Sousa — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #2,370 in the US 15,377 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#2,370
▼ Down 31 since 2000
People in the US
15,377
5.21 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Sousa Surname

What does the last name Sousa mean?

The surname Sousa carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 15,377 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sousa ranks as the #2,370 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Sousa come from?

The Sousa surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Sousa name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Sousa trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Sousa
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #2,370
US Count (2010) 15,377
Per 100K People 5.21
First Letter S

Ethnic Distribution of Sousa

According to the US Census, the Sousa surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,377 Americans with the Sousa last name.

White 89.11%
Black 1.65%
Hispanic 6.7%
Asian/PI 0.86%
Native American 0.25%
Two+ Races 1.43%
Ethnic distribution of the Sousa surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White89.11%
Black1.65%
Hispanic6.7%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.86%
Native American0.25%
Two or More Races1.43%

Popularity of Sousa Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sousa surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#2,339
14,183 people
Down 31
Census 2010
#2,370
15,377 people

The number of Americans with the Sousa surname increased by 1,194 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Sousa Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Sousa ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Sousa

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sousa.

Other European Surnames

Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Sousa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sousa

The surname Sousa is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Sousa is ranked #2,370 in the United States with approximately 15,377 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Sousa surname is distributed as: 89.1% White, 6.7% Hispanic. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Sousa ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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