Spanish · People & Family
"Last name" in Spanish: apellido
el apellido
A last name is el apellido (ah-peh-YEE-doh). It is masculine. Many Latin American forms ask for two apellidos: father's and mother's.
How to pronounce apellido: audio and sound guideAirport form
Escribe tu apellido aquí.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce apellido
Say it
ah-peh-YEE-doh
/a.peˈʝi.ðo/
Say ah-peh-YEE-doh. Stress YEE. In Latin America, ll in apellido sounds like y.
"Last name" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el apellido | last name / surname Default noun. | Default noun. |
| apellido paterno | paternal last name Usually first on Latin American forms. | Usually first on Latin American forms. |
| apellido materno | maternal last name Often the second surname. | Often the second surname. |
| mis apellidos | my last names Both surnames together. | Both surnames together. |
How to use apellido in real life
- 1Airport form
Escribe tu apellido aquí.
Write your last name here.
Form field with apellido.
- 2Clarifying names
Mi apellido es Mendoza.
My last name is Mendoza.
Stating one apellido.
- 3Two surnames
Mis apellidos son López García.
My last names are López García.
Two apellidos in order.
Mistakes English speakers make with apellido
Incorrect: La apellido es Ruiz.
Correct: El apellido es Ruiz.
Apellido is masculine: el apellido.
Incorrect: My last name es Soto.
Correct: Mi apellido es Soto.
Use apellido in Spanish.
Good to know
Good to knowIn much of Latin America, people inherit two apellidos. The father's usually comes first, then the mother's. Forms often label them apellido paterno and apellido materno.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Helping with a bank form
ChatPal
¿Cuál es tu apellido paterno?
What is your paternal last name?
You
Mi apellido paterno es Herrera.
My paternal last name is Herrera.
ChatPal
¿Y el apellido materno?
And the maternal last name?
You
Es Díaz. ¿Va en la segunda línea?
It's Díaz. Does it go on the second line?
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Last name" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Last name" in Spanish
Is apellido masculine or feminine?
Masculine: el apellido, mi apellido.
Why do forms ask for two apellidos?
Two apellidos reflect father's and mother's surnames.
Which apellido comes first?
Usually the paternal apellido, then the maternal one.
How do I say my last name is…?
Mi apellido es…
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