Origin & Meaning of the Rivera Surname
What does the last name Rivera mean?
The surname Rivera carries the meaning "Topographical name for someone living near a riverbank." 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 391,114 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rivera ranks as the #46 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rivera come from?
The Rivera 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 Rivera name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rivera 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 | Rivera |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Topographical name for someone living near a riverbank |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #46 |
| US Count (2010) | 391,114 |
| Per 100K People | 132.59 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rivera
According to the US Census, the Rivera surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 391,114 Americans with the Rivera last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.4% |
| Black | 0.95% |
| Hispanic | 91.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.04% |
| Native American | 0.18% |
| Two or More Races | 0.37% |
Popularity of Rivera Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rivera surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rivera surname increased by 91,651 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rivera
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