Origin & Meaning of the Gallego Surname
What does the last name Gallego mean?
The surname Gallego 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 5,763 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gallego ranks as the #5,971 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gallego come from?
The Gallego 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 Gallego name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gallego 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 | Gallego |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,971 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,763 |
| Per 100K People | 1.95 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gallego
According to the US Census, the Gallego surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,763 Americans with the Gallego last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 11.89% |
| Black | 0.71% |
| Hispanic | 80.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 5.99% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 0.4% |
Popularity of Gallego Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gallego surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gallego surname increased by 1,298 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Gallego coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Gallego
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Gallego.
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 Gallego.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gallego
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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