Last Name Carillo

The surname "Carillo" is of Spanish origin. It derives from the diminutive form of the word "carrión," which means "garbage" or "offal." This surname may have been originally given to someone who worked with offal, such as a butcher or a tanner, or it could have been used to denote someone who lived near a garbage dump. Over time, the name has come to be more widely used in Hispanic cultures and can now be found among individuals of various occupations and backgrounds.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carillo

The meaning and origin of the last name Carillo

The surname Carillo is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "carillo" which means "little cart" or "small wheeled vehicle". It was often used as an occupational name for someone who was involved in the construction or maintenance of carts and wagons. In some cases, it could also have been a topographic name for someone who lived near such a vehicle, perhaps where carts were stored. The surname Carillo has been recorded in Spain since the Late Middle Ages, and its earliest known bearer was Alfonso Perez Carillo, who was documented in the Kingdom of Castile in the 13th century. Today, the surname is common not only in Spain but also among Spanish-speaking populations around the world, reflecting the historical reach of the Spanish language and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carillo

The last name Carillo is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, primarily Spain and Latin America, with significant numbers residing in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and other Central and South American nations. It's also common in the United States, particularly in areas with a high Hispanic population such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois, due to historical migration patterns. The name is less frequent in other parts of the world but can be found amongst the Spanish diaspora in various countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and some parts of Europe like Spain and Portugal. The distribution of Carillo reflects the historical spread of the Spanish language and the demographic shifts due to migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carillo

The surname Carillo has several variations and spelling alternatives across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include: Carrillo, Carrillo, Carriello, Carreyllo, Cariello, Carile, and Carrill. These alterations may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference. Additionally, some individuals might have slight differences in the spelling of their last name due to factors such as immigration records or family tradition. Ultimately, all these variations share a common origin with the surname Carillo, which is derived from the Spanish word "carri" meaning "small cart".

Famous people with the last name Carillo

Notable individuals bearing the surname Carillo include:

1. Javier Carrilo (born 1963), a Spanish politician who served as Minister of Environment from 2018 to 2019 and as Minister of Public Works from 2016 to 2018.

2. Carlos Carillo (born 1974), a Spanish professional basketball player who played for multiple teams in the Spanish ACB League. He also represented Spain's national team, winning a bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship and a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

3. José Luis Carrilo (1954-2017), a Mexican journalist who worked for over two decades as a news anchor for Televisa, one of Mexico's largest broadcasting companies. He was known for his work covering politics and current events.

4. Raúl Carillo (born 1963), an American actor best known for his roles in films such as "The Mask" and "Beverly Hills Cop II". He also appeared in several episodes of the TV series "Miami Vice".

5. Alejandro Carrilo (born 1982), a Mexican footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs in Mexico and Spain, including Atlante FC and Deportivo La Coruña. He was part of the Mexican national team that reached the round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements and impact of people sharing the last name Carillo across various fields such as politics, sports, journalism, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Carillo

The surname Carillo originates from Spain, specifically the Basque region or Andalusia, where it is thought to have been first used by the descendants of Carlos (Charles) or carril (street) during the Middle Ages. The name spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula and was later brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors and colonizers in the 16th century.

In Mexico, Carillo is one of the most common last names, due to its presence among indigenous populations that intermarried with the early European settlers. Notable Mexican figures bearing the surname include political leaders such as José María Luis Mocha Carillo, a revolutionary general, and Francisco Carrilo y Gómez, Governor of Veracruz, as well as artists like the painter Alfredo Carillo or actress Ana de la Carilla.

In the United States, the Carillo family can be traced back to the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century, with many Carillos migrating to Texas and California as refugees seeking safety from political unrest. Today, the name is also found among descendants of Spanish immigrants throughout the country.

Carillo is also a common surname in Puerto Rico, with historical figures such as Juan Carillo de la Vega y Soto, who served as Governor of the island during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, being notable representatives.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Carillo"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends