Origin & Meaning of the Mendes Surname
What does the last name Mendes mean?
The surname Mendes carries the meaning "Son of Mendes." 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 10,162 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mendes ranks as the #3,514 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mendes come from?
The Mendes 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 Mendes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mendes 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 | Mendes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mendes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,514 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,162 |
| Per 100K People | 3.44 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mendes
According to the US Census, the Mendes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,162 Americans with the Mendes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 56.39% |
| Black | 13.12% |
| Hispanic | 23.86% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 3.14% |
| Native American | 0.63% |
| Two or More Races | 2.86% |
Popularity of Mendes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mendes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mendes surname increased by 2,128 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Mendes Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Mendes
- ✓ The Mendes coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Mendes families live today
- ✓ Notable Mendes bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Mendes
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mendes.
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 Mendes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mendes
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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