73 Filipino Last Names With Meanings And History
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Filipino last names carry a rich history and cultural background, shaped significantly by influences from various nations, most notably under Spanish rule. Many common Filipino surnames have Spanish origins, highlighting the colonial history of the Philippines.
By exploring the meanings of these names, one gains insight into the lives and experiences of the Filipino people. This investigation reveals a diverse blend of traditional Filipino surnames, reflecting the linguistic and cultural heritage of the country.
Spanish Surnames In The Philippines
The Spanish colonial period significantly shaped Filipino naming conventions, with many surnames showing Spanish influence. Surnames such as Del Rosario, Garcia, and Santos illustrate this blend, being prevalent in the Philippines and also common in Spanish-speaking countries. These names underscore the historical ties between the Philippines and regions like Latin America, which were also under Spanish rule.
1. Abad (Spanish origin): It is a name of Spanish origin that means 'priest'.
2. Abalos (Spanish origin): Abalos is a name of Spanish origin that could mean 'native of Abalos'. It is derived from the word derived and is a variant of avalos. It is the name of a popular Filipino politician, Benjamin Abalos.
3. Abelardo (Spanish origin): It is a Spanish name that means 'noble strength' or 'noble and strong'. It was the name of the popular Filipino composer, Nicanor Abelardo.
4. Acosta (Spanish origin): Acosta is a Spanish name that was used to refer to someone who lived by the seashore or came from the mountains.
5. Alvarado (Spanish origin): Alvarado is a name that means 'whitened place'.
6. Aranda (Spanish origin): Aranda is a Spanish name that means 'valley'.
7. Barretto (Spanish origin): The surname Barretto originally comes from the Spanish word "Barrera," meaning 'barrier'.
8. Basilio (Spanish origin): This name, which also has its origins in Italian and Portugese, means 'kingly' or 'royal'.
9. Ballesteros (Spanish origin): The surname Ballesteros comes from the Spanish word 'ballestero', meaning 'crossbowman', which is derived from 'ballesta', the term for 'crossbow'.
10. Belmonte (Spanish origin): Belmonte means 'beautiful mountain'. It is one of the most common surnames, as well as that of the famous Filipino poet Vito Belmonte.
11. Bonilla (Spanish origin): Bonilla is a name that means 'good child'.
12. Cabrera (Spanish and Catalan origins): The surname Cabrera is a name that comes from places named Cabrera, found in various locations. It originates from the Late Latin word 'capraria', meaning 'place of goats', which comes from 'capra', the Latin word for 'goat'.
13. Cabello (Spanish origin): The name Cabello means 'hair'. It is the surname of the Filipino singer Sarah Geronimo Cabello.
14. Carpio (Spanish origin): Carpio is a Spanish name that means 'hills'.
15. Chaves (Spanish origin): The surname Chavez is of Spanish origin, coming from the Latin name Flaviae. It is also commonly found in the Philippines and has a Portuguese variant spelled as Chaves. It was the name of a Filipino sportsperson and politician, Victorico Chaves.
16. Custodio (Spanish origin): Custodio is a name that means 'guardian'.
17. Davino (Italian origin): The name Davino means 'beloved'.
18. dela Cruz (Spanish origin): De la Cruz, often written as de la Cruz and spelled dela Cruz in the Philippines, is a Spanish name that means 'of the Cross'.
19. del Rosario (Spanish origin): It is a Spanish surname that means 'of the rosary'.
20. Enriquez (Spanish origin): Enriquez is a Spanish name that means 'son of Enrique'. It was the name of the social psychologist Virgilio Enriquez, also known as the Father of Filipino Psychology.
21. Espino (Spanish origin): The name Espino is derived from the Spanish word 'espino', which means 'hawthorn'.
22. Estrella (Spanish origin): Estrella is a name of Spanish origin that means 'star'.
23. Esguerra (Spanish origin): It is a name of Spanish origin that means 'left-handed'.
24. Facundo (Spanish origin): The name Facundo means 'talkative' or 'eloquent'.
25. Fernandez (Spanish origin): It is a Spanish surname that means 'son of Fernando'.
26. Gallardo (Spanish origin): The name Gallardo comes from a Germanic personal name that combines 'gail', meaning 'cheerful' or 'joyous', with 'hard', meaning 'hardy', 'brave', or 'strong'.
