Origin & Meaning of the Fortes Surname
What does the last name Fortes mean?
The surname Fortes carries the meaning "Son of Fortes." 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 1,988 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fortes ranks as the #14,881 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Fortes come from?
The Fortes 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 Fortes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Fortes 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 | Fortes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Fortes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,881 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,988 |
| Per 100K People | 0.67 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Fortes
According to the US Census, the Fortes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,988 Americans with the Fortes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 31.59% |
| Black | 27.46% |
| Hispanic | 20.12% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 13.68% |
| Native American | 1.01% |
| Two or More Races | 6.14% |
Popularity of Fortes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fortes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Fortes surname increased by 502 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Fortes Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Fortes ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Fortes Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Fortes
- ✓ The Fortes coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Fortes families live today
- ✓ Notable Fortes bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Fortes
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Fortes.
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 Fortes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fortes
Top Surnames Starting with F
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter F, ranked by population.
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