Spanish world: Spanish names. Mexican names and surnames Beautiful Mexican names

Spanish names consist of three main elements: a personal name (Spanish. nombre ) and two surnames (Spanish. apellido ). A peculiarity of the structure of the Spanish name is the presence of two surnames at once: father (Spanish. apellido paterno or primer apellido ) and mother (Spanish) apellido materno or segundo apellido ). The choice of personal names in Spanish-speaking countries is usually determined by church and family traditions.

From Wikipedia:

In addition to the name received from their parents, Spaniards have names received at baptism from the baptizing priest and godparents. Most of the names received by the Spaniard are not used, but only one or two names are used, e.g. the current king of Spain five personal names- Juan Carlos Alfonso Maria Victor (Spanish) Juan Carlos Alfonso Ví ctor Marí a ), but all his life he uses only two of them - Juan Carlos.

According to Spanish law, a person can have no more than two names and two surnames recorded in his documents. In fact, at baptism you can give as many names as you like, depending on the wishes of the parents. Usually the eldest son is given the first name in honor of his father, and the second in honor of his paternal grandfather, and eldest daughter- mother's name and maternal grandmother's name.

The main source of names in Spain is the Catholic calendar. There are few unusual names, because Spanish registration legislation is quite harsh: not so long ago, the Spanish authorities refused to obtain citizenship to a certain Colombian woman named Darling Velez on the grounds that her name is too unusual and it is impossible to determine the gender of its bearer from it.

In Latin America there are no such restrictions, and parents' imagination can work unhindered. Sometimes this fantasy gives rise to absolutely marvelous combinations, like Taj Mahal Sanchez, Elvis Presley Gomez Morillo and even Hitler Eufemio Mayora. And the famous Venezuelan terrorist Ilyich Ramirez Sanchez nicknamed Carlos the Jackal there were two brothers whose names were... Vladimir and Lenin Ramirez Sanchez.

However, these are all rare exceptions. In the Spanish-speaking world, the hit parade of names has been headed by familiar classic names for years: Juan, Diego, Carmen, Daniel, Camila, Alejandro and, of course, Maria.

Simply Maria.

For obvious reasons, this name is one of the most common in Spain. It is given to both girls and boys (the latter as an appendage to a man’s name: Jose Maria, Fernando Maria). However, many Spanish and Latin American Marys are not just Marys: their documents may include Maria de los Mercedes, Maria de los Angeles, Maria de los Dolores. In everyday life they are usually called Mercedes, Dolores, Angeles, which in literal translation sounds quite strange to our ears: “mercy” (exactly so, in plural), "angels", "sorrows". In fact, these names come from various Catholic titles for Our Lady: Marí a de las Mercedes(Mary the Merciful, lit. “Mary of Mercies”), Marí a de los Dolores(Mary of Sorrows, lit. “Mary of Sorrows”), Marí a la Reina de los Á ngeles(Mary is the queen of angels).

In addition, children are often given names in honor of revered icons or statues of the Mother of God. For example, the famous opera singer Montserrat Caballe(who turns out to be Catalan, upon closer inspection of the name) is actually called Maria de Montserrat Viviana Concepción Caballe y Folk, and named it in honor of Mary of Montserrat, revered in Catalonia - the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary from the monastery on Mount Montserrat.

Pancho, Honcho and Lupita.

The Spaniards are great masters at forming diminutive names. The easiest way is to add diminutive suffixes to the name: Gabriel - Gabrier lito, Fidel - Fide lito, Juana - Juan ita. If the name is too long, then the main part is “torn off” from it, and then the same suffix is ​​used: Concepcion - Conchita, Guadalupe - Lupita and Lupilla. Sometimes truncated forms of names are used: Gabriel - Gabi or Gabri, Teresa - Tere. My beloved Penelope Cruz is simply called by my loved ones "Pe."

However, not everything is so simple. Sometimes it is generally impossible to recognize the connection between a diminutive and a full name by ear: for example, little Francisco may be called at home Pancho, Paco or Curro, Eduardo - Lalo, Alfonso - Honcho, Anunciación - Chon or Chonita, Jesus - Chucho, Chuy or Chus. The situation is complicated by the fact that different names can have the same diminutives: Lencho - Florencio and Lorenzo, Chicho - Salvador and Narciso, Chelo - Angeles and Consuelo (female names), as well as Celio and Marcelo (male names).

Diminutive forms are formed not only from individual names, but also from double ones:

Jose Maria - Chema
Jose Angel - Chanhel
Juan Carlos - Juanca, Juancar, Juanqui
Maria Luisa - Marisa
Jesus Ramon - Jesusra, Hera, Herra, Chuymoncho, Chuymonchi

Man or woman?

Once upon a time, at the dawn of the popularity of soap operas, the Venezuelan series “ Cruel world", Name main character which our viewers initially heard as Rosaria. A little later it turned out that her name is Rosari O , and the diminutive is Charita. Then again it turned out that it was not Charita, but Charit O, but our viewers, who had already gotten used to Conchitas and Esthersites, continued to call her “in the feminine gender” - Charita. That’s what they said, retelling the next episode to each other: “And Jose Manuel kissed Charita yesterday...”.

In fact, the soap character's real name was Rosario, not Rosaria. Word rosario in spanish language masculine and means rosary, according to which a special prayer is read to the Virgin Mary, which is also called Rosario(in Russian - Rosary). Catholics even have a separate holiday of the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary (Spanish. Maria del Rosario).

In Spanish-speaking countries, the name Rosario is very popular, given to both girls and boys, but traditionally it is considered feminine. And that's not the only thing female name - "hermaphrodite": names Amparo, Socorro, Pilar, Sol, Consuelo derived from Spanish words amparo, socorro, pilar, sol, consuelo grammatically masculine. And correspondingly, diminutives These names are also formed in a “masculine” way: Charito, Charo, Coyo, Consuelito, Chelo (although there are also “feminine” forms: Consuelita, Pilarita).

The most common Spanish names.

10 most common names in Spain (whole population, 2008)

Features of the Spanish Surname.

And finally, let's talk a little about Spanish surnames. Spaniards have two surnames: paternal and maternal. Moreover, as already mentioned, the father's surname ( apellido paterno ) is placed before the mother ( apellido materno ): Federico Garcia Lorca (father - Federico Garcia Rodriguez, mother - Vicenta Lorca Romero). At In official address only the father's surname is used: Accordingly, contemporaries called the Spanish poet Señor Garcia, not Señor Lorca.

True, there are exceptions to this rule: Pablo Picasso (full name- Pablo Ruiz Picasso) became known not under his father's surname Ruiz, but under his mother's surname - Picasso. The fact is that there are no fewer Ruizs in Spain than there are Ivanovs in Russia, but the surname Picasso is much less common and sounds much more “individual.”

By inheritance, only the father's main surname is usually passed on, but in some cases (usually in noble families, as well as among the Basques), the mother's surnames of the parents are also passed on to the children (in fact, the surnames of grandmothers on both sides).

In some localities, there is a tradition of adding to the surname the name of the locality where the bearer of this surname or his ancestors were born. For example, if a person's name is Juan Antonio Gomez Gonzalez de San Jose, then in in this case Gomez is the first, paternal surname, and Gonzalez de San Jose is the second, maternal surname. In this case, the particle "de" is not an indicator noble origin, as in France, but simply means that ancestors mother of our Juan Antonio were from a town or village called San Jose.

Sometimes the paternal and maternal surnames are separated by the particle “and”: Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, Jose Ortega y Gasset. In Russian transcription, such surnames are usually written with a hyphen, although in the original they are usually written without separating marks: Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, José Ortega y Gasset.

When married, Spanish women do not change their surname, but simply add the surname of their husband to the apellido paterno: for example, Laura Riario Martinez, having married a man with the surname Marquez, can sign Laura Riario de Marquez or Laura Riario, Señora Marquez.

The most common Spanish surnames.

10 most common surnames in Spain

Mexico is amazing country with its own unique traditions and flavor. One of the best indicators cultural heritage the state is a naming. It is fair to note that Mexican names have adopted many characteristics of the people who bear them. Let's take a closer look at the history of their origin.

Long before the settlement of Europeans, Indian civilizations such as the Toltecs and, of course, the Mayans lived in this country. The nicknames of those people were formed from the names of birds and animals or some natural phenomena. Then, with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the period of colonization of the continent began, which resulted in the gradual borrowing of names from Portuguese, Spanish and Italian. Thus, the culture mixed with the cultures of other countries, and Mexican names were replenished with many new options.

Currently exists a large number of all sorts of naming options, which sufficiently simplifies the task of choosing a name for a child. Mexican female names are beautiful, melodic, with an alluring sound and a mysterious meaning. A girl named Po becomes not only the bearer of this exotic culture, she is associated with centuries-old rituals and history.

We list some of the most common Mexican male names:

• Agostino - venerable;
• Agepito - beloved;
• Alessandro - defender of humanity;
• Baldassare - protector of the king;
• Beniamino - son of southerners;
• Bertrando is a bright raven;
• Valentino - healthy, strong;
• Vico - conqueror, winner;
• Gabriel - strong man god;
• Daniele - God is my judge;
• Callisto is the most beautiful;
• Leon is a lion;
• Marcello - warlike;
• Orlando is a famous land;
• Pankrazayo - all power;
• Riccardo - strong and brave;
• Santino - saint;
• Tekito - mute, quiet;
• Feliciano is lucky.

Mexico is a Spanish-speaking country. This circumstance leaves a significant imprint on local naming traditions. Most modern male and female Mexican names have Spanish roots. They were brought here by settlers from Europe and formed the bulk of the local nomenclature. As for the original national names of Mexico, they are used extremely rarely. The traditions that the Indians followed have long lost their relevance.

Among the popular Mexican names for boys and girls, there are also those that have Latin, Greek and English roots. Some of them are borrowed from Hebrew and Germanic. In any case, the sound of lucky female and male Mexican names is surprisingly beautiful and original. This circumstance makes them very popular both among the population of Mexico and among residents of other countries.

Choosing a Mexican name for a boy or girl

For parents who decide to name a girl or boy a beautiful Mexican name, I would like to give... They should be extremely careful about the pronunciation of words. Used in Mexico special option Spanish language. Because of this, some names may be pronounced differently.

When naming a child, you should rely not only on your hearing, but also on logic. It is very important to accurately determine the meaning of Mexican first and last names. After all, the character and future of the child depends on him. You can also inquire about the meaning of the name according to the horoscope. This will make the choice as balanced and favorable as possible.

List of modern Mexican names for boys

1. Alejandro. From the ancient Greek "protector"
2. Diego. Popular Mexican boy name meaning "scholar"
3. Leonardo. Translated into Russian it means “brave like a lion”
4. Manuel. Interpreted as “God is with us”
5. Mateo. Mexican boy name that means "gift of God"
6. Nestor. Translated into Russian it means “wise traveler”
7. Osvaldo. Interpreted as "God's power"
8. Pedro. From Greek "stone"
9. Sebastian. Popular Mexican male name. Means "highly respected"
10. Jesus. Spanish form of Jesus = "God help"

Top most beautiful Mexican names for girls

1. Bonita. Translated into Russian it means “beautiful”
2. Dorothea. Mexican female name that means "given by God"
3. Isabel. Interpreted as “dedicated to God”
4. Camila. Translated into Russian it means “the best”
5. Consuela. Mexican girl name meaning "comfort"
6. Pauline. Translated into Russian it means “modest”/“small”
7. Pilar. Interpreted as "column"
8. Regina. Means "queen"
9. Esperanza. Mexican female name meaning "hope"

The most popular male and female Mexican names

• Today the most common are such men's mexican names, like Santiago, Mateo and Diego.
• Quite often boys are called Miguel Angel, Emiliano, Leonardo and Sebastian.
• Most popular feminine name in Mexico it is considered Ximena. He is followed by Valentina, Maria Fernanda, Camila and Sophia.

