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

Garfia, 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 Garfia surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Garfia in America

Garfia is the 139228th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Garfia surname appeared 120 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Garfia.

The history of the last name Garfia

The surname Garfia is believed to have originated in Spain, with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. It is thought to be derived from the Spanish word "garfia," which means "talon" or "claw." This suggests that the name may have been initially associated with individuals who had a distinguishing physical characteristic, such as an unusually curved or claw-like hand or foot.

During the Reconquista, a period spanning several centuries when Christian kingdoms gradually reclaimed territories from Moorish rule, the name Garfia first appeared in historical records. One of the earliest documented references is found in the Becerro de Behetrías, a census-like document from the 14th century that listed landowners and their properties.

The Garfia surname is believed to have originated in the regions of Castile and León, as evidenced by its presence in ancient manuscripts and chronicles from those areas. Some scholars suggest that the name may have evolved from a place name, possibly a small village or hamlet where the first bearers of the surname resided.

In the 15th century, a notable figure named Juan Garfia was mentioned in a legal document pertaining to a land dispute in the city of Toledo. This Juan Garfia was a prominent landowner and influential member of the local community at the time.

During the 16th century, the Garfia name gained recognition when Pedro Garfia, a skilled architect, was commissioned to design and construct several churches and public buildings in the city of Seville. His contributions to the architectural heritage of the city are still celebrated today.

In the 17th century, a military officer named Rodrigo Garfia played a significant role in the Spanish conquest of the Americas. He was part of the expedition led by Hernán Cortés and participated in the conquest of Mexico. Historical accounts describe Rodrigo Garfia as a brave and skilled warrior who contributed to the success of the campaign.

Another notable figure bearing the Garfia surname was María Garfia, a renowned poet and writer who lived in the 18th century. Her literary works, which explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition, garnered widespread acclaim and influenced subsequent generations of Spanish writers.

Throughout its history, the Garfia surname has been associated with various professions, including landowners, architects, military personnel, and artists. While its origins may have been humble, the name has left an indelible mark on the cultural and historical tapestry of Spain and beyond.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Garfia

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

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 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Garfia 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 Garfia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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