Origin & Meaning of the Alves Surname
What does the last name Alves mean?
The surname Alves carries the meaning "Son of Alves." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 13,882 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Alves ranks as the #2,595 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Alves come from?
The Alves surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Alves name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Alves trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Alves |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Alves |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,595 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,882 |
| Per 100K People | 4.71 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Alves
According to the US Census, the Alves surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,882 Americans with the Alves last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.99% |
| Black | 11.68% |
| Hispanic | 7.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.65% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 1.9% |
Popularity of Alves Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Alves surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Alves surname increased by 2,556 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Alves Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Alves ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Alves Family
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- ✓ The Alves coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Alves families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Alves
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Alves.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Alves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alves
Top Surnames Starting with A
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter A, ranked by population.
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