Origin & Meaning of the Contreras Surname
What does the last name Contreras mean?
The surname Contreras 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 130,164 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Contreras ranks as the #229 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Contreras come from?
The Contreras 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 Contreras name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Contreras 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 | Contreras |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #229 |
| US Count (2010) | 130,164 |
| Per 100K People | 44.13 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Contreras
According to the US Census, the Contreras surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 130,164 Americans with the Contreras last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.19% |
| Black | 0.21% |
| Hispanic | 94.64% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.25% |
| Two or More Races | 0.16% |
Popularity of Contreras Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Contreras surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Contreras surname increased by 37,504 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Contreras
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