Origin & Meaning of the Palma Surname
What does the last name Palma mean?
The surname Palma 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 20,636 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Palma ranks as the #1,735 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Palma come from?
The Palma 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 Palma name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Palma 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 | Palma |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,735 |
| US Count (2010) | 20,636 |
| Per 100K People | 7.0 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Palma
According to the US Census, the Palma surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 20,636 Americans with the Palma last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 20.07% |
| Black | 0.8% |
| Hispanic | 72.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 5.64% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Two or More Races | 0.78% |
Popularity of Palma Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Palma surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Palma surname increased by 6,297 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Palma Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Palma ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Palma Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Palma Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Palma
- ✓ The Palma coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Palma families live today
- ✓ Notable Palma bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Palma
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Palma.
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 Palma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palma
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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