Last Name Arellano

The last name Arellano is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the place name Arellano, which is a small town located in the Navarre region of northern Spain. The name itself is believed to have Basque roots, as the Basque language was spoken in the region historically. Over time, individuals with the surname Arellano migrated to various parts of the world, including the Americas, resulting in the distribution of the name beyond its original place of origin.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Arellano

The ethnicity distribution associated with the surname Arellano also changed somewhat during the same period, according to the Decennial U.S. Census. In 2000, the majority (91.23%) identified as Hispanic, and this figure slightly rose to 92.12% in 2010. The number of Asians/Pacific Islanders, Whites, and American Indians and Alaskan Natives with this surname all decreased, while those identifying as Black saw the most significant drop of -33.33%. Meanwhile, the percentage of Arellanos identifying with two or more races also reduced by 25.00% over the decade.

	2000	2010	Change
Hispanic	91.23%	92.12%	0.98%
White	5.02%	4.49%	-10.56%
Asian/Pacific Islander	2.78%	2.61%	-6.12%
Two or More Races	0.52%	0.39%	-25%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.3%	0.28%	-6.67%
Black	0.15%	0.1%	-33.33%

Arellano ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Arellano is Spanish & Portuguese, which comprises 36.5% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Indigenous American (34.4%) and British & Irish (9.4%). Additional ancestries include French & German, Filipino & Austronesian, Italian, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Scandinavian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Spanish & Portuguese	36.5%
Indigenous American	34.4%
British & Irish	9.4%
Other	19.8%

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Arellano

The meaning and origin of the last name Arellano

The surname Arellano can be traced back to Spain and has its origins in the Basque region. It is derived from the Basque words "are," meaning "rock or stone," and "llano," meaning "plain or level ground." This suggests that the initial bearers of the surname could have lived near or had some association with a rocky or hilly region. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of Spain and eventually made its way to the Americas during the period of Spanish colonization. Many individuals with the surname Arellano can be found in countries such as Mexico, the United States, and the Philippines, among others. While surnames often evolve and change over time, the name Arellano has managed to retain its original Basque roots, serving as a reminder of the ancestry and heritage of those who bear the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arellano

The last name Arellano is mainly found in Latin American countries, with a significant presence in Mexico, Spain, and the United States. In Mexico, the name is most commonly found in the states of Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas. It is believed to have originated from a town called Arellano in Navarre, Spain, and subsequently spread to the Americas during the period of Spanish colonization. In Spain, the surname is still prevalent in the region of Navarre, as well as in other parts of the country. Due to migration patterns, the name has also gained popularity in the United States, particularly in states with large Latino populations such as California, Texas, and Illinois. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Arellano reflects the historical connection between Spain and its former colonies, as well as the subsequent migration of individuals and families across continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arellano

The last name Arellano is a Spanish surname that has a few variations and spellings. One common variation is Aréllano, with an accent mark on the first "a". This accent mark changes the pronunciation slightly, emphasizing the "a" sound. Another variation is Arelano, which is a simplified version that removes the double "l" and replaces it with a single "l". This variation could be a result of migration or anglicization. Additionally, there are different regional spellings of the name, such as Aréiano, Arrellano, or Arellanno. These variations could be influenced by local dialects or personal preferences. Despite these slight differences, all of these variations still trace their origins back to the same Spanish surname, Arellano. Whether spelled with an accent mark or different letter arrangements, these variations represent the diverse branches of the Arellano family tree.

Famous people with the last name Arellano

Famous individuals with the last name Arellano include notable figures from various fields, each contributing to their respective disciplines. In the field of literature, Sandra Cisneros Arellano is a celebrated Mexican-American writer, known for her critically acclaimed novel "The House on Mango Street" and her profound exploration of identity, gender, and culture. In the world of sports, Edgar Arellano is a renowned Mexican professional footballer, who has played for prominent clubs within the Liga MX league. In the art world, Adriana Arellano is recognized for her remarkable talent as a Mexican sculptor, her artwork often depicting traditional Mexican folklore and mythology. Additionally, Rodolfo Arellano is a respected politician in Mexico, having served in various governmental positions, contributing to policy-making, and promoting social welfare initiatives. These Arellano individuals have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields, enriching literature, sports, art, and politics with their talents and expertise.

Genealogical research on the last name Arellano

The last name Arellano is a Spanish surname with a rich genealogical history. Its origins can be traced back to the medieval kingdom of Navarre in northern Spain. The name is thought to have derived from the Basque word "arri" meaning "stone" and the suffix "-ano" meaning "dweller," suggesting a possible connection to a geographic location or occupation. The Arellano family is believed to have held noble status in Navarre and played significant roles in the medieval and early modern periods. Over time, members of the Arellano family spread to various regions within Spain, including Aragon, Castile, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands, establishing branches and contributing to local history. With the advent of global migration, individuals with the last name Arellano have also dispersed beyond Spain, particularly to Latin America, where it has become a prominent surname in countries like Mexico, Peru, and Chile. A comprehensive genealogical research on the Arellano family would provide invaluable insights into their ancestral roots and the fascinating stories of their descendants across different continents.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Arellano"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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