What does y before the last name of a Spanish mean?

The "y" before the last name of a Spanish person doesn't have a specific meaning in itself. It's usually part of a compound surname, which is a common practice in Spanish-speaking countries.

Here's how it works:

* Traditional Spanish surnames are often made up of two parts: the father's surname (apellido paterno) and the mother's surname (apellido materno).

* These surnames can be joined together with "y" (and), "e" (and), or "de" (of) to create a compound surname.

Examples:

* María García y Rodríguez: This means Maria is the daughter of a father named Garcia and a mother named Rodriguez.

* Juan López e Iglesias: This means Juan is the son of a father named Lopez and a mother named Iglesias.

* Ana Pérez de la Cruz: This means Ana is the daughter of a father named Perez and a mother named de la Cruz.

Important notes:

* The "y" is not always used in compound surnames. It depends on the specific surnames and the family's tradition.

* Some families may choose to use only the father's surname, especially in more recent generations.

* The order of the surnames can vary depending on the region and the family's preference.

In summary, the "y" is a connector that indicates the combination of two surnames, typically the father's and mother's surnames. It's a common practice in Spanish-speaking countries and helps to identify a person's family heritage.