Origin & Meaning of the Soto Surname
What does the last name Soto mean?
The surname Soto 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 144,451 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Soto ranks as the #191 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Soto come from?
The Soto 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 Soto name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Soto 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 | Soto |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #191 |
| US Count (2010) | 144,451 |
| Per 100K People | 48.97 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Soto
According to the US Census, the Soto surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 144,451 Americans with the Soto last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.15% |
| Black | 0.48% |
| Hispanic | 93.45% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.26% |
| Two or More Races | 0.22% |
Popularity of Soto Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Soto surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Soto surname increased by 37,820 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Soto Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Soto ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Soto
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Soto.
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 Soto.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soto
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Soto surname also look for: