Filipino last names are like hidden treasures; each one carries a piece of history, a whisper of ancestry, and a story waiting to be told. Whether passed down through generations or shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, these surnames reflect the Philippines’ rich tapestry of indigenous roots, Spanish influence, Chinese heritage, and even American-era adaptations.
If you’ve ever wondered about the meaning behind common Filipino surnames like Santos, Tan, or Macaraeg, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive list explores over 130 Filipino last names, categorized by origin and meaning, to help you uncover the fascinating stories behind them.
1. Indigenous Filipino Surnames (Pre-Colonial Roots)
Before Spanish colonization, Filipinos used names based on nature, traits, or social status. Many of these survive today.
- Bautista – “Baptist,” often linked to early Christian converts.
- Datu – A noble title for pre-colonial chieftains.
- Lakandula – “Lord of the palace,” from the rulers of Tondo.
- Macaraeg – “To be famous” or “renowned.”
- Magbanua – A Visayan name meaning “to announce.”
- Maliksi – “Swift” or “agile.”
- Panganiban – From panganib (“danger”), possibly signifying bravery.
- Dimasangal – “One who does not tremble,” denoting courage.
- Gatdula – A royal title from ancient Tagalog nobility.
- Liwag – “To delay” or “linger.”
- Balagtas – Named after the great Tagalog poet Francisco Balagtas.
- Katigbak – A rare surname of uncertain origin.
- Dimagiba – “Unbreakable” or “indestructible.”
- Kalaw – “Hornbill,” a native bird symbolizing freedom.
- Sikatuna – From the historic blood compact between Filipinos and Spaniards.
2. Spanish-Influenced Surnames (Colonial Legacy)
Due to the 333-year Spanish rule, many Filipino surnames have Spanish origins; either adopted or assigned through the Catálogo alfabético de apellidos.
A. Religious & Christian-Themed Surnames
- Santos – “Saints,” often given to children born on All Saints’ Day.
- Dela Cruz – “Of the cross,” the most common Filipino surname.
- De Dios – “Of God.”
- Salvador – “Savior.”
- Espiritu – “Spirit” (referring to the Holy Spirit).
- San Jose – “Saint Joseph.”
- San Juan – “Saint John.”
- Paraiso – “Paradise.”
- Cristobal – “Christ-bearer.”
- Angeles – “Angels.”
B. Patronymic & Noble Surnames
- Garcia – “Bear,” a common Spanish surname.
- Rodriguez – “Son of Rodrigo” (meaning “famous ruler”).
- Fernandez – “Son of Fernando” (“brave traveler”).
- Gonzales – “Son of Gonzalo” (“battle”).
- Reyes – “Kings,” possibly indicating noble descent.
- Marquez – A noble title meaning “marquis.”
- Torres – “Towers,” possibly referring to a family living near one.
- Salazar – “Old hall,” linked to ancestral estates.
- Villarreal – “Royal village.”
- Mendoza – A Spanish place name meaning “cold mountain.”
C. Occupational & Descriptive Surnames
- Herrera – “Ironworker” or “blacksmith.”
- Mercado – “Market,” indicating a merchant family.
- Pastor – “Shepherd,” possibly a farmer or religious figure.
- Sastre – “Tailor.”
- Carpio – Related to carpentry.
- Marino – “Sailor” or “seafarer.”
- Molino – “Mill” or “miller.”
- Zapatero – “Shoemaker.”
- Labrador – “Farmer” or “tiller of the land.”
- Cervantes – Possibly linked to deer hunting (ciervo means “deer”).
3. Chinese-Influenced Surnames (From Traders & Migrants)
Many Filipinos have Chinese ancestry, especially from Hokkien-speaking migrants. These surnames often underwent slight changes over time.
- Tan – A common Hokkien surname meaning “to spread.”
- Lim – “Forest.”
- Ong – “King” or “royal.”
- Sy – Derived from the Chinese surname Xi.
- Uy – A variation of Huang (“yellow” or “emperor”).
- Co – “Elder brother” in Hokkien.
- Yu – “Jade” or “precious stone.”
- Chua – “To paint” or “color.”
- Go – “Tall” or “high.”
- Lao – “Old” or “venerable.”
- Tiu – A variation of Zhang (“archer”).
- Kho – “To cross over” or “surpass.”
- Guanzon – A hybrid Filipino-Chinese surname.
- Dy – From the Chinese surname Di.
- Sia – “Summer” or “graceful.”
4. Nature-Inspired Surnames (From the Land & Elements)
Many Filipino surnames are rooted in the natural world, reflecting ancestral connections to the environment.
- Dagat – “Sea.”
- Bundok – “Mountain.”
- Bulan – “Moon.”
- Bituin – “Star.”
- Lupa – “Land” or “soil.”
- Langit – “Sky” or “heaven.”
- Dahon – “Leaf.”
- Bato – “Stone” or “rock.”
- Sinta – “Love.”
- Liwag – “To delay” or “linger.”
- Alon – “Wave.”
- Luntian – “Green” or “verdant.”
- Araw – “Sun.”
- Gubat – “Forest” or “jungle.”
- Tala – “Star” or “bright.”
5. Unique & Rare Filipino Surnames
Some surnames stand out for their distinctiveness or intriguing origins.
- Ybardolaza – A long surname with possible Basque roots.
- Macapagal – “To harvest,” famously held by former President Diosdado Macapagal.
- Hukom – “Judge.”
- Mabanglo – “Fragrant.”
- Dimayuga – “Not shaken,” symbolizing resilience.
- Balajadia – A rare surname of uncertain origin.
- Gatmaitan – A noble-sounding indigenous surname.
- Pangilinan – Possibly derived from pangil (“fang”).
- Yñiguez – A Hispanicized surname with a unique spelling.
- Bautista – While common, its deep religious ties make it noteworthy.
6. American & Modern Influences on Filipino Surnames
During the American colonial period, some Filipinos adopted or were given English-sounding surnames.
- Brown – Possibly assigned during American censuses.
- Johnson – An adopted English surname.
- Taylor – An occupational name for tailors.
- Smith – A common English surname also found in the Philippines.
- White – Another surname that may have been adopted.
- Carter – Possibly from American influence.
- Davis – An adopted Western surname.
- Wilson – “Son of Will,” sometimes used by Filipino families.
- Martinez – While Spanish, its continued use post-colonialism keeps it relevant.
- Robinson – Occasionally found among Filipino families.
Final Thoughts
Every Filipino surname is a doorway to the past; whether it speaks of ancient nobility, Spanish-era conversions, Chinese merchant roots, or deep ties to nature. Some names have evolved, while others remain unchanged for centuries.
Do you recognize any of these surnames in your family? Perhaps your last name holds a story of migration, resilience, or even royalty! Share your thoughts or any rare surnames we might have missed in the comments.
Did you enjoy this list? Share it with fellow Filipinos and tag someone whose last name you’ve always wondered about!
Want to explore more about Filipino heritage? Check out our other posts on Filipino first names, regional naming traditions, and genealogy tips!