The Most Popular Last Name in Mexico, Ranked

Choose the last name you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:42
Determining the most popular last name in Mexico can provide unique insights into the cultural and historical influences that shape the country. It offers a lens through which to view patterns of migration, regional variations, and the interweaving of indigenous and foreign surnames. This list serves as a reflection of societal trends and population dynamics. By participating in the ranking process, users contribute to a broader understanding of demographic changes and social structure. The dynamic nature of this list ensures that it is consistently updated with new information, offering an up-to-date snapshot of the cultural fabric of Mexico. Voting here is more than just a simple click; it's an opportunity to engage with the history and diversity of Mexican society.

What Is the Most Popular Last Name in Mexico?

  1. 1
    43
    votes
    This is the most common surname in Mexico. It is of Basque origin, and it means "young warrior." Garcia is followed by over 7 million people, which is approximately 5% of the Mexican population.
    Garcia is a common family name of Spanish origin. It is most prevalent in Spain and Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. The surname derives from the personal name García, which originally meant 'brave warrior' or 'fearless leader' in Old Basque.
    • Origin: Spain
    • Popularity: Common
    • Meaning: 'Brave warrior' or 'fearless leader'
    • Distribution: Spain, Latin America
    • Variations: García, Garcy, Garza, Garcês, Garrido
  2. 2
    44
    votes
    This surname is of Spanish origin, and it means "son of Hernando." It is the second most common last name in Mexico, with over 5 million people using it.
    Hernandez is a common family name that originated from Spain and is prevalent in Spanish-speaking countries. It is derived from the given name Hernando, meaning 'bold voyager' or 'ardent explorer'. The name Hernandez signifies bravery, ambition, and a spirit of adventure.
    • Origin: Spain
    • Meaning: Bold voyager or ardent explorer
    • Popularity: Common in Spanish-speaking countries
    • Language: Spanish
    • Etymology: Derived from the given name Hernando
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    This surname is of Spanish origin, and it means "son of Lope." It is the third most common last name in Mexico, with over 4 million people using it.
    The last name Lopez is one of the most common surnames in Mexico, originating from the Spanish language. It is widely prevalent and has a rich history within Mexican culture. The name has been passed down through generations and is associated with various individuals and families across the country.
    • Popularity: Lopez is one of the most popular last names in Mexico, with a high frequency among the population.
    • Geographical distribution: The Lopez surname is widespread across all regions of Mexico.
    • Origins: The name Lopez originated from Spain and was brought to Mexico during the Spanish conquest.
    • Meaning: Lopez is derived from the Spanish word 'lopez,' which means 'son of Lope.'
    • Historical significance: The surname Lopez has historical significance due to its association with notable individuals, families, and events throughout Mexican history.
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    This surname is of Spanish origin, and it means "son of Martin." It is the fourth most common last name in Mexico, with over 3.5 million people using it.
    Martinez is a common family name of Spanish origin that is prevalent in many Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in communities around the world with Spanish heritage. It is derived from the given name Martin, which means 'warrior' or 'warlike' in Latin. The name Martinez signifies a proud and noble lineage, often associated with strength and courage.
    • Origin: Spanish
    • Meaning: 'Warrior' or 'warlike'
    • Popularity: Widely used family name
    • Geographical Distribution: Spanish-speaking countries and communities
    • Alternate Spellings: Martínez, Martin, Martí
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    This surname is of Spanish origin, and it means "son of Gonzalo." It is the fifth most common last name in Mexico, with over 3 million people using it.
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    This surname is of Spanish origin, and it means "son of Rodrigo." It is the sixth most common last name in Mexico, with over 2.5 million people using it.
    Rodriguez is a common family name of Spanish origin that is widely spread among Spanish-speaking communities around the world. It is primarily found in countries with a strong Spanish influence, such as Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. The name Rodriguez is derived from the Spanish variation of the Germanic name Roderic, which means 'famous ruler' or 'mighty king'. Due to the historical influence and migration patterns of Spanish-speaking populations, the surname Rodriguez acquired immense popularity and is often passed down through generations within families.
    • Origin: Spain
    • Meaning: 'Famous ruler' or 'mighty king'
    • Popularity: Widely spread among Spanish-speaking communities
    • Geographical Distribution: Primarily found in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia
    • Language: Spanish
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    This surname is of Spanish origin, and it means "son of Pedro." It is the seventh most common last name in Mexico, with over 2.2 million people using it.
    Perez is a common last name in Mexico, derived from the Spanish word 'peregrino' meaning 'pilgrim'. It traces its roots back to the medieval times and has a significant presence among the population.
    • Origin: Spanish
    • Meaning: 'Peregrino' - Pilgrim
    • Popularity: One of the most popular last names in Mexico
    • Historical Significance: Traces back to medieval times
    • Regional Variations: Common in different regions of Mexico
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    This surname is of Spanish origin, and it means "son of Sancho." It is the eighth most common last name in Mexico, with over 2 million people using it.
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    This surname is of Spanish origin, and it means "flowers." It is the ninth most common last name in Mexico, with over 1.8 million people using it.
    Flores is an island in Indonesia, located in the eastern part of the archipelago. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and unique attractions. The island is a popular destination among travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Indonesia.
    • Location: Eastern part of Indonesia
    • Size: 14,300 square kilometers
    • Population: Approximately 1.8 million
    • Languages spoken: Bahasa Indonesia, Manggarai, and various local languages
    • Major cities: Labuan Bajo, Ruteng, Maumere
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    This surname is of Spanish origin, and it means "son of Ramiro." It is the tenth most common last name in Mexico, with over 1.7 million people using it.
    Ramirez is one of the most popular last names in Mexico. It has its origins in Spain and was brought to Mexico during the colonial period. The name is derived from the patronymic form of the given name Ramiro, which means 'famous advice' or 'wise protector.' Ramirez is a surname that signifies a lineage of people who are known for their wisdom and guidance. Many individuals with this last name can be found across Mexico, and they have contributed to various fields of art, literature, politics, and academics.
    • Origin: Spain
    • Meaning: 'Famous advice' or 'wise protector'
    • Popularity: One of the most popular last names in Mexico
    • Geographical Distribution: Widespread throughout Mexico
    • Significance: Signifies a lineage known for wisdom and guidance

