200+ Argentinian Last Names or Surnames With Meanings

If you’ve ever met someone from Argentina, you might have noticed that their last name tells a story of generations, migrations, and cultural blend. Argentina is a land of warmth, resilience, and diversity — and that richness is beautifully reflected in the names its people carry. When we talk about Argentina’s last names, we’re really tracing the nation’s history, its waves of immigration, and the values families hold dear. In fact, the tapestry of surnames in Argentina is one of the most fascinating in Latin America, filled with charm, pride, and legacy. Whether you’re curious about your own family names or simply love learning about different cultures, understanding Argentinian surnames opens a window into the soul of its people.

Common Last Names in Argentina

Argentina is home to a wide mix of family names that reflect centuries of migration and culture. From Spanish settlers to Italian dreamers, from Indigenous families to those carrying traces of Jewish surnames, every name tells a story of belonging and identity. These names are more than just words—they hold emotions, history, and the beauty of human connection.

1. Acosta – Of Spanish and Portuguese roots, meaning by the coast, common among coastal settlers.
2. Aguilar – Derived from águila, meaning eagle, showing strength and freedom.
3. Alvarado – Means fortified place symbolising protection and heritage.
4. Arias – Derived from aria, meaning melody representing grace and harmony.
5. Arroyo – Means stream representing peace and movement.
6. Barrios – Means neighbourhoods symbolising community and belonging.
7. Benítez – Means son of Benito, symbolising blessing and good fortune.
8. Blanco – Means white, representing peace and purity.
9. Bravo – Means brave or valiant, often linked with strong-spirited ancestors.
10. Bustos – Common surname meaning noble or honoured person.
11. Bustamante – Originates from northern Spain, meaning settlement of peace.
12. Cabrera – Derived from cabra, meaning goat, originally used for herders and farmers.
13. Campos – Means fields reflecting a strong connection to rural Argentina.
14. Camposano – Means from the countryside symbolising humility and roots.
15. Cardozo – Portuguese origin linked with strength and endurance.
16. Carballo – From Galician meaning oak tree symbolising strength.
17. Carrizo – Of local origin from a plant reed symbolising resilience and adaptability.
18. Castillo – Refers to a castle representing strength and protection associated with ancient Spanish nobility.
19. Cordero – Means lamb, symbolising gentleness and kindness.
20. Correa – Means belt or strap associated with craftsmanship and trade.
21. Delgado – Means slender or thin, often descriptive of appearance.
22. Domínguez – Means son of Domingo, representing faith and tradition among many Argentine families.
23. Escobar – Derived from broom plant, reflecting humility and simplicity.
24. Espinoza – Derived from the thorn bush representing resilience and protection.
25. Figueroa – Derived from the fig tree symbolising life and endurance.
26. Fuentes – Means fountains symbolising purity and life.
27. Gallego – Means from Galicia, showing regional pride.
28. Giménez – Means son of Jimeno, symbolising continuity and unity among generations.
29. Guerrero – Means warrior, symbolising bravery and courage.
30. Gutiérrez – Comes from the old Spanish name Gutierre, meaning powerful ruler, often linked with noble ancestry and leadership.
31. Herrera – Refers to the blacksmith symbolising hard work and craftsmanship.
32. Leiva – Spanish origin symbolising loyalty and persistence.
33. Luna – Means moon, symbolising mystery and emotional depth.
34. Lucero – Means bright star symbolising hope and guidance.
35. Maldonado – Means ill-fated once, but now symbolises transformation and renewal.
36. Meza – Variant of Mesa, meaning table representing hospitality.
37. Méndez – Means son of Mendo, highlighting strong family lineage and respect for heritage.
38. Molina – Comes from molino, meaning mill, originally used for families who worked with mills.
39. Montoya – Basque origin meaning mountain path, reflecting strength and determination.
40. Moreno – Means dark or brown, often referring to hair or complexion, a name full of warmth.
41. Navarro – Means from Navarre, representing origin and identity.
42. Nuñez – Means son of Nuño, highlighting family legacy.
43. Ortega – Comes from Latin urtica, meaning nettle, showing endurance and resilience.
44. Paz – Means peace, one of the simplest yet most meaningful surnames.
45. Peña – Refers to a rock or cliff showing firmness and stability.
46. Peralta – Means high rock or cliff, representing strength and perseverance.
47. Pizarro – Derived from pizarra, meaning slate, linked with miners and builders.
48. Ponce – Ancient surname from Latin Pontius symbolising heritage and endurance.
49. Ramírez – Signifies son of Ramiro, symbolising wisdom and courage passed through family generations.
50. Ramos – Means branches representing growth and family unity.
51. Reyes – Means kings representing honour, faith, and leadership.
52. Rico – Means rich, often given to prosperous families.
53. Ríos – Means rivers, representing the fluidity and natural beauty of Argentina’s landscape.
54. Ruiz – Originates from the name Ruy, meaning renowned in battle, often seen in Spanish colonial records.
55. Salazar – Basque origin meaning old hall associated with noble houses.
56. Sánchez – Derived from Sancho, meaning sacred or holy, carrying a sense of pride and grace.
57. Silva – Of Portuguese origin, meaning forest or woodland, showing a connection to nature.
58. Soria – From a Spanish region name associated with migration stories.
59. Suárez – Means son of Suero, a name tied to bravery and loyalty.
60. Tello – Ancient surname meaning little tile representing craftsmanship.
61. Torres – Means towers, often given to families living near fortified places or highlands.
62. Valdez – Means from the valley, representing closeness to land and family.
63. Varela – Galician origin meaning watchful or vigilant.
64. Vega – Refers to meadow or fertile plain linked to families from rural areas.
65. Vergara – Basque origin meaning place of pastures symbolising nature and calm.
66. Villarreal – Refers to a royal estate symbolising prosperity and land heritage.
67. Zamora – Regional surname meaning from Zamora linking back to Castile.

Popular Argentinian Surnames

Argentina’s surnames reflect a beautiful mix of cultures shaped by history and migration. Each name carries a piece of someone’s story, whether rooted in Europe, Indigenous heritage, or distant family origins. Some even connect to Irish surnames, brought by families who found a new home in Argentina generations ago. These names show strength, love, and identity passed down through time.

1. Acevedo – Derived from a place with holly trees symbolising growth and natural beauty.
2. Aguirre – Basque origin meaning prominent or exposed place symbolising bravery and confidence.
3. Alonso – From the name Alfonso, meaning noble and ready for battle.
4. Arce – Means maple tree, symbolising generosity and stability.
5. Barrera – Means barrier, representing protection and defence.
6. Basualdo – Basque origin meaning hill by the woods, representing closeness to nature.
7. Beltrán – Means bright raven symbolising intelligence and mystery.
8. Benavides – Means son of Benito, symbolising blessings and good fortune.
9. Benavídez – Means blessed son, representing hope and continuity.
10. Bermúdez – Means son of Bermudo, symbolising strength and family legacy.
11. Brito – Means from Brittany, showing migration and European heritage.
12. Cabello – Means hair used descriptively, often expressing personality or look.
13. Cáceres – From a Spanish city name representing regional pride and tradition.
14. Calderón – Means cauldron, a surname for those who crafted or worked with metal.
15. Calvo – Means bald, used humorously or descriptively in families.
16. Camacho – Means twisted or unique, symbolising individuality and charm.
17. Cardona – Derived from the cardoon plant, symbolising strength and endurance.
18. Carranza – Basque origin meaning thorn bush, showing endurance and determination.
19. Chaparro – Means short or small, showing affection and endearment.
20. Chávez – Portuguese origin meaning key symbolising opportunity and new beginnings.
21. Coronado – Means crowned one representing success and achievement.
22. Coronel – Means colonel, representing leadership and strength of character.
23. Cuello – Means neck, a surname used descriptively for physical traits.
24. Escudero – Means squire, symbolising loyalty and service.
25. Esquivel – Means place of elder trees representing wisdom and grounding.
26. Ferreyra – Portuguese variant of Ferreira, meaning blacksmith, symbolising hard work and skill.
27. Franco – Means free man, showing independence and strong will.
28. Funes – Of Basque origin, meaning place of springs, representing renewal and life.
29. Gaitán – Of Roman origin, meaning from Gaeta, reflecting migration and movement.
30. Gallo – Means rooster, representing energy, courage and early rising spirit.
31. Gatica – Means kitten, a name showing affection and gentleness.
32. Godino – Means little god, showing faith and deep spiritual roots.
33. Godoy – Means from Godoy town symbolising roots and belonging.
34. Guzmán – Means good man, showing kindness and an honourable nature.
35. Lara – Means protection or home connected to security and care.
36. Ledesma – A name of Spanish origin meaning broad meadow, often associated with families living in open rural landscapes.
37. Lozano – Means healthy or full of life, reflecting vitality and optimism.
38. Maldini – Italian heritage name symbolising creativity, resilience, and artistic roots.
39. Marino – Of Italian origin, meaning of the sea symbolising freedom and movement.
40. Medina – Arabic origin meaning city showing ancient cultural connections and diversity.
41. Miranda – Means admired or wonderful, showing grace and positivity in its origin.
42. Montiel – Refers to a small mountain representing endurance and closeness to nature.
43. Moreira – Portuguese origin meaning mulberry tree symbolising sweetness and endurance.
44. Moyano – Means descendant of Munio, symbolising loyalty and persistence.
45. Muñoz – Means son of Munio, symbolising ancient strength and tradition.
46. Ojeda – Of ancient origin, meaning valley or field symbolising fertility and life.
47. Olivera – Derived from the olive tree, representing peace and abundance.
48. Palacios – Means palaces connected with elegance and grand heritage.
49. Palma – Means palm tree, representing victory and peace.
50. Parra – Means vine, representing growth and life’s continuity.
51. Quiroga – Comes from Galicia, meaning rocky place, representing endurance and stability.
52. Reynoso – Means powerful or mighty, showing respect and admiration.
53. Rivas – Means riverbank, symbolising connection to nature and life.
54. Roldán – Means famous in the land, symbolising heroism and legacy.
55. Romero – Means pilgrim, symbolising spiritual journey and faith.
56. Saavedra – Means old town or settlement, a surname linked with deep roots and family pride.
57. Sandoval – Derived from a place name meaning valley of sand, symbolising connection to the earth.
58. Santana – Derived from Santa Ana, meaning Saint Anne, symbolising devotion and purity.
59. Santos – Means saints symbolising devotion and faith within family heritage.
60. Serrano – Means from the mountains, representing resilience and inner strength.
61. Tapia – Means wall, representing strength and protection.
62. Toledo – Refers to the ancient city in Spain symbolising wisdom and heritage.
63. Valenzuela – Means small valley, showing connection to land and family.
64. Vargas – Means steep slope, referring to family homes near highlands.
65. Villar – Means small town or settlement symbolising community and belonging.
66. Villalba – Means white town, symbolising purity and tradition.
67. Villaseca – Means dry town, representing persistence through harsh times.
68. Zúñiga – Basque origin meaning place of abundance, showing prosperity.

