages and is derived from the Latin patella, referring to a cooking pan for making bread. Fictional surnames are last names that were created for fictional characters in literature, movies, TV shows, and other forms of media. 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. This is derived from the name of a province called Avila, in the present-day community of Castile and Leon in Spain. Garza may have been given as a nickname to someone with long legs, like a heron, but it can also translate to a bird. It is a toponymic surname derived from the name of a town in Spain. In other cultures, different letter combinations signify the "son of" meaning. Bellacosa a name that means beautiful thing, possibly denoting someone with an attractive appearance or personality. Manage Settings This surname is derived from the name of the Spanish city Valencia thus making it a toponymic last name. Bigotes - Means "whiskers" Escarra - Means "left-handed" Ladrn - Means "thief" Lanzo - Means "to throw" Campos implies lots of land and vast fields. Ordoez a name that means descendant of Ordoo, a common medieval Spanish name. Capano a name that refers to a merchant or shopkeeper. Jimeno is thought to be an evolution of the pre-Christian Hebrew name Shimon and the Greek name Simos, which introduced the name, Simon. Belousov a name that means white-haired or fair-haired. Adorable Hispanic names are influenced by people's heritage and traditions. Such land would be used for agriculture and settling. Flores stems from Latin, during the Roman occupation of Spain and Italy, which changed when the Visigoths defeated Rome. So, I'm either chasing them or my next project. It has two possible references, one being the name of a city called Alfaro in La Rioja, Spain. Martinez derives from the Latin Martinus, after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is likely derived from the Spanish word Camera referring to a chamber or room., It is the Spanish word for bell. This Spanish occupational last name refers to the maker of bells.. Antunez refers to the son of Antonio. The name Antonio is derived from a notable Roman family name Antonius., This Spanish surname is derived from the name of an Italian town near Rome, making it a toponymic last name. Aguado (Spanish origin) - meany 'watery'. Moreover, some rare last names originate from religious affiliations or ancestral customs families may have adapted to different cultures over time and these influences can be seen in their surnames. Rare and uncommon last names are those that are not frequently found in a given population or geographical area. It is an occupational surname meaning a barber., Bardales is a toponymic Spanish surname referring to a place covered with thorns., Baro is an Old Germanic word meaning a warrior, man or a servant., This name is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word referring to clay or mud. Barros has two references; it can be an occupational last name for people who work with clay or mud. It is also a suggested topographic surname for people who live near clay or mud.. It is a Spanish variant of Messiah, which originates from Hebrew and means savior or the anointed one., It has originated in the Basque region and refers to a cold mountain.. They can add uniqueness and interest to a persons identity, and reflect the diversity of Canadas population. By Antonia Leonard May 31, 2022 Uncommon Spanish last names Abarca - maker of leather shoes. Your email address will not be published. Ortega - nettle plant. Pena is derived from the Latin penna, used to describe a prominent rock or a stone fortress. The name of the place likely comes from Arabic in which it means the cherry., Alegria has Spanish and Portuguese origins and refers to joy or happiness., Alejo is derived from the ancient Greek name Alexis referring to helper, defender or protector.. 1. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our. 4. The topographical name refers to people who lived near a mountain ridge or chain of hills.. However, after marriage, women have the choice of adopting their husbands last names. (Or sometimes it's just something you pick up when you get married. Bernardo is related to Bernat, and it means Bernard too. 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. Figueroa were figs cultivated to be covered with grains of sugar. Below are some uncommon last names in the United States: It is worth noting that last names can vary greatly in rarity depending on the geographic region and cultural community in the United States. MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Salt was a source of wealth in ancient times. 