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

Once, 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 Once surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Once in America

Once is the 114424th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Once surname appeared 153 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 Once.

The history of the last name Once

The surname ONCE is believed to have originated in Spain, primarily in the regions of Catalonia and Valencia, during the medieval period. It is derived from the Spanish word "once," which means "eleven," and may have initially been used as a nickname or a distinguishing term for families or individuals associated with the number eleven or born as the eleventh child.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the ONCE surname can be found in the census records of the city of Barcelona from the 14th century, where several families with this surname were documented. The name also appeared in various historical documents and records from the 15th and 16th centuries, such as land deeds, tax records, and church registries.

During the 16th century, the ONCE surname gained prominence in the region of Valencia, where several notable individuals bore this name. One such person was Juan ONCE (1521-1589), a wealthy merchant and landowner who played a significant role in the local trade and economy. Another notable figure was María ONCE (1562-1628), a renowned scholar and writer who authored several works on literature and philosophy.

In the 17th century, the ONCE surname spread beyond Spain to other parts of Europe and the Americas through migration and exploration. One notable individual from this era was Diego ONCE (1635-1701), a Spanish explorer and navigator who participated in several expeditions to the Caribbean and Central America.

As the centuries progressed, the ONCE surname continued to be prevalent in various regions, including parts of Latin America and the Philippines, where Spanish influence was strong. In the 19th century, Javier ONCE (1812-1879), a prominent lawyer and politician from Mexico, made significant contributions to the country's legal and political systems.

Another notable figure with the ONCE surname was Margarita ONCE (1878-1947), a Spanish artist and sculptor who gained recognition for her intricate and detailed works of art. Her sculptures and paintings can still be found in various museums and galleries across Spain and Europe.

While the ONCE surname may not be as common today as it once was, it remains an integral part of the cultural and historical tapestry of Spain and the regions where it originated. The name carries with it a rich legacy and a connection to the diverse narratives that have shaped the societies and communities where it has been present over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Once

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

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 Once 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 Once was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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