Last Name Delgado

The last name "Delgado" has its origin in the Spanish language. It is derived from the Spanish adjective "delgado," which means "thin" or "slender" in English. As a surname, it likely originated as a nickname for someone who was slim or lean in physical stature. Surnames often developed as a way to identify and differentiate individuals in the community based on various characteristics or attributes. Therefore, the surname "Delgado" was likely given to someone who had a thin or delicate body frame. This name can be found predominantly in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and Latin America.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Delgado

The ethnic identity associated with the surname Delgado also saw changes between 2000 and 2010, according to the same Decennial U.S. Census data. The majority of Delgados identified as Hispanic, growing slightly from 91.26% in 2000 to 92.47% in 2010. There was a slight increase in those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander (from 0.71% to 0.80%) and Black (from 0.69% to 0.72%). However, those identifying as White decreased from 6.45% in 2000 to 5.57% in 2010, and the number of American Indian and Alaskan Natives also dropped from 0.24% to 0.19%. The percentage of Delgados reporting two or more races also saw a significant decrease, dropping from 0.66% in 2000 to 0.25% in 2010.

	2000	2010	Change
Hispanic	91.26%	92.47%	1.33%
White	6.45%	5.57%	-13.64%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.71%	0.8%	12.68%
Black	0.69%	0.72%	4.35%
Two or More Races	0.66%	0.25%	-62.12%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.24%	0.19%	-20.83%

Delgado 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 Delgado is Spanish & Portuguese, which comprises 42.3% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Indigenous American (26.8%) and British & Irish (10.1%). Additional ancestries include French & German, Italian, Senegambian & Guinean, Angolan & Congolese, and Nigerian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Spanish & Portuguese	42.3%
Indigenous American	26.8%
British & Irish	10.1%
Other	20.9%

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Delgado

The meaning and origin of the last name Delgado

The surname Delgado, of Spanish origin, derives from the Spanish adjective "delgado," which translates to "thin" or "slender" in English. It likely originated as a nickname for someone with a slender or slim physique. Many Spanish surnames were derived from physical attributes or characteristics, reflecting the customs and practices of the time. The surname Delgado is relatively common in Spain and has spread to various parts of the Spanish-speaking world, including countries in Latin America. Individuals bearing the surname Delgado can be found in significant numbers in countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and the United States, particularly in regions with a large Hispanic population. As with many surnames, the meaning and origin of Delgado have evolved over time, but it still carries the essence of denoting a physical feature related to a slender physique.

Geographical distribution of the last name Delgado

The last name Delgado is a relatively common surname that hails from the Spanish-speaking world. It has a significant geographical distribution, with a notable presence both in Spain and in various Latin American countries. In Spain, the name is particularly prevalent in the region of Andalusia, which includes cities like Seville, Malaga, and Cadiz. This suggests deep historical roots in the region. Furthermore, the name also has a strong presence in Latin America, especially in countries like Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Venezuela, where Spanish influence has been long-standing. Additionally, Delgado can also be found in significant numbers in the United States, particularly in states with large Hispanic populations, such as California, Texas, and Florida. Due to migration patterns and cultural connections, it is not uncommon to find individuals with the last name Delgado in various parts of the world, reinforcing its global footprint.

Variants and spellings of the last name Delgado

The last name Delgado has several variations and spellings due to regional differences, migration, and phonetic adaptations. Some alternative spellings include Delgadillo, Delgardo, Delgue, Delghado, and Delgadiño. These variations can be found predominantly in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Latin America and Spain. Furthermore, the variations may also arise from the influence of other languages, such as Portuguese or Italian, which have similar-sounding surnames.

In addition to different spellings, the Delgado surname can also be subject to variations in pronunciation, particularly when moving across borders or when adapting to the phonetics of different languages. Its pronunciation may vary from "del-GAH-doh" to "del-GAY-do" or "del-GWA-do," reflecting the diverse speech patterns found across various Spanish-speaking regions.

These variations and spellings demonstrate the dynamic nature of surnames, often intertwined with historical, cultural, and linguistic influences. Each spelling or variation of Delgado carries its own unique history and story, showcasing the rich tapestry of heritage that exists within this surname.

Famous people with the last name Delgado

One famous individual with the last name Delgado is Carlos Delgado, a former professional baseball player from Puerto Rico. He played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a first baseman, primarily known for his time with the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Mets. Delgado was a consistent power hitter, known for his strong bat and ability to hit home runs. He was a two-time All-Star, won multiple Silver Slugger Awards, and even led the league in home runs and RBIs during the 2003 season. Carlos Delgado is regarded as one of the greatest Puerto Rican baseball players of all time.

Another notable figure is Pancho Villa (born José Doroteo Arango Arámbula), a prominent Mexican revolutionary and military leader during the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Villa played a significant role in the revolution, leading a large guerrilla army and participating in various military campaigns. His leadership and tactics made him one of the most popular and feared figures of the time. Despite being a controversial figure, Pancho Villa is still celebrated as a symbol of resistance and freedom in Mexico.

Genealogical research on the last name Delgado

The surname Delgado has its origins in the Spanish language, derived from the term "delgado," which means "thin" or "slender." The genealogical research on the Delgado family reveals its strong Spanish roots, primarily found in Spain and Latin America. It is believed that the Delgado surname emerged during the medieval period in the Iberian Peninsula. Over time, some Delgado families migrated to various regions, including Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. The Delgado name has also expanded beyond Hispanic countries, with individuals bearing the surname found in the United States and other parts of the world. Due to the common nature of the surname, it can be challenging to trace specific ancestral lines for every Delgado family. However, genealogical research often involves examining birth, marriage, and death records, census data, and family stories passed down through generations to uncover individual family histories and connections.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Delgado"
• 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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