Find out how popular the last name Cartel is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Cartel.

Cartel, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Cartel surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Cartel in America

Cartel is the 149328th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Cartel surname appeared 101 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Cartel.

The history of the last name Cartel

The surname Cartel is believed to have originated from the regions of France and Spain. Dating back to the medieval period, the name is derived from the Old French word "cartel," which itself comes from the Latin "cartellus," meaning a small seal or a letter of challenge. In this context, it often referred to a written challenge to a duel or litigation, signifying a person involved in legal or combative matters.

In early records, variations of the name appear in both France and Spain. For example, in French medieval documents, the name can be seen in various forms due to the fluid nature of spelling in those times. The Cartel name appears in legal documents from the 13th century, where it is associated with knights and nobility engaging in duels. Similarly, in Spanish records from the Reconquista period, the name Cartel is found in military annals, indicating its association with soldiers or messengers.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Cartel is from a 1290 legal document in Toulouse, France, referring to a Guillaume de Cartel who was a witness in a land dispute. Another early mention involves a Spanish knight named Diego Cartel who lived in Valencia around the late 14th century and was noted for his role in the battles against the Moors.

In France, by the 16th century, the surname had become associated with various trades. Jean Cartel, born in 1524, was an influential merchant in Lyon, who played a significant role in the city's economic development during the Renaissance. His descendants continued to thrive in commerce, spreading the name across France.

Pierre Cartel, a French scholar born in 1610, made notable contributions to literature and legal theory. His works, which include several treatises on dueling laws, underscore the etymological connection of the surname to legal challenges and combats. He passed away in 1678, leaving a substantial legacy in the intellectual circles of his time.

In the early 18th century, the Cartel surname can be found in naval records. François Cartel, born in 1686, was a French naval officer who served during the War of Spanish Succession. His military exploits are documented in French maritime annals, marking his contributions to naval strategy and his surname's continued association with military endeavors.

During the 19th century, the name appears in Belgium linked to the textile industry. Antoine Cartel, born in Ghent in 1822, was an industrialist who made significant advancements in textile manufacturing techniques. His innovations helped to modernize the industry, and his impact is still recognized in Belgian industrial history.

The surname Cartel, with its strong connections to military, legal, and economic fields, showcases a rich history deeply embedded in European medieval and early modern society. Its presence in various historical records across different countries illustrates the significance and legacy of the name throughout centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Cartel

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Cartel.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Cartel was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Cartel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cartel, please contact us.

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