36 Most Common Mexican Last Names & Their Meanings

Mexico has by far the most Spanish speakers in the world. However, Mexico doesn’t have an official language. I have selected 36 most common Mexican last names with their meanings included.

Soto

Soto is a surname of Spanish origins, meaning small wood or grove.

Garcia

Garcia has its origins in the Basque word hartz which means “bear.” It is the second most common surname in Mexico.

Guerrero

Guerrero means warrior. Mexican actor Álvaro Guerrero played in the 1986 drama film The Mission.

Reyes

The name Reyes is derived from the word rey, meaning ”kings.”

Bravo

Meaning courageous or brave, the name Bravo is derived from the Latin word bravus.

Martinez

Martinez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Martin.” Martinez has its origins in Mars that is the Roman god of war and fertility.

Alvarado

The name Alvarado has Spanish origins, and it means ‘whitened place.’

Cruz

Cruz comes from the Latin word crux, meaning “cross.” Mexican soprano Gilda Cruz-Romo bore this name and she performed at the Royal Opera House in London.

Fuentes

Fuentes means “fountains.”

READ MORE: 38 Common Japanese Last Names With Meanings

Lopez

Lopez is a patronymical surname meaning “son of Lope.” Lopez is the 5th most common Hispanic surname globally.

Vega

Vega has a meaning that I like, “one who lives on the plain.”

Ortega

Ortega comes from Latin urtica that is meaning ”nettle.” Cristóbal Ortega played for the Mexico national team in 24 matches. Variations of this name are Orreaga, Ortigosa, Ortigueira, Ortiga, de Ortega, and Ortego.

Espinoza

Espinoza is a topographic surname meaning “thorny place.”

Hernández

Hernández is the Spanish form of the Germanic Ferdinand and is composed of the Spanish elements “faro” (journey) and “nano” (brave).

Domínguez

Domínguez is symbolizing “son of Domingo.” Mexican politician Alfonso Martínez Domínguez was the governor of the Mexican state of Nuevo León for 6 years.

Facts about Mexico

Mariachi music is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Mariachi music originated in the state of Jalisco.

Americans party harder on Cinco de Mayo than Mexicans do.

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are two of Mexico’s most famous artists.

The Great Pyramid of Cholula is the largest pyramid by volume in the world.

In Mexico, you’ll find the smallest volcano in the world. Cuexcomate.

Lara

Lara is a water nymph in Roman Mythology. This name means pleasant place or cheerful.

Delgado

Meaning soft or delicate, the name Delgado is derived from Latin delicatus. Mexican sculptor Marcel Delgado is famous for his work on the 1933 film King Kong.

Nunez

The name Nunez means ”son of Nuo.”

Gonzalez

It is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Gonzalo.” It is one of the most common surnames in the Spanish-speaking population.

Contreras

”From the surrounding area.”

Vargas

It is derived from the Spanish word varga (”steepest section of a slope”).

Mendez

Mendez means ”son or descendant of Mendel.” Mexican actor Marco Méndez played Dr. Bruno Palma in the telenovela Querida Enemiga.

Perez

Perez is a patronymic name meaning ”son of Pero,” the Spanish equivalent of Peter. Peter has its origins in the Greek Petros (stone or rock).

Herrera

Herrera is from the Latin word ferrāria and is symbolizing “iron works.” Mexican boxer Aaron Herrera is the current WBC Mundo Hispano Lightweight Champion.

Castillo

The name Castillo originates in the word castillo (castle).

More interesting facts about Mexico

Chocolate originated in this country, where the Mayans and Aztecs first cultivated the cacao plant

Day of the Dead is a colourful Mexican tradition honouring deceased loved ones.

Mexico fought three wars to shape its modern nation.

The climate in Mexico varies from tropical climate to desert climate.

Mexico means navel of the moon, and it’s an Aztec word.

Chichen Itza is just one of 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.

Rodriguez

The patronymic name Rodriguez means “son of Rodrigo.” Its Portuguese equivalent is Rodrigues.

Rojas

Rojas is a surname of Spanish origin, meaning red.

Romero

Romero’s main meaning has roots in the Spanish word for a “pilgrim.” It originally derived from the Greek word Romaios.

Salinas

It is a corruption of the surname Salillas, meaning salt mine. Mexican model Claudia Salinas was featured in Trace, Bello, FHM, Maxim, and GQ.

Sanchez

Sanchez has its origins in the patronymic form of the given name Sancho which means ”consecrated” or ”sacred.”

Chavez

The name Chavez signifies keys.

Aguilar

Aguilar means ‘haunt of eagles’ and originally derived from the Latin word L’Aquillare

Navarro

The name Navarro has its origins in Spain, and it means “Basque-speaking person.”

Ramirez

Ramirez is the 9th most common in Mexico and means “son of Ramiro” or “son of Ramon.”

Ortiz

Ortiz means “son of Orti.”

Flores

Flores has its origins in the given name Floro which is meaning “flower.” Mexican boxer Adam Flores was trained by Eduardo Garcia at La Colonia Boxing Club.