Origin & Meaning of the Mendoza Surname
What does the last name Mendoza mean?
The surname Mendoza carries the meaning "From the Basque place name meaning 'cold mountain'." It is derived from the Basque language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 242,771 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mendoza ranks as the #88 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mendoza come from?
The Mendoza surname has its roots in Spanish/Basque heritage. Names of Spanish/Basque 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 Mendoza name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mendoza trace back to Basque. 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 | Mendoza |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Basque place name meaning 'cold mountain' |
| Origin | Spanish/Basque |
| Language | Basque |
| US Rank (2010) | #88 |
| US Count (2010) | 242,771 |
| Per 100K People | 82.3 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mendoza
According to the US Census, the Mendoza surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 242,771 Americans with the Mendoza last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.11% |
| Black | 0.35% |
| Hispanic | 89.97% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 4.91% |
| Native American | 0.24% |
| Two or More Races | 0.42% |
Popularity of Mendoza Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mendoza surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mendoza surname increased by 74,204 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Basque Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Basque roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Basque origin as Mendoza.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mendoza
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