Situated in South America, Venezuela is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage. It is greatly influenced by Spanish and indigenous cultures, and Venezuelan last names reflect the country’s traditions and history. Venezuelans usually follow the Spanish naming tradition of having a personal name followed by the paternal family name and then the maternal family name. Thus, they usually have two surnames. After marriage, women are not required to change their surname; however, some women prefer to add their husband’s family name after their paternal surname (1) (2). Browse this post to learn more about Venezuelan culture and linguistic influences through Venezuelan last names.
Key Pointers
- Venezuelans mostly have two surnames, one paternal and the other maternal.
- The majority of Venezuelan surnames are of Spanish origin, including Lopez, Gomez, and Santos.
- Venezuelan surnames like Bolivar, Guevara, and Ochoa are some Basque-originated surnames.
- Agelvis, Cacique, and Caguaripano are some examples of rare Venezuelan surnames possibly related to indigenous tribes.
150+ Venezuelan Last Names Or Surnames
From patronymics to toponymics and influenced by several languages, let’s check out some last names in Venezuela.
Popular Venezuelan Last Names
Many popular Venezuelan last names are rooted in Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin, which shows the influence of these languages and cultures in the country. Explore the below list to learn about some of these last names.
1. Acosta
Originating from different languages, Acosta is a toponymic surname. It comes from the surname Da Costa, which in turn originates from the surname Costa. It has multiple meanings, including ‘riverbank or coast’ in Portuguese, Italian, and Catalan, and comes from the Latin word that means ‘side’ or ‘edge.’
2. Aguilera
Believed to have roots in Spanish, Aguilera is a habitational surname derived from the place named Aguilera in Spain. It comes from the Spanish word aguilera, meaning ‘eagle’s nest.’
3. Alvarez
Transferred from a given name, the surname Alvarez is commonly written as Álvarez, which means ‘son of Alvaro.’ Here, the name Alvaro is a Spanish form of Alvaras, a Latinized form of a Visigothic name, meaning ‘all guards’ or ‘all cautious.’ Virginia Pereira Álvarez, the first woman to study medicine in Venezuela, was a significant personality with the surname.
4. Alvarado
Another habitational surname, Alvarado is a Spanish-originated surname, derived from the Spanish word alba, meaning ‘white.’ Venezuelan actor Daniel Alvarado, who appeared in many movies and TV series, was a notable name in the history of Venezuela’s entertainment industry.
5. Arias
The Spanish surname Arias was originally a medieval given name of Germanic origin. The former President of Costa Rica, Óscar Arias, is a well-known name with this surname. He was in office from 1986 to 1990 and 2006 to 2010.
6. Blanco
Originating from the Spanish language, the surname Blanco means ‘white,’ referring to someone with pale or blonde hair. Andrés Eloy Blanco, noted Venezuelan poet and politician, was a notable bearer of this surname.
7. Bolivar
Bolivar is a habitational surname derived from a small village named Bolibar in Basque. It stems from the Basque word bolu, meaning ‘mill,’ and ibar, meaning ‘meadow or riverside’. Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan military and political leader, was the most renowned bearer of this surname. He was instrumental in leading several Latin American countries to independence from Spanish rule.
8. Bravo
Inspired by a nickname, Bravo is a Spanish and Portuguese surname meaning ‘brave,’ ‘bold,’ or ‘angry.’
9. Briceño
With an uncertain meaning, Briceño or Briceno is probably a habitational Spanish surname derived from a place name.
10. Brito
Possibly of Portuguese origin, Brito is derived from the village named Brito at around 1033 CE.
11. Castellano
Having its origin in Latin, Castellano is a locational surname. It is derived from the surname Castilla, possibly referring to someone from the region called Castile in medieval Spain. Here, the place named Castile comes from the Late Latin word castellum, meaning ‘castle.’
12. Castillo
A variant of Castilla, Castillo is a Spanish surname that comes from the Late Latin word ‘castellum,’ meaning ‘castle.’
13. Chavez
Chavez is a modern variant of Chávez or Chaves, which is derived from the name of a Portuguese city. Originally, this surname is taken from the Roman name Flavius, derived from the Latin term flavus, meaning ‘yellow’ or ‘golden.’
14. Colina
The surname Colina means ‘hill’ in Spanish and Portuguese languages. It may have also been derived from the Latin personal name Nicholaus, which means ‘people’s victory,’ One of the greatest Venezuelan sculptors, Alejandro Colina, was a remarkable figure with this surname.
15. Contreras
Derived from the name of a town in Burgos, Spain, Contreras is a Spanish habitational surname. It is taken from the Late Latin term contraria, meaning ‘area opposite.’ José Eleazar López Contreras, who became the president of Venezuela in 1935, was a notable bearer of this surname.
