Last Names

Surnames / C

Carrillo

What is the origin of the last name Carrillo?

Spanish originDescriptive (a nickname)Rank #340 in the US

Meaning and origin

The surname Carrillo originated in Spain and has its roots in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the word "carro," meaning "cart" or "wagon" in Spanish. The name Carrillo likely originated as a descriptive surname for someone who either owned or worked with carts or wagons. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations, and it eventually spread to other Spanish-speaking regions and beyond through migration and colonization.

The longer story

The last name Carrillo has a rich and diverse history, with roots that can be traced back to multiple origins. It is a patronymic surname that has variations in spelling and pronunciation across different regions and cultures.

The etymology of the last name Carrillo reveals its Spanish origins. Derived from the Spanish word "carro," meaning "cart" or "wagon," Carrillo likely originated as a descriptive name for someone associated with wagons or carts. In Spanish culture, surnames often developed from identifying characteristics, occupations, or locations, and Carrillo is no exception. It is likely that the initial bearer of the surname was a wagon driver, cartmaker, or someone who lived near a cart or wagon.

As is common with names of Spanish origin, the surname Carrillo has undergone various spelling and pronunciation changes over time. The more traditional Spanish spelling is "Carrillo," but it has also been adapted to "Carillo" or "Carilo" in some instances. These variations can often be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, migration, and the influence of other languages.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#340

Carrillo was the 340th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 91,129 people, about 31 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)5.1%
  • Hispanic or Latino93.3%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)0.2%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander0.7%
  • Two or more races0.2%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.4%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Carrillo.

Surnames like Carrillo

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.