Jaramillo
A Spanish surname that likely began as a place-based name, probably referring to someone from or near a small stream or watercourse.
The #945 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 8,400 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Jaramillo is generally understood as a Spanish surname of place-name origin. It is often connected with Spanish place names built on the element jara, meaning a type of rockrose or brush, with the diminutive ending -illo, though some local explanations vary. In surname use, it would have identified a person by origin from a place called Jaramillo or a similar locality.
History
The name is strongly associated with Spain and later spread widely in Spanish-speaking countries. Because the provided excerpt only lists Jaramillo among Spanish surnames and does not explain its meaning, the etymology here relies on established onomastic pattern rather than direct citation. The surname is common in Latin America and became notably visible in the United States through Hispanic immigration.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The surname is especially well known in Latin American genealogy because it appears in many regional family lines and place-name records.
From the historical record
“re, Irala, Iriarte, Irigoyen , Iruela , Isaba, Isasi, Iscar, Isla, Isunza, Iza, Izco, Jalón, Jara, Jaraba, Jaramillo, Jáuregiii, Jausoro, Javaloyas , Jerez, Joaristi, Jonte, Jove, Judes, Junguitu (Junqiiitu), Juseu, Labandera, Labastida, Labiano, Labiaron (Laberon?), Labra, Lacanal, Lacunza, Lage, Lago, Laguna…”
— Ensayo histórico etimológico filológico sobre los apellidos castellanos