Did you read “Moctezuma’s Daughter” or “King Solomon’s Mines” or “The Hearts of Three” as a child? And after that my soul ached, and my imagination became foggy with pictures of virgin jungles and endless savannahs, mountain landscapes, stern Indians and ancient treasures... And it seemed: it’s a pity, now all this is no longer there, everywhere everything has already been mastered, conquered, collected and plundered, otherwise I would have packed my bag tomorrow morning and left home to conquer the lands of the Aztecs and Mayans. Haven’t you asked yourself the question: where has all the greatness of those eras gone, who lives on that land in whose veins the blood of Montezuma’s relatives flows?

My nephew, without the slightest doubt, told me: of course, in the USA! Oh, you should have watched “From Dusk Till Dawn”, they show everything there!

Still, I will disappoint my nephew, as well as those whose knowledge of the history of those places is limited to the film “From Dusk Till Dawn.” In this article we'll talk about amazing story Mexico, which is reflected in its culture, language and, like a drop of water, in Mexican surnames.

On the territory of modern Mexico, since time immemorial, there have been Indian civilizations of the Mayans (in the south) and the Aztecs (in the central part and in the north). In turn, the Aztec state assimilated with even more ancient culture Toltecs who lived there before the Aztecs came to these lands. Native language Aztecs - Nahuatl (Nahua group), which is still preserved as the main language of the branch of the Uto-Aztecan languages ​​(about one and a half million people speak it). It is interesting that the self-name of the Aztecs - Mexica (from the Nahuatl word “mexica”) - it gave the name modern country Mexico and its capital Mexico City. Actually, the capital has always been in this place: only in the times of the Aztecs, of course, it was not a metropolis, and was called Tenochtitlan (the city of Tenocha).

Modern Mexicans do not abandon their glorious pre-colonial past, on the contrary, they are proud of it: the Aztec legend that they founded Mexico City on the site of a prophecy where they saw an eagle sitting on a cactus eating a snake is depicted on the national flag of Mexico.

And ethnically Indian blood has not disappeared over these centuries: in modern Mexico, 60% are mestizos, 30% are Indians, 9% are white, and 1% are newcomers belonging to other races and ethnic groups. On the contrary, Mexicans are greatly amused when one of the Europeans, having forgotten himself, asks to say something in Mexican. There is no such thing as a Mexican language. The already mentioned Nahuatl is used in Indian communities scattered from northern Mexico to El Salvador. In the state of Mexico itself, Spanish is the de facto official language: 92.7% of the population speaks it, and another 5.7% are bilingual - they speak equally well both Spanish and some of the Indian dialects. The remaining 0.8% speak only the language of local Indian tribes.

The first landing of the conquistadors took place on Mexican lands back in 1518; already in 1522, Cortes was proclaimed the first governor of New Spain. In 1821, after 3 centuries, when a fusion of cultures took place on Mexican territory (however, Indian culture and language were almost completely suppressed by Spanish, and social system, when we talk about Mexican surnames, we need to take into account these two huge cultural layers. Considering that the vast majority of Mexicans are Spanish-speaking, they also have Spanish surnames. A Mexican’s personal name consists of two standard names (very rarely one), or two names and a preposition: Jose Maria, Juan de Dios, etc., and the Mexicans themselves perceive such a complex of names as a single whole. If you ask a question, they will clarify: of course, I only have one name - this is (for example) “José de Jesus” ...

Mexicans also have two surnames: a child inherits the surname of his father's father and his mother's father. For example, the child of Diego Alvaro Alba Coronado and Leticia Maria Vargas Ortega will bear the surname Alba Vargas. However, in everyday life Mexicans use only their first surname.

When married, women do not take their husband's surname, but in business documents they may add it through the preposition "de": for example, Angela Gonzalez Rodriguez de Torres.

Origin of the majority Mexican surnames Spanish sample is the same as the Spanish surnames themselves. Thus, the ending –ez means “son”, and the surname was derived from the name or nickname of the ancestor: Gonzalez - “son of Gonzalo”, Fernandez - “son of Fernando”, Chavez - “son of Chava (diminutive of El Salvador)”. In addition to –ez, –az, -oz, -is played exactly the same role in Castilian and Spanish surnames. Most of the most common Mexican surnames arose from this pattern: Fernandez, Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Perez, Lopez, Cortez, Martinez, Sanchez, Gomez, Diez (Diaz), Cruz, Alvarez, Dominguez, Ramirez…. There is also a large layer of Mexican surnames formed according to the same model, but using Portuguese derivational suffixes with the same meaning: -es, -as, -is, -os: Vargas, Morelos, Torres.

