Origin & Meaning of the Medina Surname
What does the last name Medina mean?
The surname Medina 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 188,497 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Medina ranks as the #133 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Medina come from?
The Medina 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 Medina name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Medina 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 | Medina |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #133 |
| US Count (2010) | 188,497 |
| Per 100K People | 63.9 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Medina
According to the US Census, the Medina surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 188,497 Americans with the Medina last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.69% |
| Black | 0.6% |
| Hispanic | 91.16% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.92% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.33% |
Popularity of Medina Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Medina surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Medina surname increased by 49,144 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 Medina.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medina
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