Origin & Meaning of the Chaves Surname
What does the last name Chaves mean?
The surname Chaves carries the meaning "Son of Chaves." 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 8,137 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Chaves ranks as the #4,368 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Chaves come from?
The Chaves 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 Chaves name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Chaves 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 | Chaves |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Chaves |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,368 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,137 |
| Per 100K People | 2.76 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Chaves
According to the US Census, the Chaves surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,137 Americans with the Chaves last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 39.67% |
| Black | 1.5% |
| Hispanic | 54.97% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.9% |
| Native American | 0.75% |
| Two or More Races | 1.2% |
Popularity of Chaves Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Chaves surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Chaves surname increased by 1,082 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Chaves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaves
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