Filipino Last names

Filipino last names, also known as surnames or apelyido, have deep historical significance and reflect the country's complex cultural heritage. Many Filipino last names have Spanish origins, a legacy of over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. During this period, indigenous Filipinos were often assigned Spanish surnames for administrative and religious purposes. As a result, a significant portion of Filipino surnames is of Spanish descent.

Traditions and procedures of last name changes in filipino

Legal Framework

Last name changes in the Philippines are regulated by the Civil Code of the Philippines and other relevant laws, including Republic Act No. 9048, also known as the Clerical Error Law, which allows for the correction of clerical or typographical errors in civil registry documents, including names.

Reasons for Change

To change a last name legally, individuals must have a valid reason recognized by Philippine law. Valid reasons may include correcting errors in the spelling or recording of the last name, changing the last name due to marriage, adoption, or recognition of paternity or filiation, or for other legitimate purposes approved by the Civil Registrar General.

Marriage

One of the most common reasons for a last name change in the Philippines is through marriage. Traditionally, Filipino women often take on their husband's last name upon marriage, adopting it as their own. This practice reflects the cultural norm of family unity and symbolizes the creation of a new family unit.

Hyphenation

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of hyphenating last names in the Philippines, particularly among couples who wish to retain both partners' surnames. For example, a woman may choose to hyphenate her maiden name with her husband's last name, creating a combined surname that reflects both family lineages.

Family Dynamics

In Filipino society, family is highly valued, and decisions regarding last name changes may be influenced by familial relationships and dynamics. For example, a person may choose to change their last name to honor a beloved relative or to strengthen ties with a particular branch of the family.

Common prefixes or suffixes in filipino last names & their meaning

(of nobility)

Del

(of nobility)

Bin

(denotes a lineage)

Ban

(denotes a lineage)

Ng (added to denote association)

O (denotes possessive familial connection)

An (denotes connection with a location)

Migration patterns

Filipino migration patterns have been influenced by a combination of economic, social, and historical factors. One of the most significant aspects of Filipino migration is the large number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who seek employment opportunities abroad. OFWs are employed in various sectors such as healthcare, domestic work, construction, maritime industry, and information technology.

Many Filipinos migrate to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore to pursue better-paying jobs and provide financial support to their families back home.

Australia and New Zealand are popular destinations for Filipino migrants, particularly skilled workers and professionals. Filipinos work in various industries in these countries, including healthcare, education, engineering, and information technology. Filipinos also migrate to other countries within Southeast Asia, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, seeking employment opportunities. Domestic work and service industries are common sectors of employment for Filipino migrants in these countries.

filipino migration to the USA

Filipino historical migration to the USA has its roots in the early 20th century when American interest in the region was at its strongest. This led to the mid-1900s being the main source of Filipino migration, but the picture doesn’t end there.

Colonial Period

The Philippines was a colony of the United States from 1898 to 1946, following the Spanish-American War. During this period, Filipinos were recruited to work in various industries in the United States, particularly agriculture, fisheries, and healthcare. Many Filipinos migrated to Hawaii and the West Coast of the United States to work in plantations, canneries, and farms.

Manong Generation

The first wave of Filipino migrants to the United States, known as the "Manong Generation," arrived in the early 1900s. These migrants were primarily young, single men who sought economic opportunities in the United States. They faced discrimination, segregation, and harsh working conditions but played a significant role in shaping Filipino American communities and labor movements.

Family Reunification

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the national origins quota system and introduced a preference system based on family reunification and employment skills. This allowed many Filipino immigrants to sponsor their family members for immigration to the United States, leading to increased migration from the Philippines.