16. Cordero
Cordero, a Spanish surname, traces its roots to ‘cordero,’ meaning ‘lamb.’ It is either taken as an occupational surname denoting a shepherd, or it can be a religious reference to Jesus.
17. Diaz
Originating from Spanish, Diaz signifies ‘son of Diego’. Diego is from the Latin Didacus, which ultimately comes from the Greek term didache, meaning ‘teaching.’
18. Fernandez
Fernandez is a Spanish surname that stems from Fernández, meaning ‘son of Fernando.’ Thus, the surname originates from the given name Fernando, which ultimately comes from the Latin name Fredenandus. It is made of Gothic elements friþus, meaning ‘peace,’ and nanþa, meaning ‘boldness, daring.’
19. Flores
The surname Flores means ‘son of Floro’ in Spanish. It traces its origins to the given name Florus, meaning ‘flowers’, derived from the Latin term flos.
20. Gil
Gil is a surname with different possible origins. It means ‘naive’ or ‘innocent’ in Spanish, ‘bullfinch’ in Polish, and ‘joy’ in Hebrew.
21. Gonzalez
Originating from a given name, González is a popular surname that means ‘son of Gonzalo‘. It can also mean ‘noble warrior’, ‘soldier’ or ‘castle guard.’
22. Gomez
The surname Gomez or Gómez is a Spanish form of Gomes, which comes from the medieval Portuguese given name Gomes. It can be traced back to the Visigothic name Guma, meaning ‘man.’
23. Gracia
With possible roots in Spanish, Gracia is both a surname and a given name that comes from ‘grace.’ It is also an alternate spelling of the medieval surname García, which is believed to be related to the Basque word hartz, meaning ‘bear.’
24. Guerrero
The Spanish surname Guerrero stems from guerrero, meaning ‘warrior’ in Spanish, and is an occupational name for a soldier. Vicente Guerrero, Mexico’s second president, was a renowned personality associated with this surname.
25. Guerra
Derived from a nickname, Guerra comes from the Late Latin term werra, meaning ‘war’. It is also given to someone involved in warfare.
26. Guevara
Guevara is a Spanish surname, derived from the Basque word gebara. It may have been a habitational name inspired by Gebara, a village in Spain.
27. Henriquez
Originating from Spanish, Henriquez means ‘son of Henrique,’ and is derived from the given name Henrique, the Spanish form of Henry.
28. Hernandez
Hernandez is a Spanish surname that stems from the given name Hernando, a variant of Fernando. It means ‘son of Hernando.’ Venezuelan physician José Gregorio Hernández was a remarkable bearer of this surname.
29. Jaimes
Derived from the given name Jaime, a variant of James, it means ‘son of Jaime’ in Spanish.
30. Lara
Based on the village named Lara de los Infantes in Burgos, Spain, Lara is originally derived from the Latin word Lar, meaning ‘household god.’ The hero of the Venezuelan War of Independence, Jacinto Lara, was a distinguished personality related to this surname.
31. Leon
Derived from the Spanish language, Leon might be a habitational name derived from León, a city in northwestern Spain. It was also used as a nickname for a brave warrior, inspired by the term león, meaning ‘lion.’
32. Linares
Linares is a patronymic surname, which means ‘ son of Lineus.’ It is derived from the Latin word ‘line.’ Francisco Linares Alcántara, who was the president of Venezuela from 1877 to 1878, was a well-known bearer of this surname.
33. Lopez
Lopez or López is a patronymic surname, meaning ‘son of Lope.’ Here, the name Lope is derived from the Latin word lupus, which means ‘wolf.’
34. Machado
The surname Machado is of Portuguese origin and can be taken as an occupational name for those who made or used hatchets. Originally, it is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese term machado, meaning ‘hatchet’, which originates from the Latin word marculus, meaning ‘little hammer.’
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35. Mantilla
Derived from the Spanish word mantilla, meaning ‘a scarf worn over the head and shoulders,’ Mantilla can be taken as an occupational name for those who made Mantillas.
36. Martinez
Martinez is one of the most popular Spanish patronymic surnames, meaning ‘son of Martin.’ Here, the name Martin comes from the Roman name Martinus, which was derived from Martis, and inspired by the Roman god Mars. Born in 1950, Henry Martínez is a Venezuelan musician and songwriter, who is a significant figure in the Venezuelan music industry.
37. Marquez
Marquez or Márquez is another patronymic surname of Spanish origin, meaning ‘son of Marcos.’ The name Marcos comes from Marcus, a Latin name associated with the Roman God of War, Mars.
38. Medina
Medina means ‘Arab city’ in Spanish, derived from the Arabic word Madinah. Isaías Medina Angarita, who became the president of Venezuela during World War II, was a prominent figure with this surname.
39. Melendez
Melendez or Meléndez is both a surname and a given name, derived from the surname Menéndez, meaning ‘son of Menendo’ in Spanish. Here, the name Menendo comes from the Spanish and Portuguese name Hermenegildo, meaning ‘great tribute.’
40. Mendez
Sharing etymological roots with the surname Melendez, Mendez is also a patronymic name, meaning ‘Son of Mendo, Menendo, or Mem.’ Conny Méndez, a Venezuelan composer, singer, writer, caricaturist, actress, and metaphysicist, bore this surname.
41. Montero
Derived from the Spanish word monte, meaning ‘hill’ or ‘mountain’, Montero is an occupational surname for a beater or someone on a hunt. Venezuelan film director, scriptwriter, and journalist, Carlos Caridad Montero, is a notable bearer of this surname
42. Nuñez
Nunez or Nuñez is a Spanish variant of the Portuguese surname Nunes, which means ‘son of Nuno.’ Here, the name Nuno may possibly mean ‘ninth’ if derived from the Portuguese word nonus, or ‘grandfather’ when derived from the word nunnus. The first Venezuelan entomologist, Manuel Núñez Tovar is a renowned name in the history of science and medicine in Venezuela.
43. Ochoa
The Spanish surname Ochoa comes from the Basque surname Otxoa, which ultimately derives from the Basque word otso, meaning ‘wolf.’
44. Ortega
A toponymic surname, Ortega is taken from the name of several villages in Spain. It is derived from the Latin word urtica, meaning ‘nettle.’
45. Pereira
Derived from the Portuguese and Galician word pereira, meaning ‘pear tree,’ the surname Pareira has its roots in the Latin word pirum, meaning ‘pear.’
46. Perez
Originating from Spanish, Pérez or Perez is a patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Pero or Pedro (Peter).’ Here, Pedro is cognate to Peter, derived from the Greek term Petros, meaning ‘stone.’
47. Pinto
Pinto is a Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian surname that means ‘mottled.’ It is derived from the Late Latin word pinctus, meaning ‘painted.’
48. Ramirez
Ramírez is a Spanish patronymic surname that traces back its origin to Germanic roots. The surname means ‘son of Ramiro,’ derived from Ramirus, a Latinized form of a Visigothic name. It originates from the Gothic elements rana, meaning ‘wedge’ or perhaps ragin, meaning ‘law,’ ‘decree,’ or ‘responsibility,’ combined with mers, meaning ‘famous.’
49. Ramos
Ramos is perhaps a toponymic surname, denoting a person living in a thickly wooded area. It comes from the Latin word ramus, meaning ‘branch’ or ‘bough’.
50. Reyes
Derived from the Spanish language, the surname and given name Reyes translates to ‘kings’ or ‘royals’ in English. Víctor Reyes, a Venezuelan professional baseball player, is a notable figure associated with this surname.
51. Rios
Ríos is a Spanish-language toponymic surname derived from the Portuguese word rios, meaning ‘river.’ It’s taken from the Latin word rivus. A famous bearer of this surname is Venezuelan-born Spanish actress, Yolanda Ríos.
52. Rivero
A variant of Rivera, Rivero comes from the Spanish word ribera, which comes from the Latin word riparius, meaning ‘bank,’ or ‘shore.’
53. Rodriguez
Rodriguez or Rodríguez is a Spanish surname, meaning ‘son of Rodrigo.’ The name Rodrigo comes from the Scottish and Welsh name of Germanic origin, Roderick, which means ‘famous ruler.’
54. Romero
Also used as a given name for males, Romero is a Spanish surname, derived from romero, meaning ‘pilgrim to Rome’. It has several notable bearers, including Aldemaro Romero, a Venezuelan pianist, composer, arranger, and orchestral conductor.
55. Rosales
Rosales is a Spanish surname, which means ‘rose bushes.’
56. Salas
Salas means ‘rooms’ or ‘halls’ in Spanish. It could be a habitational name from places named with salas. Among the celebrated bearers of this surname, Tito Salas was an important name in the development of Venezuelan modern art.
57. Salazar
Meaning ‘an old farmhouse,’ Salazar is a modern variant that comes from the Basque surname Sarasaz, which is an evolved form of the surname Sarasaitzu. One prominent figure in history with this surname is Braulio Salazar, a Venezuelan painter who won the most prestigious art prize, the Arturo Michelena Prize, in 1948 and 1963.
58. Sanchez
History suggests that the Sánchez or Sanchez is a Spanish family name. They are the descendants of Gothic knights who came to the hills of Leon, Galicia, Asturia, Burgos, and the Pyrenees in the year 714. The surname means ‘son of Sancho,’ derived from the name Sancho, which itself comes from the Latin word sanctus, meaning ‘saintly’ or ‘holy.’
