Common Spanish last names:
* Acosta: From the Basque word "akozta" meaning "slope" or "hillside".
* Aguirre: From Basque origin, meaning "watercourse" or "stream".
* Alarcón: From Arabic origin, meaning "castle" or "fortress".
* Alvarez: Meaning "son of Alvaro", a Germanic name meaning "elf-warrior".
* Arias: Meaning "son of Arias", a Germanic name meaning "honorable" or "noble".
* Arroyo: From Spanish origin, meaning "stream" or "brook".
* Avila: From Arabic origin, meaning "well-watered".
* Azcarate: From Basque origin, meaning "place of the oaks".
Less common but interesting Spanish last names:
* Abad: From Arabic origin, meaning "father" or "priest".
* Acevedo: Meaning "place of the olive groves".
* Alegria: Meaning "joy" or "happiness".
* Almaraz: From Arabic origin, meaning "the place of the watchtower".
* Almendarez: Meaning "almond tree orchard".
* Amaya: From Basque origin, meaning "home" or "house".
* Arias: Meaning "son of Arias".
* Arenas: Meaning "sands" or "sand dunes".
* Astudillo: Meaning "little student" or "scholar".
It's important to note that:
* This is not an exhaustive list. There are many more Spanish last names that begin with A.
* Some names might have different variations in spelling or meaning depending on the region.
* Some names can be considered both Spanish and Portuguese due to historical and linguistic connections.
This is just a small sample of the diverse and rich tapestry of Spanish last names.