Last Names

Surnames / S

Solano

What is the origin of the last name Solano?

Spanish originLocational (a place or landscape)Rank #1,430 in the US

Meaning and origin

The last name Solano originates from the Spanish and Italian languages, specifically deriving from the Latin word "sol" meaning "sun." It is a locational surname referring to someone who lived near a place or landmark related to the sun, such as a sunny place or a mountain facing the sun. It is common in regions such as Spain, Italy, and Latin America, reflecting the influence of Spanish colonization and migration.

The longer story

The last name Solano has its origins in the Spanish language and is primarily associated with the Hispanic community. It is a patronymic surname, meaning that it derives from the name of an ancestor, usually the father or a male ancestor. The surname Solano is derived from the Spanish word "solano," which translates to "east wind" or "wind from the east."

Geographically, the surname Solano is most commonly found in regions with Spanish influence, such as Spain, Latin America, and parts of the United States with significant Hispanic populations. Within these regions, the surname may have regional variations in spelling or pronunciation.

The origins of the surname Solano can be traced back to medieval Spain, where it likely originated as a nickname or epithet for individuals living in areas known for strong east winds. The name may have been given to individuals who were believed to possess characteristics associated with the wind, such as being energetic or unpredictable.

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

#1,430

Solano was the 1,430th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 24,881 people, about 8.1 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)9.3%
  • Hispanic or Latino87.9%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)0.5%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander1.8%
  • Two or more races0.3%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.3%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Solano.

Surnames like Solano

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.