Last Name Serano

Learn more about the origin of the last name Serano

The meaning and origin of the last name Serano

The surname Serano is of Spanish origin, derived from various geographical locations named "Serano" in Spain. These places include towns and villages in regions like Castile-La Mancha, Aragon, and Extremadura. In these regions, the name refers to a dry, barren area, often mountainous or hilly, due to the Spanish word "sereno," meaning 'deserted' or 'uninhabited.' The surname Serano was likely given to individuals who lived in such areas, indicating their geographical origin. Over time, the name has been carried by families and migrants from Spain to other parts of the world, particularly countries with significant Spanish influence such as Latin America and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Serano

The surname Serano has a predominant presence in Spanish-speaking countries due to its origins from the Iberian Peninsula. According to data from various sources, it is most frequently found in Spain and some South American countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile. In Spain, it is primarily distributed across regions like Andalusia, Galicia, Valencia, Castile-La Mancha, and Madrid. In South America, the highest concentrations of the Serano surname are found in Argentina's provinces of Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Santa Fe, as well as in some coastal regions of Colombia, Peru, and Chile. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of the world where there are Spanish-speaking immigrant communities, such as the United States, Mexico, and Venezuela.

Variants and spellings of the last name Serano

The last name Serano can have variations and alternate spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation or transcription. Some common spelling variants include: Serana, Seranó, Seráno, Serrano, Serano-Moreno, Serano-Rodriguez, Seranno, and Serarino. These variations may originate from misinterpretations of the name during immigration, or simply different family lineages preserving unique spellings. Regardless of spelling, all these forms are derived from the Spanish surname meaning "from Serrano," referring to a location named with the word sierra (mountain range) in its original form.

Famous people with the last name Serano

Notable individuals with the surname Serano include:

1. Julia Serano (b. 1964), an American author, activist, and trans woman known for her works exploring gender identity, sex, and sexuality. Her books include "Whipping Girl" and "Excluded".
2. Rubén Blades Serano (b. 1948), a Panamanian musician, actor, and politician who has had a successful career in Latin music, film, and politics. He is often referred to as the "King of Salsa."
3. Javier Serano (b. 1975), a Spanish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Villarreal CF, Levante UD, and Atlético Madrid during his career.
4. Lila Rose Serano (b. 1980s), an American actress and model known for her work in films like "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" and various television series.
5. Héctor Serano (b. 1976), a Chilean football coach and former player who managed teams such as Universidad de Chile, Palestino, and Coquimbo Unido during his career.

Genealogical research on the last name Serano

The surname Serano originates from Spain and is primarily found in the Andalusian region. It's a patronymic name derived from the given name Serafín or another variant of the name Sarah or Sara, which mean 'princess' or 'noblewoman' in Hebrew.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Serano can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century, with some families from Seville being among the first to bear this name. Over time, the Serano family expanded across Spain and later immigrated to other countries, notably to Latin America, particularly Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, due to colonization and economic migration.

Notable individuals with the surname Serano include artists such as Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, demonstrating the global reach of this family name. Genealogical research on the Serano family continues to uncover more about their history and contributions across various cultures and fields.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Serano"
• 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 : 23 July 2025