Surname Binay - Meaning and Origin

Binay: What does the surname Binay mean?

The last name Binay is of Filipino origin. Derived from the Filipino word 'binay', meaning 'to be of the same age,' the meaning of the name has a complex history. It is believed to have been used as a title for notable members of the Tagalog and Visayan communities during the 17th century, and came to refer to a prominent leader. The title was also used to designate the heads of certain barangays, or villages, who were elected to serve as village chiefs. Binay is also believed to be an alternate spelling of the Spanish name Binai or Biniar.

The surname Binay is now commonly used in the Philippines, particularly on the island of Luzon. It is an extremely popular surname, with shrines and monuments dedicated to various Binay family members, such as the Binay Ancestral House in Parañaque City and its leaders, which honors ancestral Binays who held key positions in local government. In addition, descendants of the original Binay family are to be found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia.

The Binay family name is linked to a tradition of service, courage, and leadership in the Philippines. By combining their knowledge and resources with strong principles, the Binay family has held a significant role in regional affairs and left an indelible mark in Philippine history and culture.

Binay: Where does the name Binay come from?

The last name Binay is most common today in the Philippines, particularly in the regions of Luzon and the Visayas. The population of the Philippines is noted for its diversity, and much of this diversity can be attributed to the settlement of the Visayas region by the Spanish in the 16th century. Since then, many different kinds of people, including those with the last name Binay, have intermingled and established themselves in the region.

The last name Binay is likely of Chinese origin, as many early Chinese immigrants living in the Philippines adopted the last names of their Spanish landlords. Subsequent generations of Chinese-Filipino families have held onto the last name Binay and it has become increasingly common over the years. Today, the Binay surname can be found mainly throughout the Visayas and Luzon regions, although some members of this family may have migrated to other Asian countries.

The Binays living in the Visayas region are also active members of the local business community, particularly in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue. In the capital of Manila, many Binay family members have established themselves as prominent politicians, business owners, and social activists. The Binay family is also known for its advocacy of indigenous rights in their home region, as well as for their philanthropic endeavors.

The Binay family has clearly left its mark on the Philippines, and their influence continues to be felt today. From prominent government officials to successful business owners, the Binay family has made a name for itself in the Philippines, and for generations to come.

Variations of the surname Binay

The Binay surname is believed to have originated in the Philippines and has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spelling is Binay, but some other forms and spellings include Binai, Biniy, Binayo, Benay, Benayo, Benai, Binayah, Biney, Benaye, Binaye, Binayo, Bineyo, Benayo, Benyayo, Bineyo, and Binyo.

Binay is also alternatively spelled Binaya, Biniah and Benaya and can be pronounced in various ways as well. Other related surnames which may have arisen from the same origin are Binam, Benam, Binamah, Benamah, Bineh, Binnes, and Biniies.

The various forms of the name may have been adopted by different branches of the same family over a period of time, leading to its numerous variants. These variants and related surnames may have arisen from use of the language of the native Filipinos before Spanish colonization in the Philippines.

The name Binay is derived from the Tagalog words 'binaya' or 'binayah', meaning bridge or foundation. It is likely that the name alludes to a bridge-building ancestor or ancestor who had a role in foundation or building of structures in the community. As such, 'binay' or ‘binaya’ may have been an occupational surname, referring to the occupation of a particular ancestor.

In the past, the Binay surname was also associated with a prominent political family in the Philippines. Though their surname is believed to be of the same origin as the various forms of Binay, their specific lineage is unclear.

Famous people with the name Binay

• Jejomar C. Binay Jr.: a Filipino politician who served as Vice President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016.
• Abigail Binay: a Filipino lawyer and politician who is the incumbent mayor of Makati, the Philippines.
• Nancy Binay: a Filipino politician and the incumbent senator of the Philippines, representing the United Nationalist Alliance.
• Mario Joel Binay: a Filipino businessman and politician who was the former mayor of Santa Maria, Bulacan.
• Mar-Len Abigail Binay: a daughter of senator Nancy Binay and a Filipina civil lawyer and politician.
• Refuerzo Dimagiba Binay: a former Associate Justice of the Sandiganbayan.
• Antonio S. Binay: a former Municipal Trial Court judge in the Philippines.
• Luis S. Binay (1958–2011): a Filipino journalist and editor who co-founded the Philippine daily newspaper Malaya.
• Lou Salvador Binay Jr.: an actor who is the son of Jejomar Binay Jr. and Elenita Binay.
• Richelle Binay: a Filipino model and beauty queen from Muntinlupa City.

Other surnames

Binane