The surname Cardenas is originally Local and gave people who lived in a land named Cardenas in the region of Castilla la Vieja or place named Cardenas in the Rioja. The place named Cardenas derived from the word Aragonesa Cardelina "goldfinch" which means "sparrow".

Some variations of this surname are: CCardenas, de Cardenas, Cardena, de Cardena, Cardenes, de Cardenes, Cardo, de Cardeo and more.

The origin of surname Cardenas is La Rioja, Spain from where it spread throughout the peninsula.

The trunk of the family name is Don Lope Diaz, Count and Lord of Biscay it was an Ensign of King Alfonso VII and his son Sancho III of Castila.

The Cardenas had as lordships Najera, Haro and Canas.

Famous people with the surname Cardenas:

Lazaro Cardenas (1895-1970): Mexican Revolution and President of Mexico (1934-1940).
Leo E. Cardenas: USA Executive Governor.