59. Sequera
Sequera is a Spanish surname that likely originated from the place name Sequera in Spain. Milagros Sequera, a Venezuelan-Australian former professional tennis player, won the gold medal at the 2003 and 2007 Pan American Games.
60. Silva
A toponymic surname, Silva is of Spanish origin, meaning ‘forest.’ One of the notable bearers of this surname is Carlos Silva, who is a former professional baseball pitcher from Venezuela.
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61. Sosa
The surname Sosa is a Spanish variant of the Portuguese surname Sousa, possibly originating from the Latin salsus, meaning ‘salts’, or from saxa, meaning ‘rocks.’
62. Valencia
Valencia is derived from the name of the Spanish city, Valencia, which got its name from the Latin Valentia (Edetanorum), meaning ‘strength’ or ‘valor.’
63. Vera
A habitational surname in Italy and Spain, Vera is derived from locations named Vera or La Vera in Spain, meaning ‘shore’ or ‘bank’ in Spanish. Among the notable bearers of this surname is José de Jesús Vera, a retired Venezuelan professional footballer who played for the Venezuelan national team.
Common Venezuelan Last Names
Delve into some common Venezuelan last names while learning about the country’s history, heritage, and customs.
64. Aguilar
Aguilar is derived from águila, which comes from the Latin aquila, meaning ‘eagle.’
65. Aponte
Derived from Galician and Portuguese, Aponte comes from the misdivision of Daponte, which is a topographic name meaning ‘from the bridge.’
66. Araujo
Araujo or Araújo is a topographic surname of noble medieval origin. It is used to denote people who are from places named Araujo in Portugal.
Trivia67. Barreto
The surname Barreto was an occupational name for those who made caps. It is derived from the Portuguese word barreto, meaning ‘cap.’
68. Barrios
Barrios is a habitational name, originating from the Spanish word barrio, meaning ‘outlying suburb’ or ‘slum.’
69. Bermudez
Transferred from a given name, Bermudez or Bermúdez means ‘son of Bermudo.’ The name Bermudo is a Spanish variant of the Germanic name Veremund, which is formed from the terms war, meaning ‘true’ or ‘aware’, and munt, meaning ‘protection.’
70. Bracho
The Venezuelan last name Bracho is of Spanish origin but has uncertain meaning. Gabriel Bracho, a Venezuelan artist who explored social, political, and historical themes through his works, was a well-known bearer of this surname.
71. Cabrera
Cabrera means ‘place of goats,’ originating from the Latin word capraria that comes from the Latin capra, meaning ‘goats.’
72. Camacho
The Spanish and Portuguese surname Camacho possibly has Celtic origin. It might come from the root word kambos, meaning ‘crooked’ or ‘twisted.’
73. Campos
Derived from the Spanish and Portuguese languages, the surname Campos means ‘fields.’ Among renowned personalities bearing this surname, Emilio Campos was a Venezuelan football player who played for the senior Venezuela national football team.
74. Cardenas
Cardenas or Cárdenas is a locational surname, derived from places named Cárdenas in the Spanish provinces. It originates from the Spanish word cárdeno, meaning ‘blue’ or ‘purple,’ which ultimately comes from the Latin cardinus and carduus, which means ‘thistle.’ Luis Cárdenas was a Venezuelan professor and founder of the first public school in Caracas.
75. Carrillo
Carrillo is a Spanish surname meaning ‘cheek’ or ‘jaw.’ It was originally a nickname for someone with a distinctive cheek or jaw. A Venezuelan actor, model, and singer, Fernando Carrillo, mostly known for his telenovelas such as María Isabel and Rosalinda, is a famous bearer of this surname.
76. Castro
The surname Castro means ‘castle’ in Spanish and Portuguese and is used to refer to someone living in a castle. Cipriano Castro, who became the president of Venezuela in 1899, was a prominent personality with the surname.
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77. Chirinos
Chirinos is a surname that is probably inspired by the Chirinos district of the province of San Ignacio in Peru. It could also be derived from the Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian given name Quirino, which comes from Quirinus. It is derived from the Sabine term quiris, meaning ‘spear’.
78. Colmenares
Originating from Spanish, the surname Colmenares means ‘apiaries (a place where beehives are kept).’ Thus, this surname may suggest someone living near an apiary. Venezuelan baseball pioneer, José Pérez Colmenares, was a renowned bearer of this common surname.
79. Deleon
DeLeon, De León, or D’León is a Spanish surname referring to the Leon region of Spain. Oscar D’León, an Afro-Latino song artist from Venezuela, is a well-loved bearer of this surname.
80. Delgado
Derived from a nickname, the surname Delgado literally means ‘thin’ in Spanish and Portuguese. It comes from the Latin word delicatus, meaning ‘delicate,’ ‘tender,’ or ‘charming.’ Fernando Eduardo Delgado composed the anthem for the Portuguesa State, Venezuela.
