100 Cool Filippino last Names

The Philippines has a very rich and diverse history brought in its culture, language, and surnames.

The Filipino last names tell stories about colonial influences, indigenous roots, and historical migration.

From it derive centuries-old Spanish names like the Cruz and Lopez, amongst others, to more indigenous surnames such as Laksamana and Dimalanta.

Amid these unique outsiders come Hispanic endeavor results into meaning.

This blog will cover both the origins and meanings of Filipino surnames while highlighting their significance.

Whether you trace your lineage for ancestry purposes or are just curious about Filipino heritage, this guide will enhance your appreciation of Filipino names.

Filippino last names

Cruz – “Cross,” often associated with Christianity.

Lopez – “Son of Lope,” derived from the Spanish word for “wolf.”

Santos – “Saints,” common in religious families.

Reyes – “Kings,” symbolizing royalty.

Garcia – Derived from a Spanish warrior family name.

Ramos – “Branches,” possibly referring to a family tree.

Torres – “Towers,” representing strength.

Del Rosario – “Of the Rosary,” a Marian devotion.

Navarro – “Plains” or “Newcomer.”

Aguilar – “Eagle,” symbolizing power.

De la Cruz – “Of the Cross,” a religious name.

Villanueva – “New town,” indicating a place of origin.

Gonzales – “Son of Gonzalo,” meaning “battle genius.”

Ortega – “Nettle,” a plant with symbolic significance.

Bautista – “Baptist,” referencing John the Baptist.

Castillo – “Castle,” representing nobility.

Mendoza – “Cold mountain,” referring to geography.

Fernandez – “Son of Fernando,” meaning “brave traveler.”

Pascual – “Easter,” linked to the resurrection of Christ.

Valencia – “Strength” or “bravery.”

Lazaro – “Lazarus,” associated with resurrection.

Padilla – “Small frying pan,” an occupational surname.

Alvarez – “Son of Alvaro,” meaning “guardian.”

Salvador – “Savior,” a religious name.

Vergara – “Place of thick vegetation.”

Espinoza – “Thorny,” possibly referring to a landscape.

Jimenez – “Son of Jimeno,” meaning “he who hears.”

De Guzman – “Of Guzman,” linked to nobility.

De Leon – “Of the lion,” symbolizing courage.

Manalo – “To win” or “to triumph” in Tagalog.

Dimalanta – “Not yet defeated,” symbolizing resilience.

Laksamana – A Malay-derived name meaning “admiral.”

Bayani – “Hero” in Tagalog.

Magbanua – “To defend,” from an indigenous warrior class.

Balagtas – A famous surname linked to poet Francisco Balagtas.

Katigbak – “To support” or “to assist.”

Panganiban – “To wave a sword,” denoting a warrior heritage.

Macaraeg – “To overcome” or “to conquer.”

Sumulong – “To advance” or “to progress.”

Gatbonton – “Noble of Bonton,” a historical Filipino title.

Liwanag – “Light” or “brightness.”

Mapili – “Choosy” or “selective,” possibly referring to discernment.

Magtanggol – “To defend,” representing bravery.

Pagsanjan – A place-based surname, referring to a town in Laguna.

Dela Peña – “Of the rock” or “cliff.”

Malabanan – “To fight against” or “to resist.”

Bagatsing – A name of Indian origin meaning “strong.”

Dimagiba – “Indestructible” or “unbreakable.”

Tumangday – “To rise up” or “to stand tall.”

Banquil – Possibly derived from a river or body of water.

Abad – “Priest” in Spanish, often associated with religious figures.

Abella – “Bee” in Spanish, symbolizing hard work.

Abesamis – “Companion of Sama” in Visayan, meaning “friend.”

Acebedo – Derived from a Spanish word meaning “maple tree.”

Almario – “To be adorned” or “ornamented” in Spanish.

Amparo – “Protection” or “shelter” in Spanish.

Arceo – “Oak tree,” representing strength and resilience.

Atienza – “To assist” or “to help.”

Bagayan – “To carry something on the back” in native languages.

Baluyot – “Roof” or “shelter,” possibly an occupational name.

Bañez – “Son of Baño,” meaning “bath” or “spring.”

Batacan – Derived from “Bataan,” a historical province.

Batiancila – Possibly a Visayan surname, meaning unknown.

Belmonte – “Beautiful mountain” in Spanish.

Benitez – “Blessed” or “favored” in Spanish.

Biscocho – “Biscuit” or “cookie,” possibly an occupational surname.

Buenaventura – “Good fortune” or “good adventure.”

Calumpang – Named after a native tree species in the Philippines.

Camacho – “Thick or bushy,” possibly referring to hair.

Carandang – “To run in confusion” in Tagalog.

Cariño – “Affection” or “kindness” in Spanish.

Cayabyab – A Kapampangan surname with unclear origins.

Clemente – “Merciful” or “gentle” in Latin.

Coronel – “Colonel” in Spanish, likely given to soldiers.

De los Santos – “Of the Saints,” a religious surname.

Dimaculangan – “Not lacking” or “complete.”

Dizon – A Kapampangan name, possibly a Chinese-influenced surname.

Domingo – “Sunday” in Spanish, linked to devotion.

Esguerra – “War” or “warrior” in Spanish.

Estrella – “Star,” symbolizing guidance or brilliance.

Feliciano – “Happy” or “fortunate.”

Flores – “Flowers,” a common surname in Spanish-speaking regions.

Fuentes – “Fountain” or “spring.”

Galang – “Respect” or “honor” in Tagalog.

Gatchalian – A surname of Chinese origin, common in the Philippines.

Guinto – “Gold” in Tagalog.

Halili – Possibly from “Hali,” meaning “king” in Malay.

Ilagan – “To flee” or “to escape” in Tagalog.

Javier – “New house” or “bright.”

Labrador – “Laborer” or “worker.”

Lanuza – A place-based surname from Spain.

Magtoto – “To fulfill a promise.”

Mirasol – “Sunflower” in Spanish.

Nolasco – “Rescued or redeemed.”

Pangilinan – “To bite” or “to grip” in Tagalog.

Quisumbing – A Chinese-Filipino surname with unknown meaning.

Rizal – “Green fields,” famously associated with José Rizal.

Samonte – Possibly from “San Monte,” meaning “Holy Mountain.”

Tan – A Chinese surname meaning “Chen” or “Dawn.”

Villamor – “Love town” or “village of love.”