Origin & Meaning of the Pelayo Surname
What does the last name Pelayo mean?
The surname Pelayo 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 8,402 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pelayo ranks as the #4,218 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pelayo come from?
The Pelayo 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 Pelayo name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pelayo 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 | Pelayo |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,218 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,402 |
| Per 100K People | 2.85 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pelayo
According to the US Census, the Pelayo surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,402 Americans with the Pelayo last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.44% |
| Black | 0.38% |
| Hispanic | 90.78% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 4.78% |
| Native American | 0.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.42% |
Popularity of Pelayo Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pelayo surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pelayo surname increased by 2,348 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pelayo
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