Origin & Meaning of the Cortes Surname
What does the last name Cortes mean?
The surname Cortes carries the meaning "Son of Cortes." 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 46,229 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cortes ranks as the #751 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cortes come from?
The Cortes 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 Cortes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cortes 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 | Cortes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Cortes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #751 |
| US Count (2010) | 46,229 |
| Per 100K People | 15.67 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cortes
According to the US Census, the Cortes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 46,229 Americans with the Cortes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.83% |
| Black | 0.4% |
| Hispanic | 92.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.06% |
| Native American | 0.09% |
| Two or More Races | 0.22% |
Popularity of Cortes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cortes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cortes surname increased by 16,088 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Cortes Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cortes ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Cortes
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cortes.
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 Cortes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortes
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Cortes surname also look for: