Mexican surnames carry a rich cultural heritage, often reflecting the country’s diverse history and the blending of indigenous, Spanish, and other influences. In Mexico, it is customary to use both the father’s and mother’s last names, a practice that underscores the importance of both family lines. This tradition not only honors both parents but also helps in tracing genealogical roots. Mexican surnames starting with the letter “C” are particularly interesting, as they include a variety of origins and meanings. Here, we explore 100 Mexican last names that start with “C,” along with their meanings.
100 Mexican Last Names That Start with C
Mexican last names starting with the letter ‘C’ are as varied as the country’s landscape, ranging from common to unique, each bearing its historical weight and story. These surnames can often be traced back to indigenous roots, Spanish influences, or a blend of both, reflecting the complex intermingling of cultures throughout Mexico’s history. Understanding these names enhances our grasp of the familial and cultural ties that shape the identities of millions.
Last Name | Meaning |
---|---|
Cabrera | Goatherd |
Cáceres | Place of hunting |
Cadena | Chain, bond |
Calvillo | Small bald one |
Camacho | Twisted, crooked |
Camarena | From Camarena |
Campos | Fields |
Canales | Channels |
Cano | Gray-haired |
Cantú | From Cantù in Italy |
Carillo | Warlike, fierce |
Carmona | From Carmona |
Carranza | Place of rocks |
Carrasco | Scrub, bush |
Carreón | Wagon, cart |
Carrillo | Small wheel |
Casares | From Casares |
Casas | Houses |
Castañeda | Place of chestnuts |
Castellanos | From Castile |
Castillo | Castle |
Castro | Fort |
Cavazos | Hollow, cavity |
Cazares | Hunter |
Ceballos | Little onion field |
Cedillo | Small cedar |
Ceja | Eyebrow (ridge) |
Ceniceros | Ashtrays |
Cervantes | Servants |
Chacón | Owner of a tavern |
Chapa | Plate, sheet metal |
Chavarria | Blacksmithing area |
Chávez | Keys |
Cisneros | Place of swans |
Contreras | Opposite, against |
Cordero | Lamb |
Córdova | From Cordova |
Corona | Crown |
Corral | Enclosure |
Cortés | Courteous, polite |
Cortez | Conqueror |
Cruz | Cross |
Cuellar | From Cuellar |
Cuevas | Caves |
Curiel | Curia, court |
Caballero | Knight |
Cazarez | Hunter variant |
Cienfuegos | One hundred fires |
Cifuentes | Source, fountain |
Colunga | Hill, knoll |
Colmenares | Beehives |
Collado | Hillside |
Collazo | From a place of hills |
Coronado | Crowned |
Cortina | Curtain |
Crespo | Curly-haired |
Criollo | Creole, native |
Cristóbal | Bearing Christ |
Cuenca | Basin |
Cuervo | Crow |
Cuesta | Slope, hill |
Calderón | Cauldron |
Calixto | Very beautiful |
Calleja | Small street |
Calles | Streets |
Calvo | Bald |
Camarillo | Chamberlain |
Camba | Person from the Celtic tribe |
Camilo | Helper to the priest |
Campana | Bell |
Camposano | Field dweller |
Canales | Channel |
Candela | Candle |
Candelaria | Candlemas |
Candia | From Candia |
Canedo | Place of reeds |
Cañas | Reeds |
Canseco | Dry place |
Cantarero | Potter |
Capetillo | Little cape |
Caraballo | Place with carob trees |
Carabajal | Place of carob trees |
Carbajal | From the place of carob trees |
Cardenas | Cardoon |
Cardiel | Heart-shaped place |
Cardoza | From the thistle field |
Careaga | Rocky place |
Cariaga | Place with rocks |
Carnero | Ram |
Carral | Place with rocks |
Carranza | Rocky place |
Carrasco | Bushy |
Carrera | Race, career |
Carrillo | Little face |
Carrión | Corpse, body |
Cartagena | From Cartagena |
Casanova | New house |
Casillas | Small houses |
Castaño | Chestnut |
Castellano | From Castile |
Castro | Castle, fort |
Catalán | From Catalonia |
Catarino | Pure, unsullied |
Caviedes | From the place of life |
Cazador | Hunter |
Cedano | Place with cedars |
Celestino | Heavenly |
Celis | Little heavenly one |
Cepeda | Place with abundant vegetation |
Conclusion
The surnames starting with ‘C’ illustrate a beautiful aspect of Mexican heritage, offering both a window into the past and a mirror reflecting contemporary societal values. Each name carries the echo of ancient voices, telling stories of geographical origins, occupations, physical characteristics, or notable deeds. This curated list not only aids in genealogical research but also enriches our understanding of Mexican culture, reinforcing the importance of names as carriers of history and identity in the vibrant tapestry of Mexico.