Other models for the formation of Hispanic surnames: from geographical names(de Lujo, Calatayud, Loyola), from the name of the profession (Zapato - “shoe”, Guerrero - “warrior”, Escudero - “shield maker”), simply from Spanish words (Frio - “cold”) or characteristics of the ancestor (Delgado - "thin").

However, Mexico is different from other countries Latin America, that the blood and traditions of the Indians are strong in it like nowhere else. Some residents even managed to preserve their original Aztec surnames, such as the major historian Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxochitl (in fairness, it is worth noting that this famous person lived back in the 17th century).

Many Mexican surnames are derived from Native American names, nicknames, or just words. For example, the surname Cuatemoc (in honor of the Aztec hero), Ake (Ah Ke - “deer man” in Maya), Pech (“tick” in Maya), Coyotl (“coyote” in Nahuatl), Atl (“water” ").

So if you know people in Mexico, be sure to ask them about their last name and their ancestors - and perhaps how in old times, pictures of the life of ancient civilizations will once again come to life before your eyes. And, even if you don’t have any friends in Mexico, when you read some news about Hugo Sanchez’s next goal, Carlos Santana’s world tour, new role Salma Hayek or seeing an old photograph of Veronica Castro in a magazine, you will remember this story about Mexico, its history and its surnames, and you will feel that they have become closer and clearer to you.

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Today, the choice of a name depends mainly on its popularity, beauty of sound and personal associations of parents with the name of the newborn. However, the meaning of female and male names and surnames in Mexico has its own characteristics, and even in modern times Mexicans follow traditions and rules in choosing a name.

A newborn girl and future Mexican citizen at birth can receive double name. The first girl in the family is named after her mother and maternal grandmother. Influenced catholic church Mexicans had to choose names for their children according to the calendar. This question is controlled even at the state level, since registration authorities may not support the parents' decisions, for example, if the name is too extravagant or does not allow clear gender identification.

The most popular Mexican names are:

• Gertrude;
• Eperanza;
• Frida;
• Camila;
• Ramona.

Meaning of names

The name Gertrude is of Germanic origin and means "knight's bride." Much later, this name was very popular in the USSR and in countries that supported socialist ideas. So, during the Soviet Union, this name was associated with the “hero of labor.” This name was assigned to individuals distinguished by such qualities as diligence, courage, devotion, diligence, talent, shyness and seriousness. Women with this name are considered excellent mothers, diligent wives, true friends and obedient children, although they are characterized by some indecisiveness, as well as a desire to remain in the shadows in a large company.

Esperanza means "hope" or "independence". The owners of this name are distinguished by curiosity, a desire to act boldly and decisively, and also to aspire to leading positions in the team. The latter is possible thanks to the very suitable qualities of such a person: quick reaction, resourcefulness and responsibility. In a team, such a person can do without outside help and easily stand up for himself if necessary. Helping others may be provided more out of personal interest or the potential of a second personality.

Another ancient Germanic name that is quite popular in Mexico is Frida. The meaning of the name is due to its translation - “peace”. A number of the following qualities allow one to correspond to this meaning: balance, self-control, emotionality, sensuality, prudence and resourcefulness. Acute life situations will never be displayed. Frida can easily hide her unpredictable and rich inner world from prying eyes. His sense of humor borders on sarcasm due to his rather pessimistic outlook on life.

Ramona is a Catholic name common among Germans and Jews, taking its origin from the German name Raymond - “protector” or “wise protector.” The owner of this name is a balanced, intelligent and self-sufficient person.

The common Mexican name Camila is of Arabic origin and means "best" or "perfect". There is also male version name - Kamil. The owner of this name is active, kind and man of heart. Failures are not difficult to accept; perseverance and determination towards the goal do not allow you to give up. Subjectivity allows you to evaluate any situation from all sides and make a thoughtful decision.

