Most Common Hispanic Last Names in the US
Hispanic and Latino Americans make up nearly 19% of the US population, and their surnames rank among the most common in the country. Several Hispanic last names now appear in the top 20 of all US surnames, reflecting decades of immigration and population growth.
The 25 Most Common Hispanic Last Names in the US
Based on US Census Bureau data and demographic research, here are the most prevalent Hispanic surnames in America.
Top 10 Hispanic Surnames
- Garcia — Approximately 1.17 million people carry this surname, making it the 6th most common in the entire US
- Rodriguez — Around 1.09 million bearers, ranking 9th nationally
- Martinez — Roughly 1.06 million people, the 10th most common US surname
- Hernandez — About 1.03 million Americans share this name
- Lopez — Approximately 975,000 people in the US
- Gonzalez — Around 920,000 bearers nationwide
- Perez — Roughly 750,000 Americans carry this surname
- Sanchez — About 700,000 people in the US
- Ramirez — Approximately 680,000 bearers
- Torres — Around 570,000 people nationwide
Ranks 11 Through 25
- Flores — About 530,000
- Rivera — Approximately 510,000
- Gomez — Around 480,000
- Diaz — Roughly 450,000
- Cruz — About 420,000
- Reyes — Approximately 390,000
- Morales — Around 370,000
- Ortiz — Roughly 360,000
- Gutierrez — About 340,000
- Chavez — Approximately 310,000
- Ramos — Around 290,000
- Ruiz — Roughly 280,000
- Mendoza — About 260,000
- Castillo — Approximately 245,000
- Jimenez — Around 230,000
Origins and Meanings of Hispanic Surnames
Hispanic last names fall into several categories based on how they originated.
Patronymic Names
The majority of common Hispanic surnames are patronymic, meaning they derive from a father's first name. The suffix "-ez" typically means "son of."
- Rodriguez — Son of Rodrigo
- Martinez — Son of Martin
- Hernandez — Son of Hernando
- Gonzalez — Son of Gonzalo
- Perez — Son of Pedro
- Sanchez — Son of Sancho
- Ramirez — Son of Ramiro
- Gutierrez — Son of Gutierro
Geographic and Descriptive Names
Some Hispanic surnames reference locations, physical features, or occupations.
- Torres — Refers to someone who lived near towers
- Flores — Meaning "flowers," possibly indicating a gardener or someone near flower fields
- Rivera — Refers to someone living near a riverbank
- Cruz — Meaning "cross," often a religious reference
- Castillo — Meaning "castle," indicating someone who lived near or worked in a fortress
States With the Highest Hispanic Surname Concentration
Hispanic last names are not evenly distributed across the US. Certain states have significantly higher concentrations.
- Texas — Garcia is the single most common surname in the state, surpassing Smith
- California — Hispanic surnames dominate the top 10 most common names statewide
- New Mexico — The highest percentage of Hispanic residents of any state at roughly 49%
- Arizona — Garcia and Martinez rank in the top five surnames
- Florida — A unique mix of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Central American surnames
- Nevada — Hispanic surnames have risen sharply in frequency over the past two decades
Growth Trends
Hispanic surnames have climbed steadily in national rankings over the past several decades.
- Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, Garcia moved from the 8th to the 6th most common US surname
- Rodriguez entered the national top 10 for the first time in 2010
- In states like Texas and California, Hispanic surnames now outnumber traditionally English-origin names in frequency
- The Census Bureau projects continued growth in Hispanic surname prevalence through 2040
Regional Differences in Hispanic Surnames
The specific Hispanic surnames that are most common vary by region, reflecting different immigration histories.
- Southwest US — Mexican-origin surnames like Garcia, Martinez, and Hernandez dominate
- South Florida — Cuban-origin names such as Fernandez, Alvarez, and Gonzalez are more prominent
- New York and New Jersey — Dominican and Puerto Rican names including Cruz, Rivera, and Reyes are prevalent
- Pacific Northwest — Growing numbers of Central American surnames, including Morales and Ramos
Why This Data Matters
Understanding the distribution of Hispanic last names in the US provides insight into immigration patterns, cultural heritage, and demographic shifts. For people conducting family history research or trying to reconnect with relatives, knowing which regions have the highest concentration of a particular surname can be a valuable starting point for a search.
Whether you are tracing your own family tree or simply curious about the changing demographics of America, Hispanic surnames tell a rich story of migration, culture, and community.