Origin & Meaning of the Garay Surname
What does the last name Garay mean?
The surname Garay 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 14,393 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Garay ranks as the #2,515 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Garay come from?
The Garay 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 Garay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Garay 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 | Garay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,515 |
| US Count (2010) | 14,393 |
| Per 100K People | 4.88 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Garay
According to the US Census, the Garay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 14,393 Americans with the Garay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 9.48% |
| Black | 0.77% |
| Hispanic | 87.92% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.45% |
| Native American | 0.09% |
| Two or More Races | 0.28% |
Popularity of Garay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Garay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Garay surname increased by 4,251 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Garay
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