81. Duran
Duran is a Catalan variant of the French surname Durand. It comes from the Old French word durant, ultimately originating from the Latin word durans, meaning ‘enduring.’
82. Escalona
This one could be a habitational surname based on Escalona in Toledo province or Escalona del Prado in Soria. It might be rooted in the Spanish word escalón, which means ‘step,’ or ‘stair.’
83. Espinoza
Derived from the Spanish word espino, meaning ‘thorny,’ this surname was used to indicate someone who lived near a thorny bush. Born in 1998, Anderson Espinoza is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who has previously played for the Chicago Cubs.
84. Ferrer
Of Catalan origin, the Venezuelan last name Ferrer means ‘iron’ via the Latin terms ferrarius or ferrum. It is an occupational name for an ironworker or smith. Lupita Ferrer, a Venezuelan television actress who is considered among the most famous Spanish-speaking telenovela actresses of all time, bears this surname.
85. Figueroa
Figueroa indicates someone who lived by a fig tree or in a place named Figueroa. It comes from the Galician word figueira, meaning ‘fig tree.’
86. Franco
Derived from the given name Frank, the surname Franco originally indicated someone from France or of French descent.
87. Guillen
Guillén or Guillen is derived from the given name Guillermo, the Spanish form of William. The surname ultimately traces its origins from the Germanic elements ‘wil’, meaning ‘will, desire,’ and ‘helm,’ meaning ‘helmet, protection.’
88. Gutierrez
A Spanish patronymic surname, Gutierrez means ‘son of Gutier/Gutierre.’ It originates from the given name Gutierre, a variant of Walter, that ultimately comes from the Germanic elements walt, meaning ‘rule,’ and heri, meaning ‘army.’
89. Guzman
The surname Guzmán or Guzman was derived to represent someone from the town of Guzmán in Burgos, Spain. The name has Germanic roots from the words gautaz, meaning ‘a Geat,’ and mannô, meaning ‘person,’ or ‘man.’ Antonio Guzmán Blanco was the Venezuelan President for three different terms, and is the most prominent figure with this surname.
90. Herrera
Herrera is a Spanish topographic name originating from Ferreira, which comes from the Latin ferrum, meaning ‘iron.’ It could refer to someone living near an iron mine.
91. Jimenez
The Spanish surname Jimenez or Jiménez is a patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Jimeno.’ Here, the name Jimeno is a variant of Ximeno, a medieval Spanish name, which possibly comes from the name Simon, meaning ‘hearing,’ or ‘listening’ in Hebrew.
92. Leal
The surname Leal means ‘loyal’ in Portuguese and Spanish. Ninibeth Leal, who won the titles of Miss World Venezuela 1991 and Miss World 1991, is a renowned personality with this surname.
93. Lugo
Lugo is a Spanish surname derived from the name of the Spanish city Lugo in Galicia. It is believed to have been adopted from the Celtic god Lugos; however, this is not certain. Venezuelan professional basketball player Richard Lugo is a notable bearer of this surname.
94. Marcano
Derived from the given name Marciano, the Spanish surname Marcano is its Spanish variant. The name Marciano further comes from the Roman family name Marcianus, which in turn, is derived from the Roman praenomen Marcus, derived from the Roman God Mars.
95. Marin
The surname Marin evolved from a masculine name Marin, which comes from the Roman family name Marinus. Marinus might probably be derived from the Latin word marinus meaning ‘of the sea,’ or it may stem from the Roman name Marius related to the Roman God Mars.
96. Mata
Derived from the Spanish, Portuguese, and Catalan languages, the surname Mata comes from the word ‘mata,’ meaning ‘trees’ or ‘shrubs.’
97. Mendoza
Of Basque origin, Mendoza is a locational surname derived from a place named Mendoza. It stems from the Basque elements, mendi meaning ‘mountain,’ and hotz meaning ‘cold.’ Thus, it means ‘cold mountain’ in Basque. The first official President of Venezuela in the early 19th century, Cristóbal Mendoza, is the most prominent name associated with this surname.
Did you know?98. Molina
The Venezuelan last name Molina simply means ‘mill’ in the Spanish language. It is considered an occupational surname, originally given to those who operated or had millstones.
99. Montiel
Derived from the places namely Campo de Montiel and Montiel in Spain, this locational surname is of Spanish origin.
100. Mora
Derived from Late Latin roots in Spain and Portugal, the surname Mora means ‘blackberry.’ It used to be an occupational surname for someone who farms blackberries. Alfonso Mora, an American-born Venezuelan former professional tennis player who also became the team captain of the Venezuelan Davis Cup team, bears this surname.
