Origin & Meaning of the Mayes Surname
What does the last name Mayes mean?
The surname Mayes carries the meaning "Son of Mayes." 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 25,256 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mayes ranks as the #1,408 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mayes come from?
The Mayes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Mayes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mayes 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 | Mayes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mayes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,408 |
| US Count (2010) | 25,256 |
| Per 100K People | 8.56 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mayes
According to the US Census, the Mayes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 25,256 Americans with the Mayes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 60.01% |
| Black | 32.34% |
| Hispanic | 4.04% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.36% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 2.6% |
Popularity of Mayes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mayes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mayes surname increased by 403 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Mayes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mayes
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