Origin & Meaning of the Cortez Surname
What does the last name Cortez mean?
The surname Cortez carries the meaning "Son of Cortez." 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 101,694 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cortez ranks as the #310 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cortez come from?
The Cortez 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 Cortez name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cortez 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 | Cortez |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Cortez |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #310 |
| US Count (2010) | 101,694 |
| Per 100K People | 34.47 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cortez
According to the US Census, the Cortez surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 101,694 Americans with the Cortez last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 6.0% |
| Black | 0.7% |
| Hispanic | 89.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.92% |
| Native American | 0.29% |
| Two or More Races | 0.44% |
Popularity of Cortez Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cortez surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cortez surname increased by 24,202 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Cortez Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cortez ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Cortez
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cortez.
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 Cortez.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortez
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Cortez surname also look for: