Neither Pérez nor Fernández: these are the most common surnames in Latin America

The most popular surnames in Latin America not only reveal statistical patterns, but also a deep connection to history, language, and regional identity. Which are the most repeated and common in the region, and why?

If there's one thing that unites much of Latin America, beyond language, it's the repetition of certain surnames that seem to be everywhere. According to data from the specialized portal Statista , and based on records from the site Forebears.io, the most common surnames in several Latin American countries are neither Pérez nor Fernández, as one might think, but Rodríguez, González, and García, which top the lists in various nations across the region. Latin America is also rich in patronymic surnames, typically Spanish, formed from the father's name and adding the suffix "ez," meaning "son of." González means "son of Gonzalo" and Fernández "son of Fernando."

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According to data published by the global platform Statista, the surname Rodríguez is the most common in Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic and Paraguay ,

In turn, the surname González leads in Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, and also Paraguay , where both variants compete for first place.

In Ecuador , the most common surname is García , the same one that tops the ranking in Spain, reflecting the direct legacy of the colonial past.

In Brazil, it's Da Silva, in Bolivia , Mamani stands out, while in Peru , it's Quispe. Meanwhile, in Puerto Rico , the most recognized surname due to its innumerable number of names is Sanchéz, and in Nicaragua , it's López.

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The relationship between surnames and linguistic and colonial heritage

The predominance of these surnames in Latin America is no coincidence. It is a direct legacy of the Spanish naming system that expanded during the centuries of colonization. At that time, many indigenous peoples adopted Spanish surnames when they were baptized, registered, or integrated into colonial civil systems.

This phenomenon explains why surnames of Iberian origin have persisted and multiplied to the present day, even in countries with significant ethnic and cultural diversity.

Beyond the surname: identity and belonging

Although millions of people share these surnames, that doesn't mean they all belong to the same family or direct lineage. In fact, the frequency of surnames like Rodríguez or González has led to their being combined with more distinctive maternal second surnames in many countries to facilitate identification.

The use of two surnames, a traditional practice in Spanish-speaking countries, responds to the need to maintain the traceability of both paternal and maternal family lines.