Origin & Meaning of the Reyes Surname
What does the last name Reyes mean?
The surname Reyes carries the meaning "From reyes meaning 'kings', often given to those born on Epiphany (Three Kings Day)." 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 327,904 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Reyes ranks as the #60 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Reyes come from?
The Reyes 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 Reyes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Reyes 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 | Reyes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From reyes meaning 'kings', often given to those born on Epiphany (Three Kings Day) |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #60 |
| US Count (2010) | 327,904 |
| Per 100K People | 111.16 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Reyes
According to the US Census, the Reyes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 327,904 Americans with the Reyes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.41% |
| Black | 0.59% |
| Hispanic | 88.58% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 5.58% |
| Native American | 0.24% |
| Two or More Races | 0.59% |
Popularity of Reyes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Reyes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Reyes surname increased by 95,393 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Reyes Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the Reyes Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Reyes Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Reyes
- ✓ The Reyes coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Reyes families live today
- ✓ Notable Reyes 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 Reyes
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Reyes.
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 Reyes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reyes
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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