27. Galvez (Spanish origin): The last name Galvez comes from the medieval name 'Galve', which means 'triumphant' in Arabic (Ghālib). It is the name of the retired Philippine Army general and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity of the Philippines, Carlito Galvez Jr.
28. Labrador (Spanish origin): Labrador is a name that means 'landholder'.
29. Mendoza (Basque origin): The name, which is of Baque origin and has over time changed in the Spanish form today, means 'cold mountain'. It is the name of the Filipino filmmaker, Brillante Mendoza.
30. Moreno (Spanish origin): Moreno is a name that means 'dark-haired' or 'dark-skinned'. It is the surname of the Filipina actress and politician, Alma Moreno.
31. Oracion (Spanish origin): Oracion is a name that means 'prayer'.
32. Oliveros (Spanish and Italian origins): Oliveros is a name that means 'olive tree'.
33. Padilla (Spanish origin): Padilla is a Spanish name that means 'frying pan'. It is the surname of the Filipino actor and singer, Daniel Padilla.
34. Pérez (Spanish origin): The surname Pérez is derived from the personal name Pedro, which is the Spanish equivalent of Peter. It is the name of the former Filipino child actor, Kurt Perez.
35. Portillo (Spanish origin): Portillo is a Spanish surname that means 'little port'.
36. Posadas (Spanish origin): Posadas is a Spanish name that means 'halt' or 'resting place'.
37. Rioflorido (Spanish origin): The name Rioflorido comes from Spanish, combining 'rio', which means 'river', and 'florido', meaning 'flourishing' or 'floral'.
38. Rosario (Spanish origin): Rosario is a name of Spanish origin that means 'rosary.
39. Salvador (Spanish origin): Salvador is a name that means 'messiah'.
40. Salazar (Spanish origin): The surname Salazar originates from a Basque place name, combining 'sala' meaning 'hall' and 'zahar' meaning 'old', indicating an 'old hall'.
41. Soriano (Spanish origin): Soriano is a name that means 'from Soria'.
42. Suarez (Spanish origin): The name Suárez is a patronymic surname, meaning it signifies 'son of Suero' or 'son of Soeiro'. It comes from the Latin name Suerius, which translates to 'swineherd'. It was the name of a Filipino Catholic priest, Fernando Suarez.
43. Trinidad (Spanish origin): Trinidad is a name that means 'trinity' or 'Holy Trinity'.
44. Valle (Spanish and Italian origins): Valle is a name that means 'valley'.
45. Valencia (Spanish and Italian origins): Valencia is a name that means 'strong' or 'healthy'.
46. Velasco (Basque origin): Velasco, also known as 'Belasco' or 'Belasko', is a Basque family name that originates from the Visigothic name 'Vela' (Vigila), combined with the Basque suffix -sco. It is the name of the Filipino-American singer, Camile Velasco.
47. Zamora (Spanish origin): Zamora is a name that means 'wild olives'.
Filipino Last Names With Tagalog Origin
Tagalog surnames are an enduring testament to the linguistic heritage of the Tagalog people, who have kept their cultural identity vibrant through the many Filipino surnames that are spread throughout the country. These surnames often combine Tagalog words, revealing aspects of daily life and the natural environment post-Spanish colonization.
48. Agbayani (Tagalog origin): Agbayani is a name that means 'to be heroic'.
49. Baquiran (Tagalog origin): Baquiran is a name of Tagalog origin that means 'forest'.
50. Bituin (Tagalog origin): Bituin is a name that means 'star'.
51. Dimaano (Tagalog origin): Dimaano is a name of Tagalog origin that means 'invincible'.
52. Diwata (Tagalog origin): Diwata is a name that means 'goddess'.
53. Galang (Tagalog origin): Galang is a Filipino surname that means 'respect' in Tagalog.
54. Macapagal (Tagalog origin): Macapagal is a name of Taglog origin that means 'to be tired'.
55. Manalo (Tagalog origin): Manalo is a surname in the Tagalog language that means 'to win'.
56. Pabalat (Tagalog origin): Pabalat is derived from the Tagalog word 'balat', meaning 'skin'.
57. Tungpalan (Tagalog origin): Tungpalan is a name that means 'blessings'.
Most Common Filipino Surnames
The Filipino identity is closely linked to its surnames. A common Filipino surname usually shows a connection to Spanish ancestry, telling a story that's a big part of the country's history. These surnames also show how diverse Filipino culture is, with influences from Arabic words, Christian traditions, and even old Sanskrit words. Mixing local surnames with those from other languages shows the Philippines as a place where different cultures meet.
58. Agustin (Spanish origin): Agustin is a Spanish name that means 'great' or 'magnificent'.
59. Bacolod (Ilonggo origin): It is derived from the Ilonggo word 'bakolod' meaning 'stonehill'.
60. Dalisay (Filipino origin): Dalisay is a name that means 'pure' in Filipino language.
61. Diwa (Filipino origin): Diwa is a name of Filipino origin that means 'spirit' or 'thought'. It was the name of the Filipino patriot Ladislao Diwa.
62. Faustino (Spanish origin): Faustino is a Spanish name that means 'fortunate one' or 'lucky'.
63. Halili (Filipino origin): Halili is a name that comes from the Tagalog word 'halili', which means 'successor', 'substitute', 'replacement'.
64. Ilagan (Filipino origin): The name Ilagan is derived from the word 'Ilag' meaning 'to dodge' or 'to avoid'.
65. Navarro (Spanish origin): Navarro is a Spanish name that means 'plains', 'low', or 'flat'.
66. Ramos (Spanish origin): Ramos is a name that means 'branches' or 'bouquets'.
67. Reyes (Spanish origin): Reyes is a name that means 'kings' or 'royals'.
68. Roberto (Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese origins): Roberto is a name that means 'bright fame'.
69. Ruiz (Spanish origin): The Spanish surname Ruiz comes from the Germanic personal name 'Hrodric', which combines 'hrod', meaning 'renown', and 'ric', meaning 'power'.
70. Santos (Spanish origin): Santos is a name that means 'saints'.
71. Tibayan (Filipino origin): Tibayan is a name derived from the Tagalog and Bikol word 'tibay', meaning 'strength'.
72. Timbol (Filipino origin): The name Timbol is of Filipino origin, specifically from the Tagalog word 'timbol', which means 'float' or 'floating'.
73. Torres (Spanish origin): Torres is a name of Spanish origin that means 'towers'. It is the surname of the Filipina actress and singer, Andrea Torres.
FAQs
What is the influence of Spanish names on Filipino surnames?
Spanish names have left a lasting impact on Filipino surnames, a legacy of over three centuries of colonization. These surnames, often intertwined with Christian names, reflect the complex history and cultural transformation that took place during Spanish rule.
Can you give an example of a Filipino surname derived from a mythical bird?
An example of a Filipino surname derived from a mythical bird is Galura, which signifies a large, mythical bird in Philippine folklore, an is often associated with tales of grandeur and freedom.
How does Bacunawa play a role in Filipino surnames?
Bacunawa is a dragon-like creature from Visayan mythology that has inspired Filipino names and surnames. It represents a significant cultural symbol and contributes to the mythological aspect of Filipino heritage.
What are some characteristics of Filipino surnames that have Spanish origins?
Filipino surnames with Spanish origins are characterized by their Spanish phonetics, Christian influences, and often pertain to saints' names, religious concepts, or occupations that were prevalent during the Spanish era.
Do Filipino names reflect the country’s religious heritage?
Yes, many Filipino names are heavily influenced by the country’s Christian heritage. Names often mirror biblical figures or saints, showcasing the deep-rooted religious influence in the culture and naming practices of the Philippines.
The history of Filipino last names is a mix of local dialects, Spanish influence, religious symbols, and words from other languages. These names, ranging from traditional to common, reflect the Philippines' rich cultural heritage and its history as a melting pot of native traditions, Spanish rule, and interactions with other cultures. By adopting a variety of naming practices, Filipinos showcase their heritage, from names inspired by the Hiligaynon language for rice grains to titles from the Maranao epic poem. These names not only tell the story of a people skilled at blending different cultural practices but also carry the legacy of their ancestors and the lively spirit of their enduring culture.
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Sources
https://www.houseofnames.com/abalos-family-crest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velasco
https://www.peanut-app.io/blog/filipino-baby-names
https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/100-filipino-last-names-or-surnames/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_influence_on_Filipino_culture
https://www.familyeducation.com/baby-names/list-ideas/75-filipino-names-for-your-little-one
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