Origin & Meaning of the Garcia Surname
What does the last name Garcia mean?
The surname Garcia carries the meaning "Of uncertain etymology, possibly meaning 'young' or 'bear' in Basque." It is derived from the Spanish/Basque language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,166,120 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Garcia ranks as the #6 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Garcia come from?
The Garcia 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 Garcia name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Garcia trace back to Spanish/Basque. 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 | Garcia |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of uncertain etymology, possibly meaning 'young' or 'bear' in Basque |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish/Basque |
| US Rank (2010) | #6 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,166,120 |
| Per 100K People | 395.32 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Garcia
According to the US Census, the Garcia surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,166,120 Americans with the Garcia last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.38% |
| Black | 0.45% |
| Hispanic | 92.03% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.41% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 0.26% |
Popularity of Garcia Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Garcia surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Garcia surname increased by 307,831 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Garcia
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