peña

Peña is a Spanish noun with several related but distinct meanings, and it also appears as a surname and in place names. In geography and geology, a peña is a rocky outcrop, cliff, or crag that stands out in a landscape. The term is commonly used in Spanish-speaking regions to describe such features and appears in many toponyms and geographic descriptors.

A second main sense of the word refers to a social group or gathering. A peña can be a club, association, or informal circle of friends organized around shared interests, often music, culture, or sport. In Spain and many Latin American countries, peñas host cultural activities, evenings of traditional music or dance, and charitable or community events. The term can also denote the venue where such activities take place.

As a surname, Peña is common in Spanish-speaking countries and among their descendants. It is carried by many individuals in politics, sports, arts, and public life, reflecting its status as a widespread family name.

Geographically and culturally, the term Peña is widely used. Numerous places carry the name Peña, La Peña, or Peña-related forms, underscoring the original sense of a rock feature and its symbolic role as a gathering place for communities. The word remains part of contemporary naming conventions and cultural expressions across the Spanish-speaking world.