Origin & Meaning of the Nava Surname
What does the last name Nava mean?
The surname Nava 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 39,670 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nava ranks as the #874 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nava come from?
The Nava 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 Nava name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nava 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 | Nava |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #874 |
| US Count (2010) | 39,670 |
| Per 100K People | 13.45 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nava
According to the US Census, the Nava surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 39,670 Americans with the Nava last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.48% |
| Black | 0.27% |
| Hispanic | 93.76% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.08% |
| Native American | 0.22% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Popularity of Nava Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nava surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nava surname increased by 13,207 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Nava ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Nava Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Nava
- ✓ The Nava coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Nava families live today
- ✓ Notable Nava bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Nava
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nava.
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 Nava.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nava
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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