Origin & Meaning of the Mena Surname
What does the last name Mena mean?
The surname Mena 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 19,522 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mena ranks as the #1,832 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mena come from?
The Mena 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 Mena name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mena 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 | Mena |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,832 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,522 |
| Per 100K People | 6.62 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mena
According to the US Census, the Mena surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,522 Americans with the Mena last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 8.0% |
| Black | 1.16% |
| Hispanic | 89.12% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.15% |
| Native American | 0.23% |
| Two or More Races | 0.34% |
Popularity of Mena Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mena surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mena surname increased by 5,223 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 Mena.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mena
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