Origin & Meaning of the Mateo Surname
What does the last name Mateo mean?
The surname Mateo 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 13,746 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mateo ranks as the #2,623 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mateo come from?
The Mateo 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 Mateo name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mateo 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 | Mateo |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,623 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,746 |
| Per 100K People | 4.66 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mateo
According to the US Census, the Mateo surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,746 Americans with the Mateo last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.59% |
| Black | 0.74% |
| Hispanic | 80.93% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 11.57% |
| Native American | 0.13% |
| Two or More Races | 1.04% |
Popularity of Mateo Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mateo surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mateo surname increased by 5,206 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 Mateo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mateo
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