Find out how popular the last name Castillano is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Castillano.

Castillano, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Castillano surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Castillano in America

Castillano is the 135837th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Castillano surname appeared 114 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Castillano.

The history of the last name Castillano

The surname Castillano has its origins in Spain, and it can be traced back to the medieval period. The name derives from the Latin word "castellanus," which means "man of the castle" or "governor of a castle," a reflection of its association with nobility and the feudal system. Castillano is particularly prevalent in regions such as Castile, where the influence of castles and fortified structures was significant in the social and political landscape.

The history of the name Castillano is intertwined with that of the Castilian region, an area known for its pivotal role during the Reconquista—a series of campaigns to reclaim territory from the Moors. Early references to the surname can be found in medieval manuscripts and records, documenting individuals who held key roles in managing castles and fortifications. During this period, names derived from one’s occupation or social status, such as Castillano, were common.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Castillano appears in the 13th century. A notable figure was Rodrigo Castillano, born around 1230, who served as a castellan in northern Castile. This form of the name highlighted the title and responsibilities vested in him by the feudal lords. Documents from this time provide evidence of his duties in maintaining and defending the castle, a significant role during the frequent skirmishes of the era.

By the 14th century, variations of the surname appeared in different regions of Spain. Another early bearer of the name was Juan de Castillano, who was documented in 1351 as a knight in the court of King Alfonso XI. His contributions to various military campaigns were recorded in chronicles and royal archives, reflecting the prominent roles held by members of the Castillano lineage.

Moving into the 15th and 16th centuries, the surname continued to be associated with notable figures. Diego Castillano, born in 1480, was a prominent landowner and military leader during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. His efforts during the final stages of the Reconquista were well documented, and his name appears in several military dispatches of the time.

In the 17th century, Francisco Castillano, born in 1602, emerged as a significant figure in the Spanish Golden Age. He was known for his patronage of the arts and contributions to the cultural and intellectual movements of his time. Historical records show his name amongst the benefactors of notable artists and scholars, further indicating the continuing prominence of the Castillano family.

Throughout the centuries, the surname has been linked not only to military and noble responsibilities but also to social and cultural contributions. As Spain’s influence spread globally, so did the Castillano name, finding new roots in various parts of the world. Today, the legacy of the Castillano surname remains a testament to its historical significance and enduring heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Castillano

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Castillano.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Castillano was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Castillano was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Castillano, please contact us.

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