When it comes to last names, there are some that are more common than others. For example, in the United States, you are likely to find many people with the last name Smith, Johnson, Brown or Hernandez. But what about Naranjo? Is it a common last name?
The Origin of the Naranjo Last Name
First, let’s begin with the origin of the last name Naranjo. The name comes from the Spanish word “naranja,” which means “orange.” As a result, the name Naranjo originally referred to someone who either worked with oranges, sold oranges or lived near an orange orchard.
The last name Naranjo is most commonly found in Spain and Latin America. Nowadays, it has become more widespread across the globe due to migration and emigration patterns.
The Popularity of the Naranjo Last Name
According to data from the Whitepages database, the last name Naranjo is ranked #2,328 in terms of the most common surnames in America. As such, it is not one of the most common last names in the United States. However, that does not mean it is not a popular name in other countries.
In fact, in some Latin American countries, the Naranjo last name is much more common. For example, in Costa Rica, Naranjo is the 18th most common last name out of a total of 153,558 registered surnames. Additionally, in Colombia, Naranjo is the 62nd most common last name out of a total of 30 million registered surnames.
However, it is important to note that last name popularity can vary greatly within a country or even within a region. For example, in the United States, the Naranjo name may be much more prevalent in certain areas of the country, such as states with a higher Hispanic population.
The Meaning Behind the Naranjo Last Name
As mentioned earlier, the last name Naranjo originated from the Spanish word for orange. In this sense, the name can be interpreted as representing freshness, vitality, and energy. Additionally, oranges are often associated with warmth, joy, and happiness.
Some people also speculate that the Naranjo name is derived from a Moorish surname. During the Moorish occupation of Spain in the Middle Ages, it was common for Spanish citizens to adopt Arabic surnames. In this case, the Naranjo surname may have been derived from the Arabic word for sour orange, “naranjah.”
Conclusion
While the last name Naranjo may not be the most common last name in the world or in the United States, it is still a popular name in Latin American countries. Additionally, the name’s origins and meanings are rooted in Spanish and Arabic history.
Whether you are a Naranjo yourself or just curious about the origins and popularity of last names, it is fascinating to learn more about the history and meaning behind these familial identifiers.
