Peruvian Last Names That Start With S – Surnames From the Andes

Discover the rich tapestry of Peruvian last names that begin with the letter S.

From the regal Salazar to the esteemed Sánchez, these surnames carry the weight of history and culture.

Explore the stories behind these names and the notable individuals who have borne them, gaining insights into the diverse heritage of Peru.

Peruvian Last Names That Start with S

Salazar

Salazar, a prominent Peruvian surname, has Spanish origins.

It is derived from the Basque word “salazaar,” meaning “old house” or “ancestral home.” The name signifies a family’s long-standing presence in a particular region and is often associated with nobility and lineage.

Sánchez

Sánchez, a prominent Peruvian surname, is believed to have originated in the region of Castile, Spain. It is derived from the given name Sancho, and its variations, which were popular in the Middle Ages.

Sánchez is commonly found among individuals of Spanish descent in Peru, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and its historical ties to Spain.

Sandoval

Sandoval is a common Peruvian last name. It is of Spanish origin and is derived from the given name Salvador, meaning “savior”.

The surname Sandoval was first brought to Peru by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

Seminario

Seminario is a Peruvian last name of Spanish origin, derived from the word “seminario”, meaning “seminary”. It is the 101st most common surname in Peru, shared by approximately 18,000 people.

Serna

Serna, a Peruvian last name, finds its roots in the Spanish language.

It is believed to have originated from the word “serna,” meaning “mountainous area.” The name is common in northern Spain and has also spread to other parts of the world, including Peru.

Sierralta

The Sierralta surname in Peru is derived from the Spanish word “sierra,” meaning “mountain range.” It is a common name in the country’s mountainous regions, particularly in the Andes.

Notable Peruvian figures with this surname include the footballer Luis Abram Sierralta and the politician Enrique Sierralta Reyes.

Silva

Silva is a common Peruvian last name of Portuguese origin, meaning “forest” or “woods”.

It is the 12th most common surname in Peru, with an estimated 170,000 people bearing the name.

Notable people with this surname include Peruvian footballer Jefferson Farfán and former Peruvian president Valentín Paniagua Corazao.

Solís

Solís is a common Peruvian last name that originated in Spain. It is derived from the Latin word “sol,” meaning “sun,” and was originally bestowed upon individuals who had sunny dispositions or lived in sun-drenched areas.

Soto

Soto, a Peruvian last name, is believed to derive from the Spanish word “soto,” meaning “grove” or “wooded area.” It is thought to have originated as a toponymic surname, referring to a person’s residence near a grove or forest.

Suárez

Suárez, a prominent Peruvian surname, has its roots in Spain. It is derived from the given name “Suero”, which means “truthful” or “loyal”.

Suárez families can trace their lineage back to noble families in the northern Spanish regions of Cantabria and Asturias.

Over time, the name spread throughout the Spanish Empire, including Peru, where it became widely adopted.

Final Verdict

Peruvian last names, like Salazar, Sánchez, Sandoval, Seminario, Serna, Sierralta, Silva, Solís, Soto, and Suárez, hold rich historical and cultural significance. These surnames, passed down through generations, reflect diverse origins and often hint at ancestral roots, occupations, or geographic locations.

Embracing the uniqueness of Peruvian last names not only preserves cultural heritage but also fosters a greater understanding of Peru’s vibrant and diverse society.