101. Morales
The surname Morales stems from the Spanish word moral, meaning ‘mulberry tree.’ Venezuelan singer Memo Morales voiced several important orchestras in Venezuela.
102. Moreno
Derived from a nickname, Moreno literally translates to ‘dark’ in Spanish and Portuguese.
103. Morillo
Morillo is a habitational surname that comes from a place named Morillo de Monclús in Huesca province. It is derived as a diminutive of moro, ‘moor.’
104. Munoz
The patronymic surname Muñoz or Munoz means ‘son of Muño.’ The surname may also be derived as a variant of Munhoz, a Portuguese-Spanish surname. It means ‘hill’ in Basque and comes from the term muinoa.
105. Ortiz
Originating from the Spanish language, Ortiz is a patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Orti.’ Here, Orti might be derived from the Latin term fortis, meaning ‘brave’ or ‘strong,’ or from fortunius, meaning ‘fortunate.’
106. Paez
The patronymic surname Páez or Paez is of Galician origin and means ‘son of Paio or Pelagio.’ It is also used to refer to the indigenous people who live in the southwestern highlands of Colombia. Venezuelan independence leader and president of Venezuela for three different terms, José Antonio Páez, was the most remarkable bearer of this surname.
107. Parra
Parra means ‘vine’ or ‘trellis’ in Spanish, making it a toponymic surname. A renowned bearer of this common surname is Venezuelan novelist Teresa de la Parra, who wrote the novel Iphigenia, which played a major role in bringing changes to Venezuelan literature.
108. Paredes
Derived from the Portuguese word parede and Spanish pared, which ultimately stem from the Latin word ‘paries, the surname Paredes means ‘wall.’
109. Peña
The Venezuelan last name Peña is derived from the Spanish word peña, meaning ‘rock’, ‘rocky summit,’ or ‘cliff.’ This toponymic surname originally denotes someone living near a rock.
110. Perdomo
Perdomo is an occupational surname, derived from the French term prud’homme, meaning ‘expert.’ Eneas Perdomo, who was a famous Venezuelan singer from Venezuela, was a well-known bearer of this surname.
111. Pineda
The Spanish surname Pineda is a habitational surname, derived from the Spanish and Catalan word pineda, meaning ‘pine forest.’
112. Quintero
Originating from a place named Quintero in Galicia, Quintero may have been derived from the Spanish word quinto, which means ‘fifth.’ It could also come from the Galician quinteiro, meaning ‘plaza’ or ‘farmstead.’
113. Rangel
The surname Rangel is a toponymic surname with French And Germanic roots. In German, the surname means ‘ragin walt (a mighty ruler).’
114. Rivas
The surname Rivas is a Spanish variant of the Italian surname Riva, which means ‘bank’ or ‘shore’. It comes from the Latin word ripa. Originally, it denoted someone who lived by a lake or a river.
115. Rivera
Tracing its roots to the Latin word riparius, the surname Rivera stems from the Spanish word ribera, meaning ‘bank’ or ‘shore.’
116. Rojas
Rojas is a variant of the surname and nickname Rojo, meaning ‘red’ in Spanish. It refers to someone with a red hair color or complexion. Cristóbal Rojas, a 19th century Venezuelan painter, was a significant figure in history with this surname.
117. Rondon
Rondon is a Spanish, Portuguese or French surname, which possibly means ‘random’ or ‘unexpected,’ derived from the Spanish idiomatic expression de rondón. It could also be derived from the Italian Veneto dialect word rondón, meaning ‘swift’.
118. Ruiz
The Spanish patronymic surname Ruiz means ‘son of Ruy.’ Here, the name Ruy is a Medieval Portuguese and Spanish short form of Rodrigo, which comes from the name Roderick, meaning ‘a famous ruler’ in Old German.
119. Suarez
Suarez is a patronymic surname, meaning ‘son of Suero or Soeiro.’ It’s derived from the Latin name Suerius, meaning ‘swineherd.’ Germán Suárez Flamerich, who became the president of Venezuela in 1950, was a prominent personality associated with this surname.
120. Torrealba
The Venezuelan last name Torrealba is a Spanish surname of uncertain meaning. However, it is believed to be a habitational surname, derived from the Spanish elements torre, meaning ‘tower,’ and albo, meaning ‘white.’
121. Torres
Torres originates from the Latin element turris, meaning ‘tower.’ Thus, the surname was originally given to someone living in or near a tower.
122. Tovar
Tovar is a toponymic surname, derived from several settlements with this name in Spain and America. It is believed to be a surname adopted by the Castilian noble house, which got the lordship of the village named Tovar during the Middle Ages. One notable name associated with this surname is Alonso Miguel de Tovar, a Spanish baroque painter of the 18th century.
