Origin & Meaning of the Chavez Surname
What does the last name Chavez mean?
The surname Chavez carries the meaning "From the Portuguese Chaves, meaning 'keys' or from a place name." It is derived from the Portuguese/Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 250,898 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Chavez ranks as the #83 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Chavez come from?
The Chavez 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 Chavez name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Chavez trace back to Portuguese/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 | Chavez |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Portuguese Chaves, meaning 'keys' or from a place name |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Portuguese/Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #83 |
| US Count (2010) | 250,898 |
| Per 100K People | 85.06 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Chavez
According to the US Census, the Chavez surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 250,898 Americans with the Chavez last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.02% |
| Black | 0.21% |
| Hispanic | 92.96% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.94% |
| Two or More Races | 0.23% |
Popularity of Chavez Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Chavez surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Chavez surname increased by 65,033 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chavez
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