The surname Nicolás Guillén carries deep historical and linguistic significance, rooted in European traditions and immortalized by one of Cuba’s most influential literary figures. Translating and understanding this name requires looking at both its literal meaning and its cultural weight. The Etymology of Nicolás and Guillén
In English, the name Nicolás Guillén translates directly to Nicholas Guillen. While the spelling of Nicholas changes slightly, the name Guillén typically remains unchanged in English-speaking contexts, as it is a specific Spanish patronymic.
Nicolás: Derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning "victory of the people" (nikē = victory; laos = people).
Guillén: This is the Spanish form of the French name Guillaume, which corresponds to the English name William. It comes from the Germanic elements wil (will/desire) and helm (helmet/protection). The Legacy of Nicolás Guillén
The name is most famously associated with Nicolás Guillén (1902–1989), the National Poet of Cuba. He was a master of "poesía negra" (Afro-Antillean poetry) and a leader of the negrismo movement. His work focused on: Mestizaje: The blending of Spanish and African cultures.
Social Justice: Highlighting the struggles of the poor and the marginalized.
Rhythm: Using the "son" (a Cuban musical genre) to dictate the meter of his verses. el apellido nicolas guillen english translation
Because his name is a "proper noun" representing a historical figure, translators rarely change "Nicolás" to "Nicholas" in academic or literary texts. Keeping the Spanish spelling preserves his cultural identity and his connection to the Spanish-speaking world. Translating the Name in Genealogical Contexts
If you are researching the surname Nicolás Guillén for family history purposes, keep these English equivalents in mind: Direct English Match: Nicholas William. French Variation: Nicolas Guillaume.
Regional Variations: In some English records from the 19th century, Spanish surnames were occasionally anglicized, though "Guillen" has mostly retained its form due to its distinct phonetic structure. Key Takeaways for Translators
When working with this specific keyword, consider the following:
Literal Meaning: "Nicholas, son of William" (historically speaking).
Cultural Context: Always maintain the Spanish spelling when referring to the Cuban poet to ensure SEO accuracy and historical respect. The surname Nicolás Guillén carries deep historical and
Phonetics: In English, "Guillén" is often pronounced gee-YEN, while "Nicolás" follows the standard nee-ko-LAS.
Whether you are translating a biography or researching your own heritage, the name Nicolás Guillén represents a bridge between Greek, Germanic, and Hispanic histories. To help you dive deeper into this name or its history:
The poem treats the loss of a surname as a violent act. The speaker repeats "que me lo roben" (that they rob me of it) as a desperate protest. He compares the name to physical objects stolen off his body: a handkerchief, a ring, a piece of clothing. This personalization makes the historical crime of slavery feel immediate and intimate.
Below is the complete original text of El apellido. Read it aloud to appreciate its rhythmic intensity.
EL APELLIDO
por Nicolás Guillén¿Mi apellido?
Me lo dieron los españoles.
(Ellos fueron los primeros que me lo dieron.)
Pero yo no se lo pido a nadie,
ni se lo quiero a nadie.
Mi apellido es mío, mío, mío;
pero no me lo dieron mis abuelos
sino los conquistadores.
Lo tengo
como quien tiene una cicatriz.
Y si alguien me pregunta por mi apellido,
yo le digo:
—Tengo un apellido,
pero no sé de dónde viene.
¿Será de algún negro de mi sangre?
¿Será de algún congo, algún bantú?
No sé.
Yo solo sé que me apellido ahora
como los que me robaron la patria.
¿Mi apellido?
¿Mi verdadero apellido?
¿Aquél que me quitó el amo
junto con la cadena y el látigo?
Lo perdí.
Lo perdí como se pierde un anillo en el mar.
Lo perdí como se pierde la voz.
Lo perdí como se pierde la tierra.
Lo perdí.
¡Ay, mi apellido perdido,
mi apellido robado por el verdugo,
mi apellido!
¿Volverá?
¿Volverá un día?
¿Volverá de la raíz de los árboles caídos?
¿Volverá de la entraña de los minerales?
¿Volverá del fondo de los ríos?
¿Volverá de la noche?
¿Volverá del silencio?
¿Volverá de la nada?
¿Volverá de este mismo odio que me late
y que me quema las entrañas?
¡Ay, mi apellido!
¡Mi apellido! The poem treats the loss of a surname as a violent act
This is a metaphor for potential. The green corn has not yet matured; similarly, the African identity in Cuba had not yet "popped" into full consciousness before slavery crushed it.
While this translation is accurate for study and comprehension, for formal academic citation, you should reference the published translation by Robert Márquez or Roberto Márquez (depending on the edition). Use this article as a guide for interpretation.
Apellido means "surname" or "last name." The translation choice between "The Last Name" vs. "The Surname" is stylistic. "The Last Name" feels more visceral in English.
“¿Mi apellido? / Me lo dieron los españoles.”
The poem begins with a question answered immediately. Guillén does not celebrate his surname; he unmasks it as a foreign imposition. The English translation preserves the blunt, almost accusatory tone.