Last Name Carrillo

The surname Carrillo is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Old Spanish word "carril," which means a narrow path or road. This surname was often given to someone who lived near such a road or path, or perhaps it was a metaphorical reference to an individual's life journey or path in life. In some cases, it could also be a nickname for a person with a small or slender physique, as "carril" can refer to a narrow or constricted space. The name Carrillo is common throughout Spanish-speaking countries and their diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carrillo

The meaning and origin of the last name Carrillo

The surname Carrillo is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "carril," which means "small road" or "cart track." It is one of the numerous Spanish patronymic surnames that were originally formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-illo" to a common noun. Over time, these suffixes came to be used as independent surnames, indicating a son of someone who was associated with a particular occupation, place, or characteristic. The Carrillo surname may have been given to a person who lived near or on a small road or cart track, possibly a traveler or merchant who frequently used such paths for business. Today, the Carrillo surname can be found among Hispanic populations in Spain, Mexico, and throughout Latin America, as well as in other regions where Spanish colonization occurred.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carrillo

The surname Carrillo is predominantly distributed across Spain and Mexico, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Spain, it is most common in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile-Leon. In Mexico, the name Carrillo is particularly frequent in states like Jalisco, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, and Michoacán, where it represents a significant portion of the population. The name can also be found in smaller numbers in other Latin American countries such as Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico, among others. Carrillo is also present, albeit less frequently, in the United States, particularly in states with large Mexican-American communities like California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The name's distribution reflects both historical migration patterns from Spain to Latin America and the movement of people from Mexico to the United States over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carrillo

The surname Carrillo has various spelling variations, reflecting its historical and cultural origins. Some of these variations include Carrilho (Portuguese), Karillio (Finnish), Karrila (Finnish), Carrilo (Italian), Carrillo-Salvador (compound surname), Karilio, Carrillos, and Karrillow. The name is predominantly Spanish in origin, derived from the word "carril," which means "cart track" or "road." It has been carried to different parts of the world by Spanish settlers and immigrants, leading to its many variations. These variations can be found among individuals of diverse ethnicities who share a common ancestry or heritage connected to Spain.

Famous people with the last name Carrillo

Notable individuals with the surname Carrillo include Juan Pablo Carrillo (1794-1856), a Mexican military officer and politician who served as Governor of Yucatán and President of the Republic of the United Mexican States in 1845. Another prominent figure is Carlos Carrillo (1921-2010), a Colombian footballer who won multiple awards, including the FIFA World Cup in 1962 with the Colombian national team. In the world of art, there's Carmen Herrera de Carrillo (b. 1915), a Cuban artist who gained recognition later in life for her geometric abstraction style. Additionally, Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas Márquez, who was born into a family of musicians, has the stage name Julieta Venegas Carrillo. Lastly, Guillermo Antonio Carrillo Martínez (b. 1956), better known as Willy Chirino, is a renowned Cuban singer-songwriter and producer in the Latin music genre.

Genealogical research on the last name Carrillo

The surname Carrillo has roots traced back to medieval Spain, particularly in regions such as Castile and Aragon. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Rodrigo Carrilo, who lived during the late Middle Ages (14th-15th centuries). The name is derived from a geographical location, likely a village or small town with "carri" meaning "marshy land" in Old Spanish. Over time, the Carrillo family expanded across Europe and later immigrated to America, primarily settling in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the United States. Notable descendants include Juan de Oñate, a Spanish conquistador who founded New Mexico, and Jose Carrillo, a prominent Mexican revolutionary leader. The name Carrillo is common among Hispanic populations today and continues to be passed down through generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Carrillo"
• 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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