110 Cuban Surnames and Their Meanings

Cuban surnames are more than just names — they’re windows into a nation’s soul. With roots in Spanish, African, Indigenous Taíno, and even Chinese and French cultures, Cuban surnames reflect centuries of migration, colonization, resistance, and identity. From freedom fighters and poets to musicians and athletes, the names carried by Cuban families tell powerful stories of strength, resilience, and pride.

Whether inherited from ancestors who crossed oceans or born from places and professions long past, each surname is a thread in the rich cultural fabric of Cuba. Below are 110 Cuban surnames, each paired with its meaning or background, offering insight into the nation’s deep and diverse heritage.

1. García

From the Basque word artz, meaning “bear.” One of the most common surnames in the Spanish-speaking world.

2. Rodríguez

Means “son of Rodrigo,” with Rodrigo meaning “famous ruler.”

3. Martínez

“Son of Martín.” Martín is derived from Mars, the Roman god of war.

4. Pérez

Means “son of Pedro,” the Spanish form of Peter, meaning “rock.”

5. López

“Son of Lope,” an old Spanish word for “wolf.”

6. Hernández

Means “son of Hernando,” a form of Fernando, meaning “brave voyager.”

7. González

“Son of Gonzalo,” from Germanic roots meaning “war” and “safe.”

8. Fernández

“Son of Fernando,” meaning “adventurous” or “bold traveler.”

9. Díaz

Derived from Diego, which means “supplanter.”

10. Torres

Means “towers.” Likely someone who lived near or worked in a tower.

11. Ramírez

“Son of Ramiro,” meaning “wise protector.”

12. Sánchez

“Son of Sancho,” which means “holy” or “saintly.”

13. Castro

Means “castle” or “fortress.” Famously held by Fidel Castro, revolutionary leader of Cuba.

14. Ruiz

“Son of Ruy” or “Rodrigo,” meaning “famous power.”

15. Morales

From moral, the Spanish word for “mulberry tree.”

16. Suárez

“Son of Suero,” from the Latin Suerius, a medieval given name.

17. Alonso

From Germanic Adalfuns, meaning “noble and ready.”

18. Delgado

Means “slender” or “thin,” possibly a descriptive nickname.

19. Romero

Means “pilgrim,” often linked to religious journeys.

20. Navarro

Indicates someone from Navarre, a region in northern Spain.

21. Silva

From Latin silva, meaning “forest.”

22. Valdés

A surname of noble origin from Asturias, Spain. Worn by Cuban general Leovigildo Valdés.

23. Ramos

Means “branches,” a symbol of family and unity.

24. Aguilar

Derived from águila, Spanish for “eagle.”

25. Mendoza

From the Basque “mendi” (mountain) and “hotza” (cold) — “cold mountain.”

26. Fuentes

Means “fountains” or “natural springs.”

27. Iglesias

Means “churches,” denoting someone who lived near or worked in one.

28. Bravo

Means “brave,” often used for warriors or courageous figures.

29. Vega

Means “meadow” or “fertile plain.”

30. Reyes

Means “kings,” symbolic of royalty or devotion to the Three Wise Men.

31. León

Means “lion,” representing bravery and nobility.

32. Cabrera

Derived from “goat herder” or someone who lived in the mountains.

33. Acosta

Means “by the coast,” referencing a geographical origin.

34. Ortega

Possibly from Latin urtica, meaning “nettle,” or from a place name.

35. Campos

Means “fields,” likely referring to someone living near open countryside.

36. Estrada

From the Latin strata, meaning “road” — someone who lived by a road.

37. Padilla

Refers to a shallow pan or plate; may have occupational origins.

38. Luna

Means “moon,” often used in poetic or noble contexts.

39. Carvajal

A Spanish habitational name from a place meaning “oak forest.”

40. Rosa

Means “rose.” Also found as a given name in Cuba.

41. Blanco

Means “white,” possibly denoting a fair complexion or purity.

42. Marín

Means “sailor,” fitting for a nation surrounded by water.

43. Peña

Means “rock” or “cliff,” referring to someone who lived near one.

44. Correa

Means “leather strap” or “belt,” possibly occupational.

45. Olivares

Refers to someone who lived near olive groves.

46. Arias

Derived from the Latin Arianus, meaning “from Hadria.”

47. Cordero

Means “lamb,” symbolic of gentleness and religious purity.

48. Núñez

“Son of Nuño,” a medieval Spanish name.

49. Mesa

Means “table,” sometimes referring to a flat-topped hill.

50. Calderón

From caldera, meaning “cauldron.” May refer to a metal worker.

51. Salazar

A noble Basque surname meaning “old hall” or “place of grandeur.”

52. Benítez

Means “son of Benito,” with Benito meaning “blessed.”

53. Villanueva

Literally “new town” — often referring to settlers of a newly formed village.

54. Montoya

Of Basque origin, referring to people from a mountainous area.

55. Pacheco

Possibly from the Latin paceco, meaning “calm” or “peaceful.”

56. Cruz

Means “cross,” a deeply symbolic and religious surname in Cuba.

57. Serra

Means “mountain range” or “ridge,” of Catalan origin.

58. Barrientos

Originally meaning “the one who lives near the barriers” or small hills.

59. Perdomo

From Latin roots meaning “master of the house” or “lord of the estate.”

60. Mojena

A uniquely Cuban surname with debated origins, often linked to eastern provinces.

61. Menéndez

“Son of Menendo,” an old Visigothic name meaning “strong.”

62. Escobar

Refers to a place overgrown with broom shrubs (escobas in Spanish).

63. Quiñones

An aristocratic surname, referring to noble divisions of land in medieval Spain.

64. Arteaga

Of Basque origin, meaning “place of oaks.”

65. Betancourt

A Norman name brought to the Canary Islands, meaning “beautiful court.”

66. Bermúdez

“Son of Bermudo,” meaning “strong bear.”

67. Del Valle

Means “of the valley,” a name of peaceful geographic origin.

68. Rosales

Means “rose bushes,” a romantic and nature-based surname.

69. Izquierdo

Means “left,” possibly referring to a trait or location.

70. Espinosa

From espino, meaning “thorny bush” — often symbolic of protection.

71. Amador

Means “lover” or “one who loves,” from Latin amator.

72. Ferrer

Means “blacksmith,” similar to English surname Smith.

73. Obregón

Likely a place-based name from northern Spain.

74. Villaverde

Means “green town” — symbolic of growth and fertility.

75. Zamora

A habitational surname from the Spanish city of Zamora.

76. Cedrés

Of Canary Island origin, found frequently in eastern Cuba.

77. Gavilán

Means “hawk,” symbolic of sharpness and vigilance.

78. Machado

Means “axe,” and could relate to forestry or warrior lineage.

79. Carrillo

Means “cheek,” possibly used as a nickname.

80. Solís

Derived from Latin solis, meaning “of the sun.”

81. Téllez

“Son of Tello,” a noble medieval name meaning “calm” or “quiet.”

82. Yanes

Variant of Juanes, meaning “son of Juan” or “John.”

83. Bravo de Laguna

A compound surname from nobility, meaning “brave one from the lagoon.”

84. Albuerne

Of Asturian origin, rare and possibly from a village name.

85. Leyva

Also spelled Leiva, from a Spanish town — noble in origin.

86. Paredes

Means “walls” — possibly indicating strength or a fortress.

87. Roldán

Derived from the heroic figure Roland, meaning “famous land.”

88. Toledo

From the ancient city of Toledo, Spain — associated with wisdom and history.

89. Sierra

Means “mountain range,” common in both Cuba and Spain.

90. Guevara

Famous from revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara. Originally a Basque place name.

91. Alfaro

Means “watchtower,” used as a toponymic surname.

92. Gómez

“Son of Gome,” meaning “man” or “pathfinder.”

93. Armas

Means “arms” or “weapons” — could denote a soldier or guard.

94. Calvo

Means “bald,” often used humorously or as a nickname.

95. Carreño

Means “cart driver” or “wagon maker.”

96. Cuevas

Means “caves,” indicating someone who lived near one.

97. Del Río

Means “from the river” — symbolic of nature and flow.

98. Sosa

From the Latin salsus, meaning “salty” — common in coastal regions.

99. Izaguirre

Of Basque origin, meaning “between hills.”

100. Miranda

Means “admirable” or “watchtower.”

101. Quintero

Originally referred to a tenant of a fifth portion of land.

102. Tejera

Derived from tejar, a tilemaker — an occupational surname.

103. Bravo Pérez

A composite surname, symbolizing bravery and nobility.

104. Llerena

From a town in Badajoz, Spain — noble and historic.

105. Muñoz

“Son of Munio,” a popular medieval Spanish name.

106. Ojeda

Likely from ojal, meaning “gap” or “opening.”

107. Reinaldo

From Germanic roots meaning “ruler of counsel.”

108. Rodiles

A rare surname from Asturias, often linked to northern Cuban families.

109. Tamayo

From the Basque region, possibly referencing a grove or thicket.

110. Zayas

Famous in Cuban literature, like María de Zayas, and linked to nobility and intellect.

Celebrating Cuban Identity Through Surnames

Each of these surnames is more than a word — it’s a living legacy. Passed from generation to generation, Cuban surnames reflect stories of survival, migration, creativity, and community. They reveal how deeply intertwined Cuba’s identity is with its colonial past, indigenous roots, African influence, and global connections.

Take a moment to reflect on your own surname — where does it come from? Who carried it before you? Whether you’re of Cuban descent or simply fascinated by Cuban culture, understanding these names invites a greater appreciation of the nation’s rich tapestry of heritage and resilience.

💬 Have a Cuban surname in your family or know someone who does? Share your story — because every name carries a piece of Cuba’s soul.