Vaca — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Spanish origin Rank #4,444 in the US 7,982 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#4,444
▲ Up 1041 since 2000
People in the US
7,982
2.71 per 100K people
Origin
Spanish
Spanish

Origin & Meaning of the Vaca Surname

What does the last name Vaca mean?

The surname Vaca 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 7,982 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Vaca ranks as the #4,444 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Vaca come from?

The Vaca 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 Vaca name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Vaca 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.

Spanish Spanish

Quick Facts

Surname Vaca
Meaning Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin
Origin Spanish
Language Spanish
US Rank (2010) #4,444
US Count (2010) 7,982
Per 100K People 2.71
First Letter V

Ethnic Distribution of Vaca

According to the US Census, the Vaca surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,982 Americans with the Vaca last name.

White 6.2%
Black 0.15%
Hispanic 92.95%
Asian/PI 0.51%
Native American 0.06%
Two+ Races 0.13%
Ethnic distribution of the Vaca surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White6.2%
Black0.15%
Hispanic92.95%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.51%
Native American0.06%
Two or More Races0.13%

Popularity of Vaca Over Time

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

Census 2000
#5,485
5,831 people
Up 1041
Census 2010
#4,444
7,982 people

The number of Americans with the Vaca surname increased by 2,151 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Vaca Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Vaca

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

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 Vaca.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vaca

The surname Vaca is of Spanish origin. Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin
The surname Vaca is ranked #4,444 in the United States with approximately 7,982 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin. The name has Spanish roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Vaca surname is distributed as: 6.2% White, 93.0% Hispanic. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Vaca 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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