Origin & Meaning of the Hernandez Surname
What does the last name Hernandez mean?
The surname Hernandez carries the meaning "Son of Hernandez." 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 1,043,281 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hernandez ranks as the #11 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hernandez come from?
The Hernandez 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 Hernandez name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hernandez 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 | Hernandez |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Hernandez |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #11 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,043,281 |
| Per 100K People | 353.68 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hernandez
According to the US Census, the Hernandez surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,043,281 Americans with the Hernandez last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.79% |
| Black | 0.36% |
| Hispanic | 94.89% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Two or More Races | 0.16% |
Popularity of Hernandez Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hernandez surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hernandez surname increased by 336,909 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Hernandez.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hernandez
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