Last Name Mercado

The surname Mercado is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Old Spanish word "mercado," which means "market" or "marketplace." Over time, it became a surname as market vendors and their families would often adopt the name to indicate their profession or trade. This name can also be found in Portugal and other Spanish-speaking regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mercado

The meaning and origin of the last name Mercado

The surname Mercado is of Spanish origin and derives from the Latin word 'mercatum', which translates to market or fair. In medieval Spain, a mercado was a person who owned or operated a marketplace, making it a common profession during this period. Over time, the name became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations of families associated with the market trade. Today, Mercado is a widely distributed Spanish surname found in many Spanish-speaking countries and among Hispanic populations worldwide. The surname can also be found in Portuguese and Galician variants, such as Mercado, Mercadal, or Mercadante.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mercado

The last name Mercado is widely dispersed across various regions, reflecting its rich history and cultural significance. It has significant concentrations in Spain and Portugal, where it originated from the Latin word "mercatus," meaning market or marketplace. In Latin America, particularly in countries like Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Puerto Rico, Mercado is a common surname due to the region's historical ties with Iberian cultures. It also appears frequently in the Philippines, a former Spanish colony. The name can also be found in the United States, particularly among populations of Hispanic or Latino descent. In some Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, it may have been adopted by families who converted to Catholicism from other religions during Spanish colonization. This geographical distribution highlights the diverse origins and global spread of the Mercado surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mercado

The surname Mercado has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common variants include Mercad, Merkado, and Mirkado. In Spanish, which is the language from which it originates, other spellings can be Mercadó or Mercadoe. Variations may also occur due to regional dialects or changes over time. For example, in Portuguese-speaking regions, the surname could be spelled as Mercado, Mercadou, or Merkado. In Italian, it might appear as Mercardo, and in German as Mecardo. These variations serve as a testament to the global reach of the Mercado name throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Mercado

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Mercado are:

1. Carmen Mercado, an American actress and singer who rose to fame for her roles in various soap operas in the 1980s and 1990s.

2. Cheo Hurtado, a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and guitarist who is considered one of the pioneers of salsa music.

3. Carmen Electra, born Tara Leigh Patrick, is an American model, actress, and television personality whose stage name was derived from her stepfather's last name, Marcato (Spanish for market), which she anglicized to Electra.

4. Eduardo Galeano, a Uruguayan journalist, writer, and philosopher, known for his works of political philosophy such as "The Open Veins of Latin America" and "Mirrors: Stories of Almost Everyone."

5. Juan Gabriel Vásquez, a Colombian novelist who has won numerous international awards for his work, including the Rómulo Gallegos Prize and the International Dublin Literary Award.

6. Carlos Mercado, an American football defensive lineman who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Green Bay Packers, Houston Oilers, and Dallas Cowboys.

7. José Luis Mercado, a Mexican professional boxer who held multiple world titles in the Minimumweight division.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including entertainment, music, literature, sports, and journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Mercado

The surname Mercado originates from medieval Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and Aragon, where it is believed to have been adopted by various Jewish families who were forcibly converted during the Inquisition or later migrated. The name Mercado translates to "market" in English and may have been given to a family whose ancestor was involved in market-related activities.

Over time, the Mercado family dispersed across Europe, with some migrating to Portugal, France, Italy, and the Caribbean during the Age of Discoveries. In the New World, the name became particularly prevalent in Latin America, especially in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other Spanish-speaking regions.

In modern times, the Mercado family has established significant presence in various professions and industries worldwide, with notable figures such as Juan José Mercado, a renowned Argentine composer, and Lourdes Gurriel, a professional baseball player born in Venezuela to Cuban parents, among many others. The surname Mercado remains one of the most common last names across Latin America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mercado"
• 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 June 2025

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