Origin & Meaning of the Perez Surname
What does the last name Perez mean?
The surname Perez carries the meaning "Son of Perez." 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 681,645 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Perez ranks as the #22 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Perez come from?
The Perez 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 Perez name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Perez 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 | Perez |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Perez |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #22 |
| US Count (2010) | 681,645 |
| Per 100K People | 231.08 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Perez
According to the US Census, the Perez surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 681,645 Americans with the Perez last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.96% |
| Black | 0.45% |
| Hispanic | 92.95% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.17% |
| Native American | 0.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.26% |
Popularity of Perez Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Perez surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Perez surname increased by 193,124 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Perez Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Perez ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Perez Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Perez Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Perez
- ✓ The Perez coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Perez families live today
- ✓ Notable Perez 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 Perez
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Perez.
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 Perez.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perez
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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