Last Name Castro

The surname "Castro" has its roots in several European countries, particularly Spain and Portugal. In these regions, it is a patronymic name derived from the given name "Castrus," which was used during the Roman period. Over time, this name evolved into the modern forms of "Castro" in Spanish and Portuguese. In addition to its origin in Europe, the surname Castro also has historical significance in Latin America, particularly in Cuba and Brazil. Fidel Castro, for instance, was a prominent figure in Cuban history. The name has been carried by many notable individuals across various fields of human endeavor, contributing to its widespread recognition worldwide.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Castro

The meaning and origin of the last name Castro

The surname Castro is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word 'castellum' which means "castle". It was originally used as a nickname for someone who lived near or worked at a castle. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in several regions of Spain, particularly in the northwestern provinces of Galicia and Asturias. During the Age of Discovery, many Castros emigrated to the New World, including Portugal's Henry the Navigator and his descendants who colonized Madeira and the Azores, as well as conquistadors exploring South America. The name is also prevalent in the Portuguese-speaking world and among Hispanics in Latin America, where it has become synonymous with political leadership due to figures like Fidel Castro of Cuba and Lula da Silva (whose birth name was Carlos Lúcio de Oliveira Gomes) of Brazil. In some cases, it may be anglicized as "Castro" or "Castro".

Geographical distribution of the last name Castro

The surname Castro is predominantly found in Iberian peninsula countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, reflecting its origin from the Latin term "Castrum," meaning "castle." Historically, the name has been widespread across various regions within these two nations. In the New World, Castro is commonly associated with Cuba and Brazil due to colonial settlement and migration patterns. In Cuba, it is one of the most frequent surnames, representing a significant portion of the population, especially among individuals of African descent. In Brazil, the name Castro is also widespread and can be found across many regions, but particularly in the Northeastern states, such as Ceará, Pernambuco, and Alagoas, where Portuguese colonization was most intensive. Additionally, the name Castro has been carried to other parts of Latin America by immigrants from Spain and Portugal. In summary, Castro is a geographically diverse surname with significant representation in Iberia, Cuba, Brazil, and other regions of the New World, tracing its roots back to the Latin term "Castrum."

Variants and spellings of the last name Castro

The surname Castro has various spellings and pronunciations in English and other languages. Some common variations include:

1. Castro: This is the most commonly used spelling in English, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking countries. It originates from the medieval Iberian Peninsula, where it was originally "Castellar" or "Castelar," which meant "from the castle."

2. Castro-: A more formal or professional version of the name, often used in legal or academic contexts.

3. De Castro: This variant indicates a person from a family named 'De Castro,' which is a common Spanish and Portuguese patronymic prefix meaning "of the castle."

4. Castro y (name): The use of 'y' before another surname indicates that the individual belongs to the same family or is of the same lineage as someone with the second surname. For example, Castro y Lopez or Castro y Diaz.

5. Kastrow, Kasztrow, Kaztrow, etc.: These are some alternative spellings in different languages, such as Polish (Kasztrow), Russian (Kaztrow), and German (Kastrow).

Famous people with the last name Castro

Fidel Castro and Raul Castro are two notable figures with the last name Castro, who have significantly impacted the political landscape of Cuba. Born in Birán, Cuba in 1926 and 1931 respectively, both brothers played crucial roles in the Cuban Revolution that ousted dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. Fidel Castro served as the Prime Minister from 1959 to 1976 and then as President from 1976 until his retirement in 2008, transforming Cuba into a one-party communist state. Raul Castro, on the other hand, took over the presidency from his brother in 2008, making him the second longest-serving president of Cuba after Fidel. He initiated reforms to modernize and liberalize the economy, while maintaining the social welfare programs established by Fidel's government. Despite their controversial leadership, they have left an indelible mark on Cuban history and continue to be significant figures in contemporary politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Castro

The surname Castro originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Galicia and the Basque Country in Spain, with early records tracing back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the most prominent and numerous last names in Portugal and Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The name Castro is derived from "castro," a Latin term meaning 'fortified place' or 'hillfort.' These hillforts were inhabited by the Celtiberians, an ancient Iberian people. The surname spread across regions as families moved from these fortified settlements during the Middle Ages. In Spain and Portugal, it is often associated with noble lineages, while in Latin America, many bearers of the name are descendants of early Spanish settlers. Notable individuals with the Castro surname include Fidel Castro, former leader of Cuba, Emilio Castro, a prominent Cuban painter, and Carlos Menem, a former President of Argentina.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Castro"
• 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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