Rare Argentina Family Names

Argentina is full of names that tell quiet stories passed down through generations. While some names are well known, many rare family names hold unique meanings and deep local roots. These names might not appear among the most common surnames in Argentina, but they carry just as much pride, identity, and history within families across the country.

1. Alfieri – Means standard bearer symbolising pride and responsibility.
2. Allende – Basque origin meaning beyond symbolising vision and progress.
3. Almirón – Ancient name meaning noble protector, often connected with families known for loyalty and courage in small rural towns.
4. Ametrano – Italian surname meaning spring water symbolising life and renewal.
5. Aramburu – Basque origin meaning high pasture symbolising openness and freedom.
6. Arduini – Of Italian roots, meaning strong spirit symbolising endurance and courage.
7. Balbi – Italian surname meaning stammerer, showing gentle humour in family naming.
8. Balestrini – Means crossbow maker, symbolising courage and precision.
9. Barbieri – Means barber, symbolising sociability and warmth in small communities.
10. Bertotti – From northern Italy, representing calm strength and steady values.
11. Bianchetti – Italian origin meaning little white one, representing purity and artistic character in immigrant families.
12. Bordón – Spanish origin meaning pilgrim staff symbolising journey and hope.
13. Bourlot – French name meaning strong heart, symbolising kindness and endurance.
14. Bregman – Central European roots symbolising intelligence, creativity, and adaptability.
15. Brignone – Means little bridge symbolising the connection between families and generations.
16. Brondo – Derived from a local region representing strong family bonds and quiet pride.
17. Caviglia – Italian surname meaning ankle bone, once used to describe physical traits.
18. Canavesio – Means from Canavese symbolising rootedness and family pride.
19. Carusso – Means dear one, symbolising affection and closeness among family members.
20. Ciallella – Italian roots meaning bright or cheerful, often found in southern Argentine towns.
21. Cian – Of Irish influence, meaning ancient or enduring, symbolising deep family heritage and endurance.
22. Costantini – Derived from Constantine, meaning steadfast, symbolising stability and faith.
23. Dalmasso – Italian surname from the Dalmacia region symbolising migration and courage.
24. Debernardi – Italian surname meaning son of Bernardo, symbolising heritage and identity.
25. Doria – Means from the Doria family symbolising noble ancestry.
26. Fasano – Derived from an Italian region symbolising family pride and legacy.
27. Fazio – Means divine favour, representing kindness and gratitude.
28. Ferraresi – Of Italian roots, meaning iron worker, symbolising skill and perseverance.
29. Garelli – Of Italian roots, representing patience and attention to detail often seen in artisan families.
30. Giorgetti – Derived from Giorgio, meaning farmer, symbolising dedication and diligence.
31. Gorosito – Derived from Basque, meaning little hill, symbolising simplicity and connection to the land.
32. Lamberti – Means bright land, symbolising hope and vision.
33. Larralde – Basque origin meaning valley of song, representing creativity and harmony.
34. Locatelli – Italian name meaning local man representing belonging and reliability.
35. Lupino – Means wolf-like, representing independence and resilience in family spirit.
36. Maffei – Italian surname meaning blessed, representing peace and kindness.
37. Mastrángelo – Means master angel reflecting faith and devotion passed through families.
38. Massa – Italian surname meaning large or grand, symbolising family unity and presence.
39. Menvielle – French origin meaning peaceful estate, representing harmony and calm spirit.
40. Molinari – Means Miller, representing hard work and tradition in rural Argentina.
41. Montanaro – Means mountain dweller, representing endurance and love for nature.
42. Morini – Means dark-haired, showing description and simplicity in naming tradition.
43. Nobile – Means noble, symbolising grace and dignity.
44. Noseda – Italian surname symbolising clarity, honesty, and craftsmanship.
45. Pagani – Means country dweller, representing humility and closeness to nature.
46. Peluffo – Of Ligurian origin, meaning joyful person representing cheer and optimism.
47. Perugini – Derived from Perugia, symbolising love for heritage and travel.
48. Perrone – Derived from the stone symbolising strength and dependability.
49. Pessina – Italian surname meaning little stone symbolising persistence and reliability.
50. Pignataro – Italian surname referring to pot makers symbolising craftsmanship and dedication.
51. Porta – Means door symbolising opportunity and welcome in family culture.
52. Raimondi – Means protector or wise advisor, symbolising respect within families.
53. Rattazzi – Italian surname representing curiosity and leadership in families.
54. Rosatti – Derived from rose, symbolising beauty and warmth.
55. Ruffini – Derived from rufus, meaning red, symbolising warmth and vibrance.
56. Sangiovanni – Means Saint John, symbolising devotion and faith.
57. Saravia – Of Spanish roots symbolising warmth and community bonds.
58. Scattolini – Italian origin symbolising persistence and creative energy.
59. Tassara – Ligurian origin symbolising loyalty and close family ties.
60. Tavella – Means small board symbolising craft and patience.
61. Tettamanti – Italian surname meaning roof maker, symbolising protection and care.
62. Tissone – Of northern Italian roots symbolising quiet strength and steady tradition in farming communities.
63. Toselli – Italian heritage name linked with generosity and gentle nature.
64. Venturi – Means wind, symbolising adaptability and freedom.
65. Vescovi – Means bishop symbolising wisdom, respect, and family leadership.
66. Vignolo – From vineyard symbolising growth and nurturing traditions.
67. Zapata – Means shoe maker, representing creativity and the dignity of manual work.
68. Zelaya – Means place of pasture representing fertility and life among green landscapes.
69. Zicarelli – Italian origin symbolising honour and devotion to family life.
70. Zuccoli – Italian heritage meaning little gourd symbolising humility and creativity.

Famous People’s Last Names in Argentina

Argentina is known for its remarkable people whose names carry stories of talent, determination, and heart. Many of these Argentine surnames have become symbols of pride and inspiration, representing dreams that reached beyond borders and touched millions of lives.

1. Abbondanzieri – Represents precision, reliability and strength as a goalkeeper.
2. Aguero – Symbol of perseverance and dedication, admired by fans across the world.
3. Aimar – Symbol of talent, grace, and joy in Argentina’s football heritage.
4. Almeyda – Footballer’s name associated with courage, discipline, and leadership on and off the field.
5. Ayala – Symbolises defence precision and enduring respect in football history.
6. Batistuta – Famous for goal-scoring power symbolising determination, focus, and success.
7. Bianchi – Symbolises faith in hard work, discipline, and a guiding spirit for success.
8. Bielsa – Represents intellect, discipline, and passion for coaching and leadership.
9. Borges – A name tied to creativity, imagination, and the power of storytelling in world literature.
10. Burdisso – Represents teamwork, loyalty, and strong roots in Argentine football.
11. Crespo – Symbol of hard work, focus, and lifelong connection to football.
12. De Paul – Represents creativity, unity, and dedication to collective success.
13. Demichelis – Symbol of professionalism, respect, and consistent performance.
14. Di María – Represents speed, teamwork, and faithfulness in sport and life.
15. Dybala – Represents grace, determination, and youthful passion for excellence.
16. Evita – Represents compassion, strength, and the enduring power of leadership and love for people.
17. Gallardo – Known for intelligence, humility, and success in managing and guiding teams.
18. Gardel – Synonymous with tango music, representing charm, romance, and the rhythm of Buenos Aires.
19. Ginóbili – Associated with basketball excellence, symbolising teamwork, perseverance, and humility.
20. Gómez – Known for creativity, teamwork, and joy in every match.
21. Goycochea – Represents calm under pressure and strength in defining moments.
22. Higuaín – Represents family pride, determination, and commitment to hard work.
23. Ibarra – Known for strength, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility in sport and society.
24. Maradona – Legendary name in sports representing talent, resilience, and the spirit of Argentine pride.
25. Martínez – Symbolises courage, reliability, and humility celebrated across the world.
26. Mascherano – Symbol of dedication, humility, and leadership valued across generations.
27. Messi – Known for football greatness symbolising dedication, humility, and passion, inspiring generations around the world.
28. Milito – Symbol of teamwork, calm strength, and silent perseverance.
29. Otamendi – Known for power, discipline, and perseverance.
30. Palermo – Known for persistence and never giving up in the face of failure.
31. Paredes – Known for balance, patience, and vision in shaping play.
32. Passarella – Known for courage, vision, and commitment to excellence.
33. Pezzella – Represents quiet leadership and calm presence on and off the pitch.
34. Perón – Symbol of political history representing charisma, vision, and the struggle for justice.
35. Piazzolla – Known for revolutionising tango, symbolising innovation, passion and musical legacy.
36. Riquelme – Known for precision, creativity and quiet confidence in football.
37. Sabato – Famous for literature representing depth, intellect and the reflective Argentine soul.
38. Scaloni – Represents adaptability, resilience and modern leadership in sports.
39. Simeone – Represents determination, fire, and strategy, defining modern football culture.
40. Sorín – Represents energy and unity, admired for loyalty and sportsmanship.
41. Tagliafico – Represents persistence, dedication, and strength in defence.
42. Tevez – Represents hard work and heart rising from humble beginnings to global fame.
43. Valderrama – Represents creativity, freedom, and joyful play, admired worldwide.
44. Verón – Known for strategy, passion, and lifelong dedication to football.
45. Zanetti – Represents integrity, humility, and strong leadership both on and off the field.

FAQs

1. What makes Argentinian last names so unique?

Argentinian last names are special because they carry pieces of history from many cultures. You’ll find Spanish and Italian roots in most families, but there are also German, French, Basque, and Indigenous influences. Each surname tells a small part of Argentina’s story—about migration, resilience, and how families adapted over time while keeping their heritage alive.

2. How do family names reflect Argentina’s immigrant history?

Every family name in Argentina feels like a footprint of migration. When Italians, Spaniards, and other Europeans arrived in the late 19th century, they brought their surnames, customs, and dreams with them. Over generations, these names blended with local and Indigenous ones, creating a unique identity that reflects Argentina’s warmth and openness to different cultures.

Argentinian last names are more than words on paper—they’re living symbols of history, love, and belonging. Each name holds memories of families who travelled oceans, built homes, and kept their stories alive through generations. In Argentina, a last name isn’t just an identity—it’s a story that never stops being told.

Also Read:

Finnish Surnames
French Last Names
Badass Last Names
Venezuelan Surnames
English (British) Last Names or Surnames

Our Editorial Policy

Parenting is a huge responsibility, for you as a caregiver, but also for us as a parenting content platform. We understand that and take our responsibility of creating credible content seriously. FirstCry Parenting articles are written and published only after extensive research using factually sound references to deliver quality content that is accurate, validated by experts, and completely reliable. To understand how we go about creating content that is credible, read our editorial policy here.