Origin & Meaning of the Merced Surname
What does the last name Merced mean?
The surname Merced 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 3,233 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Merced ranks as the #9,978 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Merced come from?
The Merced 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 Merced name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Merced 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 | Merced |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,978 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,233 |
| Per 100K People | 1.1 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Merced
According to the US Census, the Merced surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,233 Americans with the Merced last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 6.65% |
| Black | 2.17% |
| Hispanic | 85.99% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 4.67% |
Popularity of Merced Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Merced surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Merced surname increased by 580 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Merced
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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 Merced.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merced
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