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

Xelo, 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 Xelo surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Xelo in America

Xelo is the 135593rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Xelo surname appeared 124 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 Xelo.

The history of the last name Xelo

Xelo is a surname that appears to have its origins in the Mediterranean region, with potential roots in Spain. The name may be derived from a combination of ancient Iberian or Roman influences that were common in the area. Given the region's complex history of mingling cultures, the surname could have elements from Latin, as well as from the various languages spoken in Spain before the Roman conquest.

One theory suggests that Xelo is derived from an old Latin word or form related to the topography or a specific landmark. Alternatively, the name might originate from a personal name that was common during the Roman Empire and eventually evolved into a surname. Similar spellings and variations have been found in old manuscripts and records, although these can be quite rare.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Xelo appears in medieval Spain, during the 12th century. A notable reference can be found in a registry of landowners in the region of Aragon dated 1167, where a certain Lucas Xelo is mentioned as a small landholder. This suggests that the name Xelo was associated with land ownership and perhaps minor nobility at that time.

One of the earliest spelled variations of the surname is seen in the 13th century, where records from the Catalonia region refer to a family with the surname Xela. This variation hints at the fluid nature of surname transcription during medieval times, influenced by the phonetic interpretation of scribes and clergymen.

In the 15th century, documents from Valencia mention a merchant named Pedro Xelo, born around 1430, who was involved in the wool trade. His commercial activities brought some recognition to the Xelo name in maritime commerce, a crucial industry for medieval Spain.

The 16th century saw the name migrate to the New World with Spanish explorers. One such individual, Hernando Xelo, who was born in 1495, is believed to have participated in early expeditions to the Caribbean islands, thereby introducing the name into colonial records.

Another significant figure bearing the surname was Juan Xelo, a poet and scholar born in 1602 in Toledo. His works, although not very well-known today, were influential in local literary circles during his lifetime and provide a glimpse into the cultural contributions of the Xelo family.

In the context of place names, there are references to a small village named Xeló in the province of Castellón, which suggests that the surname could have originated from or been associated with this area. This village has been documented in land records dating back to the 17th century, further solidifying the connection between the name and specific locations in Spain.

By the 18th century, the surname Xelo had established itself in several parts of the Iberian Peninsula, with records from Seville listing a notable lawyer, Francisco Xelo, born in 1721, who was involved in legal reforms that modernized Spanish jurisprudence. His contributions were well-documented in contemporary legal journals.

Finally, a famous historical person carrying the name was Maria Xelo, an artist born in 1789 in Barcelona, who was known for her depictions of rural life and local customs. Maria's work has been preserved in several Spanish art museums and continues to be appreciated for its historical and cultural value.

The surname Xelo, with its deep Mediterranean roots and historical presence, provides a rich tapestry of historical connections and contributions, emphasizing the enduring legacy of this unique name throughout history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Xelo

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

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

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

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