Origin & Meaning of the Melendez Surname
What does the last name Melendez mean?
The surname Melendez carries the meaning "Son of Melendez." 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 56,230 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Melendez ranks as the #603 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Melendez come from?
The Melendez 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 Melendez name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Melendez 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 | Melendez |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Melendez |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #603 |
| US Count (2010) | 56,230 |
| Per 100K People | 19.06 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Melendez
According to the US Census, the Melendez surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 56,230 Americans with the Melendez last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.96% |
| Black | 0.99% |
| Hispanic | 93.08% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.22% |
| Two or More Races | 0.26% |
Popularity of Melendez Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Melendez surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Melendez surname increased by 14,091 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 Melendez.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melendez
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