Castillo

Castillo is a surname of Spanish origin and a place name used in many Spanish-speaking countries. The word castillo means “castle” or “fortress” in Spanish, deriving from the Latin castellum. As a toponym, the term originally described a location near a castle and later became a hereditary surname for families associated with such places.

As a surname, Castillo is widespread in Spain and across Latin America. It is common in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and the Philippines, reflecting historical migration and colonization patterns. The name appears in various compound forms and is often found in its simplest form in contemporary usage.

There are numerous towns, municipalities, and other geographic features named Castillo in Spain and in many Spanish-speaking countries; the term also appears in street names, neighborhoods, and landmarks. These sites may preserve local histories tied to fortifications, estates, or border towns.

In contemporary contexts, Castillo appears across professions and cultures. It is borne by politicians, athletes, scientists, artists, and writers, as well as by fictional characters in literature and media. The surname is also used in organizations, businesses, and institutions that emphasize Hispanic heritage.

Castillo remains a common and enduring element of Hispanic naming and toponymy, reflecting historical ties to fortifications and the spread of Spanish language and culture around the world.