Etymology Montaña is a Spanish surname whose meaning is rooted in topography. It is the Spanish cognate of Italian Montagna, both deriving from Latin montanus, meaning "mountain." The name thus originally referred to someone who lived on or near a mountain, a common type of cognate surname across Romance languages. Related Names The name appears in various forms across Europe: French Montagne, Italian Montana and patronymic Montanari. All share the same topographic origin. Cultural Context In Spanish-speaking countries, Montaña is not only a surname but can also be a place name, referring to mountainous regions such as the Montaña region of Spain or the Montaña region of Chile. The name appears in the cultural heritage of Latin America, for instance with Colombian cyclist Freddy Montaña and classical guitarist Gentil Montaña. Notable Bearers The Wikipedia extract for "Montana (name)" includes several bearers under both "Montaña" and the anglicized "Montana." Among those specifically with the surname Montaña are: Allison Montana (1922–2005), New Orleans cultural icon and Mardi Gras Indian chief Freddy Montaña (born 1982), Colombian road cyclist Gentil Montaña (1942–2011), classical guitarist and composer Jordi Montaña, Spanish academic Íñigo López Montaña (born 1982), Spanish footballer Jorge López Montaña (born 1978), Spanish footballer Key Facts Meaning: Mountain (Spanish cognate of Montagna) Origin: Spanish, topographic Type: Surname Usage Regions: Spain, Latin America