Last Name Buenrostro

The surname Buenrostro is of Spanish origin. In Spanish, "buen" means "good," and "rostro" means "face." Therefore, Buenrostro translates to "Good Face." This surname was likely given to a person with a perceived attractive or kind facial appearance. It first appeared in Spain during the Late Middle Ages and was brought to the Americas by Spanish colonists.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Buenrostro

The meaning and origin of the last name Buenrostro

The surname "Buenrostro" is of Spanish origin and is composed of two parts: "bueno," which means "good" or "nice" in English, and "rostro," which translates to "face." Thus, the name Buenrostro can be loosely translated as "Good Face" or "Nice Face." The use of descriptive surnames based on physical characteristics was common during the Middle Ages in Spain. As with many Spanish surnames, the specific origin of the name Buenrostro is not definitively known, but it likely arose from an individual being described as having a particularly appealing or distinctive face. Over time, this descriptive nickname became hereditary and was passed down through generations. Today, individuals bearing the surname "Buenrostro" can be found throughout the Spanish-speaking world, reflecting its widespread use during the colonial period when Spanish settlers emigrated to the Americas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buenrostro

The last name "Buenrostro" has its origins in Spain, specifically in the region of Castile and Leon, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is derived from the Old Spanish term "buen rostro," meaning "good face." Over time, people bearing this surname emigrated to various parts of the world, particularly during the Spanish colonization of America. Today, the largest concentrations of Buenrostros can be found in Mexico and the United States, where it is most prevalent among the Mexican-American population. Smaller numbers reside in Spain, Central and South America, the Philippines, and other former Spanish colonies. In some cases, variations such as "Buenrrostro," "Buenrostro y Sanchez," or simply "Bueno" may be encountered due to spelling adaptations over generations and geographical influences.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buenrostro

The surname "Buenrostro" has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common versions include: Buenroastro, Buenrostró, Buen-Rostro, Bienrostro, Benrostro, Bueno Rostro, Buen Rostro, Buena Rostra, Buenas Rostras, and Buonarostro (Italian variation). These variations may stem from regional dialects, historical record errors, or personal preference in spelling. Despite the differences, they all share a common origin, potentially Spanish, meaning "good face" or "handsome countenance."

Famous people with the last name Buenrostro

Notable individuals sharing the surname Buenrostro include:

1. Alejandro Buenrostro (1803-1864), a Mexican politician who served as the Interim President of Mexico for three days between 1852 and 1853, following the overthrow of Juan Álvarez.

2. Carlos Félix de Buenrostro y Guerra (1790-1863), a prominent Mexican military officer, politician, and diplomat who served as interim president from June to December 1845. He is best known for his role in the Texas Revolution.

3. José Joaquín de Herrera y Buenrostro (1792-1859), a prominent Mexican statesman who served as the President of Mexico from October 1836 to November 1837 during the period known as the Three Governments.

4. Roberto Carlos Buenrostro Varela (born 1960), a Mexican businessman and former Secretary of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico from December 2018 until August 2020. He is also a member of the Technological Institute of Higher Studies of Mexico (ITESM) board of directors.

Genealogical research on the last name Buenrostro

The surname Buenrostro originates from Spain and is of Moorish-Christian origin. It translates to "good castle" or "beautiful stronghold." The earliest recorded instances of this name can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages. Notable members include the Buenrostro family of Valladolid, a prominent noble house during the reigns of Ferdinand and Isabella.

During the Spanish colonization of Mexico, the name Buenrostro was brought over by settlers and became well-established in the region. One of the most renowned figures from this period is José Sixto Falcón y Buenrostro, the Governor of Coahuila and Nuevo León during the 19th century. The family name also spread to other parts of Latin America, including Cuba, where the Buenrostro family played significant roles in the politics and culture of the island nation.

In more recent times, members of the Buenrostro family have made contributions across various fields, from arts and literature to business and politics, further solidifying the lasting legacy of this noble Spanish surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Buenrostro"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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