Chico — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Spanish origin Rank #9,788 in the US 3,308 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#9,788
▲ Up 1986 since 2000
People in the US
3,308
1.12 per 100K people
Origin
Spanish
Spanish

Origin & Meaning of the Chico Surname

What does the last name Chico mean?

The surname Chico 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 3,308 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Chico ranks as the #9,788 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Chico come from?

The Chico 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 Chico name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Chico 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 Chico
Meaning Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin
Origin Spanish
Language Spanish
US Rank (2010) #9,788
US Count (2010) 3,308
Per 100K People 1.12
First Letter C

Ethnic Distribution of Chico

According to the US Census, the Chico surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,308 Americans with the Chico last name.

White 13.6%
Black 0.54%
Hispanic 71.37%
Asian/PI 8.43%
Native American 5.02%
Two+ Races 1.03%
Ethnic distribution of the Chico surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White13.6%
Black0.54%
Hispanic71.37%
Asian/Pacific Islander8.43%
Native American5.02%
Two or More Races1.03%

Popularity of Chico Over Time

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

Census 2000
#11,774
2,436 people
Up 1986
Census 2010
#9,788
3,308 people

The number of Americans with the Chico surname increased by 872 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Chico Ancestry

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

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Similar Surnames to Chico

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

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 Chico.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chico

The surname Chico is of Spanish origin. Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin
The surname Chico is ranked #9,788 in the United States with approximately 3,308 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 Chico surname is distributed as: 13.6% White, 71.4% Hispanic, 8.4% Asian/Pacific Islander. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Chico 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.

People searching for information about the Chico surname also look for:

Share this page:

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn