Origin & Meaning of the Cardenas Surname
What does the last name Cardenas mean?
The surname Cardenas carries the meaning "Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin." 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 77,652 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cardenas ranks as the #418 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cardenas come from?
The Cardenas surname has its roots in Spanish heritage. Names of Spanish 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 Cardenas name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cardenas 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 | Cardenas |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #418 |
| US Count (2010) | 77,652 |
| Per 100K People | 26.32 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cardenas
According to the US Census, the Cardenas surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 77,652 Americans with the Cardenas last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.59% |
| Black | 0.28% |
| Hispanic | 93.7% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.02% |
| Native American | 0.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.21% |
Popularity of Cardenas Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cardenas surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cardenas surname increased by 21,034 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cardenas
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