Origin & Meaning of the Nunes Surname
What does the last name Nunes mean?
The surname Nunes carries the meaning "Son of Nunes." 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 12,191 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nunes ranks as the #2,942 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nunes come from?
The Nunes 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 Nunes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nunes 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 | Nunes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Nunes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,942 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,191 |
| Per 100K People | 4.13 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nunes
According to the US Census, the Nunes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,191 Americans with the Nunes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.95% |
| Black | 5.41% |
| Hispanic | 20.09% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.57% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 2.68% |
Popularity of Nunes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nunes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nunes surname increased by 1,110 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Nunes Family
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- ✓ The Nunes coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Nunes families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Nunes
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nunes.
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 Nunes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nunes
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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