Nieto — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Spanish origin Rank #1,376 in the US 25,701 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#1,376
▲ Up 368 since 2000
People in the US
25,701
8.71 per 100K people
Origin
Spanish
Spanish

Origin & Meaning of the Nieto Surname

What does the last name Nieto mean?

The surname Nieto 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 25,701 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nieto ranks as the #1,376 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Nieto come from?

The Nieto 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 Nieto name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Nieto 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.

Spanish Spanish

Quick Facts

Surname Nieto
Meaning Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin
Origin Spanish
Language Spanish
US Rank (2010) #1,376
US Count (2010) 25,701
Per 100K People 8.71
First Letter N

Ethnic Distribution of Nieto

According to the US Census, the Nieto surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 25,701 Americans with the Nieto last name.

White 7.32%
Black 0.19%
Hispanic 90.31%
Asian/PI 0.91%
Native American 0.93%
Two+ Races 0.34%
Ethnic distribution of the Nieto surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White7.32%
Black0.19%
Hispanic90.31%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.91%
Native American0.93%
Two or More Races0.34%

Popularity of Nieto Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nieto surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#1,744
18,817 people
Up 368
Census 2010
#1,376
25,701 people

The number of Americans with the Nieto surname increased by 6,884 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Nieto Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Nieto ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Similar Surnames to Nieto

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nieto.

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 Nieto.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nieto

The surname Nieto is of Spanish origin. Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin
The surname Nieto is ranked #1,376 in the United States with approximately 25,701 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin. The name has Spanish roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Nieto surname is distributed as: 7.3% White, 90.3% Hispanic. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Nieto ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

People searching for information about the Nieto surname also look for:

Share this page:

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn