castro

Castro is a surname of Spanish and Portuguese origin derived from castro, meaning fortress or hill fort; in toponymy the name often indicates a site associated with such fortifications. The term is used widely as a place name in the Iberian Peninsula and in Latin America, and it also appears in neighborhoods and districts in various countries.

As a geographic name, Castro refers to numerous towns, municipalities, and localities across Spain, Portugal, and the Americas. In addition to formal municipalities, the name is used for districts and streets in several urban areas, including the Castro District in San Francisco, a well-known LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

Notable people with the surname include Fidel Castro (1926–2016), the Cuban revolutionary who led Cuba for several decades, and his brother Raúl Castro (born 1931), who also held prominent political and military roles in Cuba. The surname is widely distributed beyond these figures, found among public figures in politics, sports, arts, and other fields.

In summary, Castro functions as both a common surname and a toponym with widespread geographic usage, reflecting historical associations with fortifications and settlements.