Filipino Last Names: 101 Top Picks with Origins & Meanings
Why do so many Filipino last names sound Spanish, even if the families behind them have no Spanish blood? Why are certain surnames like Reyes or Santos so common you’ll find ten of them in a single barangay?
The answer, as many Filipinos are surprised to learn, is rooted not in ancestry, but in administration.
Back in 1849, under Spanish rule, Governor-General Narciso Clavería issued a decree that changed every Filipino family forever. To simplify census-taking, taxation, and colonial order, the Spanish colonial government gave out last names from an official list — the Catálogo alfabético de apellidos. Over 60,000 surnames, many of them Spanish, were distributed town by town, sometimes even alphabetically. Entire families suddenly bore names they had no historical claim to.
It was like someone took a stamp labeled “identity” and pressed it into people’s lives overnight.
“I always thought I had Spanish roots because of my last name. Turns out my lolo just got it in a lottery of names,” shared one Reddit user on r/FilipinoHistory.
But that’s only one chapter of the story. Behind every name are roots worth tracing. Some surnames trace back to native nobility. Others carry Chinese linguistic codes. Some, especially in Mindanao, hold Arabic or tribal meaning. Today, Filipino last names form a mosaic of conquest, adaptation, and resilience.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common over 100 carefully chosen Filipino sernames from our Last Names collection. Let’s start by unraveling why so many Filipino last names begin and end in Spain.
23 Most Common Filipino Last Names & What They Really Mean
Here’s a closer look at 23 of the most common Filipino surnames—not just what they mean in Spanish, but what they’ve come to mean in Filipino life.
1. dela Cruz – “of the Cross”
Originally a religious surname, it’s now the Juan dela Cruz of names—the stand-in for every Filipino.
2. Garcia – Possibly from Basque roots, meaning “young” or “bear”
Popular across the Philippines, especially among migrants and Manila families.
3. Reyes – “Kings”
Once linked to nobility; now one of the most everyday surnames in Luzon.
4. Santos – “Saints”
Reflects Spain’s Catholic influence. It’s worn proudly by generations, often tied to religious families.
5. Mendoza – “Cold mountain”
Evokes Spanish geography, but here it’s a staple of provincial and urban families alike.
6. Cruz – “Cross”
Simpler than dela Cruz but rooted in the same religious tradition.
7. Ramos – “Branches”
In the Philippines, it gained added weight through former President Fidel V. Ramos.
8. Bautista – “Baptist”
A direct nod to religious heritage, often given to devout families.
9. Villanueva – “New village”
Originally geographic, now common in cities and municipalities nationwide.
10. Flores – “Flowers”
Common in Visayas, especially in Cebu, where the name took root through migration.
11. Torres – “Towers”
Usually linked to Spanish military or noble families, now widely found in Cavite and Batangas.
12. Fernandez – “Son of Fernando”
A classic patronymic surname, common in Manila and Ilocos regions.
13. Gonzales – “Son of Gonzalo”
Widespread in Luzon, often assumed to suggest Spanish descent.
14. Perez – “Son of Pedro”
Short and easy to pronounce; a favorite in Tagalog-speaking areas.
15. Martinez – “Son of Martin”
Often spelled without the Spanish accent due to U.S. typewriters post-colonization.
16. Castro – “Castle”
Strong, solid, and timeless. Still found in many landowning families.
17. Lopez – “Son of Lope”
One of the most influential names in Philippine media, thanks to ABS-CBN’s Lopez clan.
18. Morales – “Mulberry trees”
Popular in Central Luzon, sometimes linked to agricultural roots.
19. Navarro – “From Navarre” (a region in Spain)
Less common, but still within the top 50 nationwide.
20. Aquino – “From Aquin”
Gained historic stature with the family of Ninoy and Cory Aquino.
21. Domingo – “Sunday”
Once given to children born on that day, now a familiar name in Ilocos.
22. Santiago – “Saint James”
Tied to colonial missions and Catholic schools.
23. Delgado – “Thin” or “slender”
Despite the meaning, it’s a thickly rooted name in Filipino families.
What started as an act of control became a quiet act of ownership. As the Filipinos adapted these assigned names as personal banners and redefined across generations.
As one user wrote on Quora: “It may not be mine by blood, but I’ve made my surname my own. It’s part of my story now.”
Related Article: 101 Most Common Last Names Around the Globe
15 Traditional & Ancient Filipino Last Names with Indigenous Roots
Ancient Filipino last names carried weight in the barangay system, often tied to datus, babaylans, or warriors.
Here are 15 pre-Hispanic surnames or titles still recognized today. Many are rare, but deeply respected. Especially by descendants who trace their lineages through oral tradition and early records.
1. Lakandula – “Paramount ruler”
A noble title used by early rulers of Tondo. Still carried by direct descendants, including political figures.
2. Gatmaitan – “Gat” (title) + “Maitan” (name)
“Gat” was an honorific, like “Lord” in English. Common among Tagalog nobility.
3. Lontok – Possibly from Batangas; linked to warrior clans or chieftains.
4. Bituin – “Star” in Tagalog
A poetic name that symbolized light or guidance.
5. Catacutan
From Pampanga; “kutan” relates to walls or defense—possibly a warrior family name.
6. Bayani – “Hero” or “warrior”
Found in old war chants and epic poetry; now rarely used as a surname.
7. Balagtas
Likely geographic (Balagtas town); immortalized by poet Francisco Balagtas.
8. Dimalanta – “Untouched” or “unconquered”
From “di” (not) + “malanta” (wither); evokes resilience.
9. Macapagal
Pampangan lineage; ancestors include ancient chiefs and warriors.
10. Dumlao
Pre-colonial name found in Ilocano regions; possibly tribal or geographical in origin.
11. Aclan
Found in Aklan, Western Visayas; believed to be an indigenous tribal name.
12. Sumulong – “To move forward”
Likely evolved during transitional periods but rooted in early Tagalog.
13. Dalisay – “Pure”
Common as a given name now, but also used historically as a surname among babaylan families.
14. Bahaghari – “Rainbow”
Rare and poetic; may have been adopted by shamans or spiritual leaders.
15. Kalinaw – “Peace”
Once found among Davao and Mindanao tribes. Still used symbolically.
While most Filipinos today carry Spanish surnames, these ancient ones remind us: identity existed long before empire.
Filipino Chinese Last Names: 17 Influential Surnames and Their Hidden Meanings
Not all Filipino surnames came from Spain. Some came from across the South China Sea. they were carried by merchants, artisans, and settlers who arrived long before colonization. These are Chinese Filipino last names, many of which remain prominent today.
They didn’t always sound Chinese. Over generations, names were “Filipinized” or given a Spanish twist to fit local norms. That’s how Hokkien words became surnames like Tan, Sy, Go, or Cojuangco. Others ended in -son or -co, suffixes drawn from Chinese honorifics and birth order references.
Here are 17 Filipino Chinese surnames. Out of them some are short and sharp, others long and layered.
1. Tan – From the Hokkien Chen
The most common Chinese surname in the Philippines, found across Luzon and Visayas.
2. Sy – From Shi (施)
Sharp and simple. Often associated with business and trade families.
3. Go – From Wu (吳)
Rooted in Chinese-Filipino communities in Central Luzon.
4. Ong – From Wang (王)
Means “king” in Mandarin, but widely adapted in Hokkien regions.
5. Lim – From Lin (林)
Translates to “forest”; common in Quezon City and Cebu.
6. Chua – From Cai (蔡)
Linked to southern Chinese immigrants, especially Hokkien speakers.
7. Uy – From Huang (黄)
Common in Mindanao and Zamboanga; sometimes spelled “Wee.”
8. Lao – Means “old” or “elder”
Popular among older Chinese-Filipino families with deep roots.
9. Tiu – From Zhao or Zhuo
Unique among Filipino Chinese—often seen in Davao.
10. Tiongson – “Tiong’s grandson”
Combines Chinese root + Spanish patronymic form.
11. Tuazon – “Eldest grandson”
A respectful title adapted for Filipino use.
12. Dizon – “Second grandson”
Another birth order-based surname from Hokkien tradition.
13. Samson – Not Biblical—often a Hispanized version of a Chinese clan title.
14. Cojuangco – Hybrid of Co (clan name) + Juangco (a place/lineage suffix)
One of the most influential names in Philippine politics and business.
15. Gokongwei – From Go + multiple Hokkien syllables
Modernized spelling of a full clan name with business ties.
16. Lucio Tan – While not a surname itself, “Tan” carries weight due to this tycoon.
17. Yap – From Ye (叶)
Pronounced as “Yeh” in Mandarin. Common in Cebuano Chinese communities.
While their origins may be foreign, their legacy is proudly Filipino.
Related Article: 101 Popular Chinese Last Names You will Find Everywhere
31 Rare & Unique Filipino Last Names That Deserve More Recognition
Unlike the usual surnames, these are unique Filipino last names born from native languages, forgotten epics, or regional pride. Some come from nature. Others come from honor.They’re rare not because they’re less Filipino, but because they survived.
Here are 31 rarest Filipino last names worth remembering. Each of them holds its own kind of grace.
1. Bagwis – “Wing”
Symbol of freedom. Rarely seen, but majestic in meaning.
2. Bahaghari – “Rainbow”
Found in ancient poetry; believed to be used by babaylans or spiritual leaders.
3. Bayani – “Hero”
Rare as a surname, though common as a name. Carries weight and honor.
4. Dalisay – “Pure”
Beautifully Tagalog. Reflects clarity, honesty, and old-world values.
5. Manlangit – “To reach the heavens”
Spiritual and aspirational. Found in Visayan regions.
6. Kalinaw – “Peace”
Originates from Mindanao; symbolizes harmony and tribal diplomacy.
7. Catacutan – Possibly Pampangan, linked to defense or warriors.
8. Mapanghi – “Smells strong”
Humorous and rare; often triggers laughs but has deep rural roots.
9. Dalumpines – Unique surname found in Ilocos region; meaning unclear but believed to be pre-Hispanic.
10. Madlangbayan – “People of the town”
Long, formal, but strikingly meaningful.
11. Likhaan – “Place of creation”
Poetic, metaphorical. Rarely used but artistically rich.
12. Makapagal – “Able to bear responsibilities”
Ancient Pampangan name, also tied to nobility.
13. Agmata – Visayan origin; possibly linked to watching or vision.
14. Abalahin – Tagalog/Ilocano blend; obscure but found in 1800s records.
15. Panganiban – “Edge of a cliff”
Found in old Tagalog communities.
16. Dalugdog – “Thunder”
Strong and elemental.
17. Ylagan – Rare Batangueño name; old spelling of Ilagan.
18. Sumaylo – “To submit” or “to bow”
Visayan; implies humility or peace.
19. Apilado – Possibly Ilocano; believed to describe household position.
20. Lacandola – Noble surname; once a title for rulers in Tondo.
21. Banua – “Land” or “homeland” in Mindanaoan dialects.
22. Salindong – Rare, with roots in Northern Luzon.
23. Tukib – Cebuano; means “to uncover” or “reveal.”
24. Panahon – “Time” or “season”
Rare as a surname, but deeply symbolic.
25. Lumawig – Ancestral spirit from Cordillera folklore.
26. Magsalin – “To pass down” or “to translate”
Poetic for storytellers and historians.
27. Giting – “Bravery”
Simple, strong, often forgotten.
28. Sandig – “To lean on”
Metaphor for support and trust.
29. Bayubay – Found in Ilocano and Pangasinan families; meaning unknown.
30. Dulay – Indigenous Muslim surname; Mindanao-based.
31. Panopio – Rare Tagalog surname found in Batangas and Laguna.
As one Reddit user shared: “I used to feel left out for not having a Spanish surname. Then I learned my last name came from a tribe my grandfather helped lead.”
Related Article: Unique Last Names: 101 Remarkable Surnames With Stories
Filipino Last Names by Letter: Explore 50 Names from A to V
Filipino last names by letter reveal more than just letters. This list explores popular and lesser-known surnames from A to V, giving you a snapshot of how diverse Filipino identity really is.
Let’s go from Abad to Villanueva; one letter at a time.