1. Garcia is the most popular Spanish last name in the top 50 most common last names worldwide, reaching 47th place. Belize: Formerly British Honduras, Belize is the only Central American country that does not have a "Spanish culture" and is not Spanish speaking. It is predominantly found in Catholic areas today. Fuentes, or fountains, were widespread in Spain, especially in the Fuentes region. Ramos was often a given name to someone born during Palm Sundays religious fiesta. Symbolic, Cross-cultural Contreras Taken from Basque, Mendoza is derived from the words mendi and oza, meaning mountain and cold, respectively. Vivacious Redneck names originating from the community's love for freedom and nature. These uncommon last names can add character and personality to a persons identity. Berra is a derivative of the Spanish word Berrar that means to scream, shout, or bellow.. Geographical Surnames. Another reference suggests it could have been derived from the Basque words asta and ur referring to rock and water respectively. Willie Coln, an American trombonist, composer, and bandleader, helped to popularize salsa music in the United States. It is likely to have been derived from the name of a field which denoted the cultivation of a special variety of wheat.. These names are less common than Garcia or Rodriguez, but they are just as interesting to discover. They give insight into what your ancestors did and where and how they lived. Solis stems from several villages throughout Spain named from the root word soler., Soto denotes a thicket or grove on a river bank which conjures images of beautiful Spanish rural countryside. Barbero - beard, barber. It is the Spanish word for curly and refers to someone with curly hair. Costa is the Spanish word for coast and can also refer to a riverbank or a slope., It is a plural of the Spanish word Costal, which means a sack or bag.. Every countrys people have a unique tradition or a naming system for their surnames. It is a nickname likely given to a quarrelsome person or someone who is engaged in warfare. It likely referred to someone who lived near the town or the nearest market. 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.. Abarca is an occupational last name. Spain is known for its food, dance, and even beautiful beaches. Having originated in Argentina, this word is an expression of hey and evolved as a Spanish surname. This toponymic surname refers to people belonging to Salamanca, a city situated in the northwestern part of Spain. The characteristics of these names can vary depending on their origins, but some general traits include: It is difficult to determine the rarest last names globally, as different countries have different naming traditions and populations. Here are some uncommon last names in the United States during the 1800s: These last names are of Scandinavian origin and were commonly found among immigrants from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark who settled in the United States during the 1800s. Cervantes stems from several Latin, Spanish, and Galician words. Try these simple 'me time for moms' activities to get the recharge you need! It is derived from the word Matthew meaning gift of Yahweh in Hebrew. German last names can have a variety of origins, including geographical, occupational, and personal names. Torres is a very cosmopolitan last name. Alfaro Spanish Originally denoted someone who was from the city of Alfaro in La Rioja, Spain. Below is an alphabetical list of rare or infrequent last names and others more common but curious about their phonetics or meaning. Arabic last names are usually indicative of a family's ancestry and culture. They can add interest and uniqueness to a persons identity, and reflect the diversity of Australias population. Velasquez is the Spanish variation of Velasco derived from Germanic roots. Tveiten Norwegian origin meaning meadow farm. The popularity of the last name Cruz has been steady for centuries. Miranda refers to places in Spain and Portugal, meaning admired place. Miranda may also derive from the Spanish miralla, meaning lookout post. This is a communal name for people who hailed from a specific area. People who lived within sight of great fortresses might have used it as a landmark and later as a surname. Those with this name can likely trace their genealogy to a descendant named Alvaro. Hayashi (): Refers to a forest or woods. Volkov derived from the word volk, meaning wolf. So be it planning a trip there or just quenching your thirst for knowledge, here is a list of Spanish surnames that you might want to have a look at. Alvarez ends with the suffix ez, meaning from or of. This was a modification stemming from the Germanic invasion of Iberian regions by the Visigoths in the 5th-century. 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. 100 Meaningful Russian Female Names (for Your Little Princess), 100 Powerful Russian Names For Boys (With History), 100 Unique Dutch Family Names (Using Places, People, & History), 100 Famous British Last Names (To Strike Your Fancy), 100 Famous Roman Last Names (From Classical to Mythical), 100 Meaningful Polish Last Names (Both Classic & Unique), 105 Beautiful Asian Boy Names (From Traditional to Cool), 100 Top Irish Last Names (From Ancient to Unusual), 100 Best Middle Names (From Modern to Traditional), 105 Amazing International Boy Names (With Unique Origins), 104 Elegant Danish Girl Names (With Traditional Roots), 100 Popular Muslim Boy Names (For Devoted Little Boys), 105 Popular Scottish Female Names (For Your Gaelic Girl). If pretty princess and gorgeous goddess names don't generally appeal to you, consider giving your gi, 7 Ways to Talk to Teens That Create a Conversation.