Origin & Meaning of the Meneses Surname
What does the last name Meneses mean?
The surname Meneses carries the meaning "Son of Meneses." 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 8,548 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Meneses ranks as the #4,143 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Meneses come from?
The Meneses 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 Meneses name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Meneses 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 | Meneses |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Meneses |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,143 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,548 |
| Per 100K People | 2.9 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Meneses
According to the US Census, the Meneses surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,548 Americans with the Meneses last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 14.27% |
| Black | 0.49% |
| Hispanic | 72.05% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 11.94% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Two or More Races | 1.05% |
Popularity of Meneses Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Meneses surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Meneses surname increased by 2,853 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Meneses Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the Meneses Family
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- ✓ The Meneses coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Meneses
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Meneses.
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 Meneses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meneses
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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