Cardenas — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Spanish origin Rank #418 in the US 77,652 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#418
▲ Up 111 since 2000
People in the US
77,652
26.32 per 100K people
Origin
Spanish
Spanish

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.

Spanish Spanish

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.

White 4.59%
Black 0.28%
Hispanic 93.7%
Asian/PI 1.02%
Native American 0.2%
Two+ Races 0.21%
Ethnic distribution of the Cardenas surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White4.59%
Black0.28%
Hispanic93.7%
Asian/Pacific Islander1.02%
Native American0.2%
Two or More Races0.21%

Popularity of Cardenas Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cardenas surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#529
56,618 people
Up 111
Census 2010
#418
77,652 people

The number of Americans with the Cardenas surname increased by 21,034 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Cardenas Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cardenas ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Cardenas

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cardenas.

Other Spanish Surnames

Explore more surnames with Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish origin as Cardenas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cardenas

The surname Cardenas is of Spanish origin. Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin
The surname Cardenas is ranked #418 in the United States with approximately 77,652 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin. The name has Spanish roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Cardenas surname is distributed as: 93.7% Hispanic. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Cardenas ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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