Origin & Meaning of the Rico Surname
What does the last name Rico mean?
The surname Rico 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 25,954 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rico ranks as the #1,359 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rico come from?
The Rico 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 Rico name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rico 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 | Rico |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,359 |
| US Count (2010) | 25,954 |
| Per 100K People | 8.8 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rico
According to the US Census, the Rico surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 25,954 Americans with the Rico last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 8.25% |
| Black | 0.68% |
| Hispanic | 88.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.77% |
| Native American | 0.53% |
| Two or More Races | 0.47% |
Popularity of Rico Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rico surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rico surname increased by 7,219 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Rico
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Rico.
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 Rico.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rico
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