Origin & Meaning of the Leiva Surname
What does the last name Leiva mean?
The surname Leiva carries the meaning "The (article)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,193 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leiva ranks as the #4,335 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leiva come from?
The Leiva surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Leiva name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leiva trace back to French. 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 | Leiva |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,335 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,193 |
| Per 100K People | 2.78 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leiva
According to the US Census, the Leiva surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,193 Americans with the Leiva last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 6.86% |
| Black | 0.84% |
| Hispanic | 91.68% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.35% |
Popularity of Leiva Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leiva surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leiva surname increased by 2,688 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Leiva
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Leiva.
Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Leiva.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leiva
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