Origin & Meaning of the Varela Surname
What does the last name Varela mean?
The surname Varela 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 26,621 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Varela ranks as the #1,321 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Varela come from?
The Varela 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 Varela name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Varela 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 | Varela |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,321 |
| US Count (2010) | 26,621 |
| Per 100K People | 9.02 |
| First Letter | V |
Ethnic Distribution of Varela
According to the US Census, the Varela surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 26,621 Americans with the Varela last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 7.38% |
| Black | 1.03% |
| Hispanic | 90.42% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.42% |
| Two or More Races | 0.25% |
Popularity of Varela Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Varela surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Varela surname increased by 6,949 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Varela Family
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- ✓ The Varela coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Varela
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Varela.
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 Varela.
Frequently Asked Questions About Varela
Top Surnames Starting with V
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter V, ranked by population.
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