123. Urbina
Urbina is a Basque surname, derived from the Basque elements ur, meaning ‘water,’ and bi, meaning ‘two.’ Thus, the surname is used to denote a place where two waterways meet.
124. Valera
Derived from the different places named Valera in Spain and Venezuela, Valera is a habitational surname. Venezuelan actress Lourdes Valera, who played different roles in over 20 films, TV series, and telenovelas, was a notable bearer of this surname.
125. Vargas
The surname Vargas comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word varga, meaning ‘slope,’ ‘flooded field,’ ‘pastureland,’ or ‘hut.’ It possibly has a Castilian origin. José María Vargas, Venezuela’s first civilian President of the early 19th century, was among the prominent figures bearing this surname.
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126. Vasquez
A patronymic surname, Vasquez or Vásquez means ‘son of Vasco.’ It’s derived from the name Vasco, which comes from the medieval Spanish name Velasco, meaning ‘crow’ in Basque.
127. Velasquez
Velasquez or Velásquez is also a patronymic surname of the Spanish language, meaning ‘son of Velasco.’ Here, the name Velasco is a variant of the given name Vasco, which ultimately means ‘crow’ in Basque.
128. Vivas
The Catalan surname Vivas originated from a Catalan byname or a nickname meaning ‘may you live.’ This nickname was used for children to bless them with good luck.
129. Zambrano
Zambrano is of Spanish and Basque origins, derived from the word soberano, meaning ‘sovereign.’ A notable bearer of this surname is Jessus Zambrano, a Venezuelan actor and model who holds the title of Mister Venezuela 2012.
Rare Venezuelan Surnames
Check out some rare Venezuelan surnames in this section, offering a glimpse of unique ancestral roots and indigenous origins.
130. Altuve
The meaning of this Venezuelan last name Altuve is uncertain. However, its roots are believed to be in the Spanish language.
131. Agelvis
With an uncertain meaning and no known origin, Agelvis makes a rare Venezuelan surname. Born in 1899 in Cúcuta, Columbia, Segundo Agelvis was a painter and visual artist based in North Santander.
132. Aguirre
The surname Aguirre is a toponymic surname of Basque origin. It originates from the Basque word ageri, which means ‘open,’ ‘cleared,’ or ‘prominent.’ This surname refers to someone living in an open area. Venezuelan folk musician, singer, and composer Ricardo Aguirre was a prominent figure in Venezuela’s music history bearing this surname.
133. Astudillo
Originating from Spain, Astudillo is probably a habitational surname derived from the place named Astudillo in Palencia province, Spain. Venezuelan professional baseball player Willians Astudillo, who is called ‘La Tortuga,’ is a notable bearer of this surname.
134. Azocar
A Spanish surname found among Venezuelans, Azocar’s meaning is uncertain. Venezuelan former professional baseball player Oscar Gregorio Azócar, who has been inducted into the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame, was a notable bearer of this surname.
135. Barboza
Barboza is a variant of the Portuguese surname Barbosa, derived from the Portuguese word barba, meaning ‘leaf,’ combined with the suffix -oso/osa. It is used to denote someone who lives near a place with overgrown leafy vegetation. Jessica Barboza, who holds the crown of Miss Earth Venezuela 2009 and Miss International Venezuela 2010, is a prominent figure with this surname.
136. Bautista
Bautista is originally a given name that has been adopted as a Spanish surname. It comes from the French name Baptiste, which means ‘baptist’ in French. It originates from the Greek word bapto, meaning ‘to dip.’
137. Beltran
Beltran or Beltrán is both a given name and surname in Spanish, Italian, and Galician. It is derived from the Germanic root words berht, meaning ‘bright,’ and hramn, meaning ‘raven.’
138. Betancourt
The surname Betancourt is a variant of Bettencourt, which is a noble family name of Norman origin. It comes from the Old Low Franconian word *hof meaning ‘courtyard’, ‘courtyard of a farm’, and ‘farm.’ The 47th and 54th President of Venezuela, Rómulo Betancourt, who is also known as ‘The Father of Venezuelan Democracy’ was a prominent personality with this surname.
139. Cacique
Derived from the name of a tribal chieftain of the Taíno people of the Caribbean, Cacique means ‘king’ or ‘prince’ in Spanish. It is also a Native American title for a chief or leader.
140. Caguaripano
Caguaripano is a rare Venezuelan surname with uncertain meaning and origin.
141. Calzadilla
The surname Calzadilla is a habitational name that comes from the Spanish word calzada, meaning ‘paved road.’ It is also the name of a place in Spain. A
142. Canache
Canache is a family name in the Spanish-speaking world, which might possibly come from the Mayan name Canché, referring to a ‘mangrove shrub’.
143. Garces
Garces or Garcés means ‘son of García’ in Spanish and is derived from the medieval Spanish name Garsea with the patronymic suffix és/ez. Here, the name Garsea is possibly associated with the Basque word hartz, meaning ‘bear.’
Did you know?144. Guaica
The surname Guaica is a rare Venezuelan surname of unknown meaning. It is derived from the names of different rainforest tribes in Venezuela and Brazil. Waika or Waica are the alternate spellings for this surname (3).
145. Guacaran
Guacaran is a rare Venezuelan surname with an uncertain meaning.
146. Lobo
Derived from a nickname, Lobo is a Spanish and Portuguese surname, where it translates to ‘wolf.’ Venezuelan painter, graphic artist, and designer Emiro Lobo was a notable figure with this surname.
Image: Momjunction Design Team
147. Matheus
Transferred from a given name, Matheus is a Portuguese masculine name that comes from the name Mateus, a variant of Matthew, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning ‘gift of Yahweh.’
148. Rebolledo
The Spanish surname Rebolledo is a habitational name originating from Burgos, Spain. It also refers to a species of oak.
149. Santos
The surname Santos is of Spanish origin, which means ‘saint’ in English, and is derived from the Latin word sanctus. Portuguese philosopher Lúcio Alberto Pinheiro dos Santos, who coined and explained the term rhythmanalysis, was a prominent figure with the surname.
150. Segovia
Segovia is a habitational Spanish name, derived from the city named Segovia in Spain. Born in 1893, Andrés Segovia was a Spanish virtuoso classical guitarist.
151. Soto
The surname Soto comes from the Latin word saltus, which refers to a location with a ‘grove of trees’ or ‘small forest’ in Spanish. A Venezuelan op and kinetic artist, sculptor, and painter, Jesús Rafael Soto was a notable bearer of this surname.
152. Subero
Originating from the Basque language, the surname Subero means ‘under the oak tree,’ derived from the Basque words su, meaning ‘under,’ combined with bero, meaning ‘oak tree.’
153. Valdez
A Spanish toponymic surname, Valdez traces its origin to Asturia. Val de Ese means ‘valley of the river Ese (Esva river).’ It could also mean ‘son of Baldo’, with Old German element bald meaning ‘bold’.
Historical And Cultural Context Of Venezuelan Last Names
Spanish naming conventions became the norm with the Spanish conquest of Venezuela in the 16th century. Many Venezuelan indigenous surnames and names were altered or replaced during baptization to make them fit Spanish naming conventions. Besides Spanish and Portuguese, African influences can also be noted Venezuelan last names, primarily due to the transatlantic slave trade.
Much like the Spanish custom, Venezuelans use the preposition particle de (meaning ‘of’) or the conjunction y to distinguish between their name and surname. For instance, a person may be named Francisco José de Ramón y Cajal, where Francisco José may be his first and middle name and Ramón y Cajal would be his paternal and maternal surnames. Sometimes, when the surname begins with the ‘i’ sound, the letter y is replaced with e (1).
Aside from these customs, many other naming cultures have permeated Venezuelan society. The country has over 30 recognized Indigenous languages, and besides Spanish, its immigrant population speaks Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, and Arabic. These languages have influenced Venezuelan names and last names, becoming a part of the country’s cultural fabric.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Venezuelan last names be changed or modified?
In Venezuela, last names or surnames can be changed or modified through some processes. After the marriage, women may choose to adopt their spouse’s last name or combine both last names with a ‘de’ element (2). Otherwise, individuals need to go through legal processes to change their surname.
2. What roles do last names play in Venezuelan society?
Last names in Venezuela often tell about the family lineage and origin place, such as Sanchez and Escalona. The surnames also tell about the social status of the family, especially of their ancestors in society. For instance, Tovar was the adopted surname of the Castilian noble family, who got lordship of the Tovar village.
Venezuela’s colonial history contributed to large-scale immigration and settlements, especially of Spanish people, which has impacted the country’s culture, society, and even naming traditions, as evident in Venezuelan last names. These surnames are thus rooted in Spanish, Portuguese, Galician, and Basque languages. Venezuelan surnames also suggest three major derivations, such as patronymic, habitational, and toponymic. Therefore, a Venezuelan surname can tell much about the country’s history, traditions, and society.
Infographic: Nature-Inspired Venezuelan Surnames
Venezuelan surnames are mainly derived from Portuguese, Spanish, and Basque languages. Most of these surnames are toponymic, derived from beautiful places, and inspired by natural hills and mountains or monuments. Take a look at the infographic below to learn about some nature-inspired surnames commonly found in Venezuela.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Venezuela Naming Customs.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Venezuela_Naming_Customs - Venezuelan Culture.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/venezuelan-culture/venezuelan-culture-naming - Guaica.
https://www.native-languages.org/definitions/guaica.htm
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