Espain
A surname derived from the Spanish word for 'Spain', likely indicating ancestry or place of origin.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Espain. That puts it at #152,628 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.04 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,501,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Espain surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
137
1 in 2,501,856
Census rank
#152,628
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
107
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 107 bearers of the surname Espain in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 152628th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Espain, the largest self-reported group is Hispanic at 98.1%.
Origin
Meaning and origin of Espain
The surname ESPAIN is believed to have originated in England, likely during the medieval period. It is thought to be a locational name derived from the place name "Spain," referring to the country of Spain. The name may have been adopted by someone who had traveled to or resided in Spain for a period of time.
One of the earliest known records of the surname ESPAIN can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of landholdings in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. This suggests that the name had already been established in England by the late 11th century.
The name ESPAIN may also be related to the Old English word "Spane," which referred to a person from Spain or someone of Spanish descent. It is possible that the name was initially used to identify individuals with Spanish roots or connections.
During the Middle Ages, the spelling of the name varied, with forms such as "Espayne," "Espayn," and "Espaigne" appearing in various records and documents. These variations likely reflected regional dialects and scribal practices of the time.
One notable individual with the surname ESPAIN was Sir John Espain, a renowned English soldier and military commander who served during the Hundred Years' War in the 14th century. He played a significant role in several battles against the French and was knighted for his bravery and leadership.
Another prominent figure was William Espain, a wealthy merchant and landowner who lived in the 16th century. He was known for his successful business ventures and philanthropic efforts, having donated substantial funds to support the construction of churches and educational institutions in his local community.
In the 17th century, Elizabeth Espain gained recognition as a talented writer and poet. Her works, which explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality, were widely acclaimed during her lifetime and inspired many other writers of the era.
Thomas Espain, born in 1712, was a renowned explorer and navigator who embarked on several voyages to the Americas and the Caribbean. His detailed accounts and maps of unexplored territories contributed significantly to the expansion of geographical knowledge during the Age of Exploration.
Lastly, Sir Robert Espain, born in 1825, was a distinguished British politician and diplomat. He served as a Member of Parliament and later held various ambassadorial positions, representing British interests abroad and playing a crucial role in international relations during the Victorian era.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Espain
Among Census respondents with the surname Espain, the largest self-reported group is Hispanic at 98.1%.
The bar chart below shows how Espain bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Espain surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Hispanic or Latino98.1%
- Unknown or suppressed1.9%
FAQ
Espain surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Espain?
The surname Espain holds position #152,628 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 137 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Espain surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Espain, the largest self-reported group is Hispanic at 98.1%. These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.