Origin & Meaning of the Vela Surname
What does the last name Vela mean?
The surname Vela 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 25,414 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Vela ranks as the #1,396 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Vela come from?
The Vela 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 Vela name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Vela 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 | Vela |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,396 |
| US Count (2010) | 25,414 |
| Per 100K People | 8.62 |
| First Letter | V |
Ethnic Distribution of Vela
According to the US Census, the Vela surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 25,414 Americans with the Vela last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 7.62% |
| Black | 0.28% |
| Hispanic | 91.09% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Two or More Races | 0.25% |
Popularity of Vela Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Vela surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Vela surname increased by 4,845 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Vela Family
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- ✓ The Vela coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Vela families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Vela
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Vela.
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 Vela.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vela
Top Surnames Starting with V
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter V, ranked by population.
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