Last Name Salcedo

The surname Salcedo is of Spanish origin and has its roots in the medieval Iberian Peninsula. It comes from a place-name, likely derived from "sal" meaning salt and "cedro" meaning cedar, referring to a location marked by either natural salt deposits or a cedar tree. The name was brought to the New World by Spanish explorers and colonists in the 15th and 16th centuries. In modern times, it is common among Spanish-speaking populations, particularly in Spain, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Salcedo

The meaning and origin of the last name Salcedo

The surname Salcedo is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castle (Español Antiguo) term "salcetum," which means a small grove or copse of trees. In medieval times, inhabitants living near such wooded areas often took their place names as surnames, such as in this case, Salcedo. Over time, the name was carried by Spanish settlers and explorers to the New World during the 16th century, becoming a common Hispanic last name in Mexico, Central America, and the United States. Notable individuals bearing the name Salcedo include Juan de Salcedo, a Spanish conquistador who accompanied Hernán Cortés on his conquest of Mexico, as well as several military, political, and artistic figures in Latin American history. The surname Salcedo remains a popular choice among Spanish-speaking populations today, symbolizing its rich historical roots and the resilience of those who lived near these small groves of trees.

Geographical distribution of the last name Salcedo

The last name Salcedo is predominantly distributed across various regions in Spain and Latin America, particularly in countries like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, where it is one of the most common surnames. Additionally, significant populations bearing this surname can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela. In Europe, a notable number of Salcedos reside in Portugal and other parts of Spain, specifically in regions like Galicia, where the name originated. The name has also been carried to other parts of the world by individuals of Hispanic heritage. It is important to note that family names can migrate with populations and the dissemination of this surname reflects historical movements, including colonization and migration patterns over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Salcedo

The surname Salcedo has various spellings and pronunciations due to regional differences and transliteration. Some common variations include:

1. Salcèdò (Catalan)
2. Salcedo (Spanish, English)
3. Salceado (Archaic Spanish)
4. Salcedos (Plural form in Spanish and Portuguese)
5. de Salcedo (Indicates a family with the surname Salcedo in feudal Spain, prefixed by 'de' which translates to 'of')
6. Salceida (Galician, a language spoken in northwestern Spain)
7. Salseto (Italian, likely from a place name)
8. Saleçdo (Portuguese)
9. Xalcedo (Basque, a language spoken in the Basque Country of Spain and France)

These variations may have different pronunciations depending on the native language of the bearer. The root word "Salcedo" comes from Salzedo, a village located in Biscay, Basque Country, Spain.

Famous people with the last name Salcedo

Notable individuals bearing the surname Salcedo include Juan Pablo Salcedo (1963-), a Colombian professional road bicycle racer who won the UCI America Tour in both 2001 and 2004, and the overall classification of the Vuelta a Colombia eight times. In the realm of politics, Salvador Salcedo (1874-1956) served as the President of Mexico from 1940 to 1946, initiating important reforms in education and the judiciary. Another significant figure is Antonio Salcedo (1932-), a Spanish Basque activist for Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) who was killed during Operation Oralia by Spanish security forces in 1975, becoming a symbol of Basque nationalism. Lastly, Carmen Salcedo (1946-) is a Cuban writer and journalist, known for her works such as "La pasión de la casa" and "Cubans: A Pictorial History." These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the surname Salcedo.

Genealogical research on the last name Salcedo

The Salcedo surname originates from Spain, particularly the region of Castile and León. It is derived from the place name "Salcedo," which means "oak grove" in Spanish. The first known bearer of this name was Fernán Pérez de Salcedo, a knight who lived during the 12th century. Over time, many individuals with the Salcedo surname emigrated from Spain to various parts of Europe and the American continents. In particular, a significant number of Salcedos can be found in Mexico, where they arrived as conquistadors and later settled. Today, the Salcedo name is widely distributed across multiple countries, particularly in Latin America, Spain, and the United States. Notable individuals with this surname include Diego de Salcedo, a Spanish conquistador; Luis de Salcedo y Mendoza, a Viceroy of New Spain; and Carlos Salcedo, a Mexican professional footballer.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Salcedo"
• 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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