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Ranking factors for popular last name

  1. Demographics
    The population distribution across Mexico can help determine which last names are more concentrated in different regions, thus providing insight into their popularity.
  2. Historical and cultural influences
    Last names in Mexico are often related to ancestry, heritage, and cultural backgrounds, so understanding the history of migrations and diverse ethnic groups in the country is essential to establish popular surnames' ranking.
  3. Percentage of the population
    Calculate the percentage of the population that features a particular last name to compare their popularity accurately. This is essential because raw numbers might not reflect an accurate popularity ranking if population sizes vary.
  4. Regional variations
    Different last names can be more prevalent in specific regions of Mexico, so it's essential to look into regional distribution to understand their popularity on a national level.
  5. Social and economic factors
    High-income or socially influential families might have more visibility and public presence, which can affect the perceived popularity of their last names. However, this does not necessarily correlate with the actual number of people with that surname.
  6. Linguistic factors
    Certain last names might be more common due to linguistic similarities or prevalence of specific words, names, or phrases in the Mexican language and culture.
  7. Changes over time
    The popularity of last names can change over time due to various factors, such as immigration, cultural assimilation, or even a particular surname falling out of favor. Analyzing historical records and trends can help establish a ranking that reflects the present-day popularity of last names in Mexico.
  8. Accuracy of data collection
    The availability and accuracy of demographic and surname data can influence the credibility of any ranking. Consider the reliability of data sources and the methodologies used to compile and analyze this information when creating a ranking of popular last names in Mexico.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular last name in Mexico. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or surname is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1805 views
  • 175 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each surname once every 24 hours. The rank of each surname is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular last name in mexico

Mexico is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. The country is home to over 120 million people, and each individual has a unique identity that is shaped by their family, traditions, and history. One of the most important aspects of Mexican identity is the last name, which is passed down from generation to generation. Mexican last names are typically comprised of two parts, with the father's last name coming first and the mother's last name coming second. This tradition is known as "apellido materno" and "apellido paterno". The father's last name is often considered the primary family name and is the one that is typically used in official documents and legal transactions. The most popular last names in Mexico are often reflective of the country's history and culture. Some of the most common last names include Garcia, Hernandez, Martinez, and Lopez. These names are often linked to Spanish colonization and are found throughout Latin America. However, there are also many other last names that are unique to Mexico, such as Sanchez, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez. Overall, the last name is an important part of Mexican identity and serves as a connection to one's family and heritage. Through the use of StrawPoll, we can gain insight into the most popular last names in Mexico and the stories behind them.

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