Origin & Meaning of the Cleaves Surname
What does the last name Cleaves mean?
The surname Cleaves carries the meaning "Son of Cleaves." 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 1,906 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cleaves ranks as the #15,386 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cleaves come from?
The Cleaves 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 Cleaves name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cleaves 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 | Cleaves |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Cleaves |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,386 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,906 |
| Per 100K People | 0.65 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cleaves
According to the US Census, the Cleaves surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,906 Americans with the Cleaves last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 52.36% |
| Black | 42.24% |
| Hispanic | 1.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.31% |
| Native American | 0.84% |
| Two or More Races | 2.31% |
Popularity of Cleaves Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cleaves surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cleaves surname increased by 111 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 Cleaves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaves
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