Origin & Meaning of the Pena Surname
What does the last name Pena mean?
The surname Pena 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 130,776 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pena ranks as the #227 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pena come from?
The Pena 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 Pena name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pena 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 | Pena |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #227 |
| US Count (2010) | 130,776 |
| Per 100K People | 44.33 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pena
According to the US Census, the Pena surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 130,776 Americans with the Pena last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.34% |
| Black | 0.52% |
| Hispanic | 92.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.09% |
| Native American | 0.31% |
| Two or More Races | 0.24% |
Popularity of Pena Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pena surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pena surname increased by 32,431 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Pena.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pena
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