A: Abad, Abella, Alcaraz
- Abad – “priest” or “abbot” in Spanish.
- Abella – Derived from “bee,” symbolizing industry and sweetness.
- Alcaraz – A Spanish town name turned surname.
B: Bautista, Bonifacio, Baylon
- Bautista – “Baptist,” tied to John the Baptist.
- Bonifacio – “Good fate.” Also honored through hero Andres Bonifacio.
- Baylon – Possibly from “baile” (dance), but used locally as a family name.
C: Cruz, Catacutan, Cordero
- Cruz – “Cross,” one of the most widely assigned surnames in 1849.
- Catacutan – Indigenous origin, often linked to Pampanga.
- Cordero – “Lamb,” symbolic in Christian tradition.
D: Dela Cruz, Dimayuga, Dulay
- Dela Cruz – “Of the cross.” A stand-in name for the average Filipino.
- Dimayuga – Rare, possibly meaning “not ashamed.”
- Dulay – Indigenous surname found in Mindanao.
E: Escueta, Enriquez, Estrella
- Escueta – Rare surname, possibly from Basque roots.
- Enriquez – “Son of Enrique.”
- Estrella – “Star.” Common in Visayan communities.
F: Fernandez, Flores, Faustino
- Fernandez – “Son of Fernando.” Classic patronymic name.
- Flores – “Flowers.” Popular in Cebu and Luzon.
- Faustino – Derived from faustus, meaning “fortunate.”
G: Garcia, Galvez, Gozum
- Garcia – Among the most common in the Philippines. Possibly means “young” or “warrior.”
- Galvez – From a Spanish town or family line.
- Gozum – Filipino-Chinese surname found in Pampanga.
H: Herrera, Hilario, Hizon
- Herrera – “Iron worker” in Spanish.
- Hilario – “Cheerful,” from Latin hilaris.
- Hizon – Pampangan-Chinese name, rare elsewhere.
J: Jimenez, Javier, Jacinto
- Jimenez – “Son of Jimeno.” Common in Spanish colonies.
- Javier – From Basque, meaning “new house.”
- Jacinto – “Hyacinth,” also the name of a Filipino martyr.
K: Kalinaw, Katindig, Katigbak
- Kalinaw – “Peace” in Mindanao dialects.
- Katindig – “To rise” or “to stand.”
- Katigbak – From Batangas; unique and noble-sounding.
L: Lopez, Lacson, Lontok
- Lopez – “Son of Lope.”
- Lacson – Chinese-Filipino; may derive from “sixth grandson.”
- Lontok – Native name tied to early Batangueño clans.
M: Mendoza, Macaraeg, Magbanua
- Mendoza – “Cold mountain.”
- Macaraeg – Ilocano surname meaning “to rise.”
- Magbanua – Indigenous Visayan surname.
N: Navarro, Natividad, Nolasco
- Navarro – “From Navarre.”
- Natividad – “Nativity,” often religious in origin.
- Nolasco – Tied to Saint Peter Nolasco.
O: Ortega, Ong, Olivares
- Ortega – “Nettle,” once a noble Spanish family name.
- Ong – Hokkien-Chinese, derived from “Wang.”
- Olivares – “Olive trees,” symbolic of peace.
P: Panganiban, Pascual, Paglinawan
- Panganiban – “Edge of a cliff.”
- Pascual – “Easter.”
- Paglinawan – “To clarify.” Found in Visayan dialects.
R: Reyes, Rivera, Rigor
- Reyes – “Kings.” One of the most common Filipino last names.
- Rivera – “River.” Widely adopted post-1849.
- Rigor – May relate to strength or discipline.
S: Santos, Sison, Sumulong
- Santos – “Saints.” Deeply religious in tone.
- Sison – Chinese-Filipino; possibly “fourth grandson.”
- Sumulong – “To advance” or “to move forward.”
V: Villanueva, Velasco, Valencia
- Villanueva – “New village.” Common in rural areas.
- Velasco – Possibly from Basque.
- Valencia – “Bravery” or linked to the city in Spain.
These names span everything from faith to tradition.
18 Beautiful & Elegant Filipino Last Names for Baby Naming Inspiration
Here are 18 of the best Filipino last names if you want beauty, rhythm, and meaning.
1. Abella – “Bee” in Spanish
Delicate and warm, this name hums with sweetness and old-world charm.
2. Dalisay – “Pure” (Tagalog)
Soft and serene. Feels like light falling on calm water.
3. Lontok – Ancestral Batangueño name
Short, noble, and lyrically Filipino.
4. Estrella – “Star”
A classic Spanish surname that sparkles every time it’s spoken.
5. Manlangit – “To reach the heavens”
A name that lifts itself upward. Dreamy and profound.
6. Bahaghari – “Rainbow”
Colorful and rare. Carries deep cultural and spiritual resonance.
7. Catacutan – Pampangan warrior surname
Rolls off the tongue with force and grace. Equal parts powerful and elegant.
8. Macapagal – Noble Pampangan surname
Historical, dignified, and beautifully balanced.
9. Sumaylo – “To bow or yield” (Visayan)
Gentle in rhythm, yet rich in depth.
10. Balagtas – From poet Francisco Balagtas
Cultural weight and literary rhythm in one.
11. Aguiluz – Possibly derived from “agila” (eagle)
Rare, sleek, and cinematic. Often used in Filipino legends.
12. Bituin – “Star” (Tagalog)
Feels like a whispered song. Poetic and celestial.
13. Halili – Traditional Tagalog surname
Elegant in its symmetry. Often associated with grace under pressure.
14. Likhaan – “Place of creation”
Artistic and evocative—perfect for those with creative roots.
15. Sandig – “To lean on”
Simple, supportive, symbolic. A surname that feels safe.
16. Magbanua – Ancestral Visayan name
Strong consonants softened by flowing vowels.
17. Panahon – “Time” or “season”
Feels lyrical and profound—like a name that carries its own tempo.
18. Dimaandal – “Unreachable”
Mysterious, elegant, and uniquely Filipino in construction.
Filipino First and Last Names: 20 Iconic Combinations and How to Create Your Own
A Filipino first and last name is rarely just two parts: first name + mother’s maiden name (middle) + father’s surname. The result? Names that honor both sides of the family while reflecting tradition, religion, and sometimes, American pop culture.
You’ll find combinations like Maria Cristina Santos or Jose Antonio dela Cruz. Classic. Reverent. Sometimes long enough to wrap around a passport form twice.
“My full name is Joanna Angelica Dalisay Gutierrez. Yes, it takes me 10 seconds to say it,” one user joked on TikTok. But behind every syllable is someone’s story.
So how do these combinations happen? How can you make one that feels uniquely yours?
Naming Conventions
- First Name: Usually two-part (Juan Carlo, Ana Marie), often religious or Spanish in origin.
- Middle Name: Mother’s maiden surname. This is a big deal—Filipinos honor both bloodlines.
- Last Name: Father’s surname, passed down patrilineally.
In short, a Filipino full name is a handshake between maternal legacy and paternal tradition.
20 Iconic Filipino Name Combos
- Maria Clara Dela Cruz
- Jose Rizal Mercado
- Juan Carlo Reyes
- Lea Salonga Chien
- Andres Bonifacio de Castro
- Ana Patricia Santos
- Luis Antonio Panganiban
- Carmela Joy Catacutan
- Gabriel Rafael Lopez
- Angelica Bituin Manalo
- Miguel Jose Aquino
- Elena Rosario Flores
- Isabella Cruz Garcia
- Marco Emmanuel Tan
- Daniela Estrella Abad
- Kristoffer Sison Dimaandal
- Lucia Faith Macapagal
- Paolo Enrique Gozum
- Bianca Lontok Navarro
- Noel Benedict Uy
Famous Filipino Last Names: 14 Personalities Who Defined Generations
Here are 14 Filipino and Filipino American last names that echo across generations.
1. Rizal (José Rizal) – National hero, revolutionary writer
This name is stitched into schoolbooks, streets, and hearts. José Rizal gave his surname a near-mythic status. Originally Mercado, he adopted Rizal to avoid surveillance.
2. Bonifacio (Andres Bonifacio) – The Katipunan founder
Strong and direct, Bonifacio represents revolt, people’s power, and uncompromising nationalism.
3. Aquino (Cory & Ninoy Aquino) – Democracy icons
A surname synonymous with Philippine politics. From martyrdom to presidency, the name marks pivotal national moments.
4. Marcos (Ferdinand Marcos, Bongbong Marcos) – A name of power and controversy
Still divides public opinion. Proof that surnames can carry both legacy and baggage.
5. Salonga (Lea Salonga) – Broadway legend
Lea made this name global. Her voice, grace, and discipline gave Salonga a brand of quiet excellence.
6. Soberano (Liza Soberano) – Gen Z icon
Modern beauty, elegance, and global reach. Liza turned this Spanish surname into a new-age star symbol.
7. Duterte (Rodrigo Duterte) – Tough, divisive, unforgettable
From mayor to president, the name changed how leadership was perceived in the 2010s.
8. Pangilinan (Kiko Pangilinan, Donny Pangilinan) – Public service and showbiz
Represents crossover success—from politics to entertainment.
9. Locsin (Teodoro, Teddyboy Locsin Jr., Angel Locsin) – Intellectual legacy and humanitarian appeal
One side of the family in law and diplomacy, the other in TV and charity work.
10. Garcia (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s married name) – Common, but hers carried presidential weight
One of the most widespread surnames, but elevated by public leadership.
11. Poe (Grace Poe, Fernando Poe Jr.) – Cinema and statesmanship
A name passed from silver screen legend to political contender.
12. Hontiveros (Risa Hontiveros) – Advocacy and progressive politics
A surname tied to human rights and healthcare reform.
13. Padilla (Robin Padilla, Daniel Padilla) – Action, charisma, pop culture
Loved by masses, this name rings through generations of Filipino TV and cinema.
14. Concepcion (Gabby Concepcion, KC Concepcion) – 1980s heartthrob legacy
Elegant and romantic, the name reflects an era of celebrity charm and showbiz roots.
Filipino Last Name Origins: 9 Ways to Trace Your Surname’s Cultural DNA
Here’s how to start uncovering the meanings behind Filipino last names and the paths they’ve taken to get to you.
1. Start with Family Stories
Ask elders. Lolo’s memory might not be perfect, but oral history often holds names, places, and migrations no database does. Record everything.
2. Check Baptismal and Marriage Records
Churches, especially Catholic ones, have kept detailed records since the Spanish era. These logs may list the original surname holder and their barangay.
3. Visit FamilySearch. org
This free archive has a massive database of Filipino genealogical records. It includes surname maps, birth certificates, and family trees. It’s a goldmine.
4. Use Surname Databases (like Forebears. io)
Sites like Forebears.io provide surname frequency, geographic spread, and language origin. Plug in your name and explore.
5. Search the Catálogo alfabético de apellidos
This is the original 1849 Spanish surname catalog. If your name appears there, it was likely assigned by the government.
6. Explore Regional Histories
Some surnames like Lacandola or Katigbak are tied to specific towns or noble clans. Dig into local history books or municipal libraries for clues.
7. Use Filipino Language Clues
Many surnames hide meanings in plain sight. Sumaylo (to bow), Bituin (star), Panganiban (cliff edge). These names offer insights into pre colonial language roots.
8. Compare Variants and Misspellings
Names evolve. Pérez may have become Perez. Ylagan could’ve been Ilagan. Scan old documents with alternate spellings in mind.
9. Join Genealogy Groups Online
Facebook groups like “Philippine Genealogy” are full of researchers sharing leads. Many are happy to help trace lineages or identify rare surnames.
“I thought my last name came from Spain. Turned out it was native Tagalog, just spelled the Spanish way,” said a user on a Filipino ancestry forum.
So dig, trace and ask. Your name is more than a word, it’s a path to who you are.
Wrap-Up:
Your last name is a fragment of history. Whether it came from a Spanish catalog, a Chinese merchant clan, a pre-colonial datu, or a blend of all three, your surname holds echoes of the past.
Filipino last names are proof of survival. They reflect the layers of colonization, migration, and rebellion. Some were handed down by priests with pens. Others were carved into mountains