The birth of a boy in a Mexican family and the choice of a name for him is an important event for father and grandfather. The first-born male receives a double name - the name of his father and his paternal grandfather.

Popular male names in Mexico:

• Enrique;
• Jose;
• Juan;
• Alfonso;
• Fernando.

The meaning of male names

The biblical name Joseph has a corresponding name form in Spanish, namely Jose. This name characterizes its owner as a brave, independent and decisive person. In a team, Jose quickly becomes a leader thanks to his sharp mind, quick reaction, comprehensive development and curiosity.

Enrique - Spanish form German name. A person with this name quickly makes contact with others, easily finds mutual language with people and thanks to his openness, cheerfulness and optimism, he can quickly make new acquaintances. However, against the backdrop of all this, Enrique gives preference best friends and long-term relationships, both in personal matters and in the business sphere.

Another biblical name of Spanish origin is Juan, meaning “ given by God" A characteristic and pronounced personality trait of the owners of this name is sacrifice and generosity. Juan is ready to give everything he has for the well-being and happiness of his loved one. That is why it is vital for him to find a devoted and faithful person in life, for whom he will be happy to make sacrifices.

Alfonso is a Germanic name meaning "bright" or "ready for battle." In Mexico, the popular form of this name is characteristic of individuals who are determined, reliable and courageous. Such qualities attract reliable friends and faithful companions, and also allow you to have strong relationships at work and in the family.

Fernando is a Spanish form of the name with Germanic origins. Means "adventurous". This name was given very emotional people capable of any feat. Fernando is guided by the slogan in life: “Stronger, higher, faster.” Difficulties are not obstacles, but, on the contrary, steps to conquering new heights.

Mexican surnames and their origins

If names were given to people based on observation of their behavior and inherent qualities, and subsequently by inheritance, then the origin of Mexican surnames has an even more interesting explanation.

It is worth noting several factors in the formation of surnames among the Mexican people:

• hereditary surnames;
• from the name of the profession;
• from Spanish words;
• Aztec surnames derived from Indian names, nicknames or words.

At birth, a child in a Mexican family receives two surnames. Regardless of gender, the newborn inherits the surname of his paternal and maternal grandfather. At the time of marriage, the wife does not take her husband’s surname, but can enter it into documents using the prefix “de”. For example, Anna Maria Alfonso Mesa, having a husband Ramon Barasa Kera, has the full initials: Anna Maria Alfonso Mesa de Barasa.

The most popular Spanish surnames are:

• Rodriguez;
• Lopez;
• Gomez;
• Gonzalez;
• Cruz;
• Cortes.

Castilian and also spanish surnames the majority have the prefix “-az”, “-oz”, “-is”, “-ez”, which means “son”. Therefore, a child named Gonzalez immediately becomes known as the son of Gonzal.

For example, the following surnames were derived from the name of the profession:

• Zapato - shoemaker;
• Guerrero is a warrior;
• Exudero is a shield maker.

Surnames that survived from Aztec times were derived from Indian words:

• Atl - water;
• Ake – deer man;
• Coyotl is a coyote.

Names national heroes Mexico

The history of the origin of names in Mexico goes back to the distant past, intertwined with the culture of various nationalities, ancient myths and legends, as well as the influence of the Catholic Church. Most of the meanings of names are associated with the personal qualities, character traits and behavioral characteristics of the child who is given a particular name. From time immemorial, it was these factors that people paid attention to before giving a name to their child.

Prominent figures in Mexico also had famous and popular names. For example:

• Azueta Jose – participant in the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1917;
• Villa Francisco or Pancho Villa - leader of the crusade movement in Northern Mexico, from 1916 to 1917. was a participant in the fight against foreign intervention;
• Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla – director popular uprising in 1810-1811 and participant in the Spanish War of Independence;
• Morelos y Pavon Jose Maria - leader of the military struggle of the Mexicans against the power of the Spaniards in the period from 1811 to 1815. He held the honorary post of Generalissimo, who in 1813 proclaimed the Declaration of Independence of Mexico;
• Juarez Benito Pablo - President from 1861-1872. Declared the struggle against the invaders and established laws limiting economic and political activity churches.