Explore the Family Name Arca

The meaning of Arca

1. Galician and Portuguese: habitational name from any of the places called Arca in Pontevedra province (Galicia, Spain) or northern Portugal, or a topographic name. Both are formed with arca ‘chest’, but probably in the cultural (architectural) sense of ‘arch’. 2. Italian (Sardinia): nickname or occupational name from arca ‘chest, storehouse’ and in dialect also meaning ‘place for housing of livestock’, or a habitational name for someone from any of various places called Arca.

Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.

How common is the last name Arca in the United States?

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Arca has witnessed a significant rise in popularity between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, it was ranked 38,644 in terms of frequency but climbed to 32,792 by 2010, reflecting a change of 15.14%. The number of individuals bearing this surname also increased from 538 to 700 over the same decade, marking a growth rate of 30.11%. As a proportion per 100,000 people, the surname Arca saw an increase of 20% during this period.

20002010Change
Rank#38,644#32,79215.14%
Count53870030.11%
Proportion per 100k0.20.2420%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Arca

The Decennial U.S. Census data also provides insights into the ethnic identity associated with the surname Arca. There was a slight increase in the percentage of those identified as Asian/Pacific Islander and those of two or more ethnicities, with changes of 1.17% and 1.29% respectively. The Hispanic category also grew considerably, from 27.51% to 34.29%, indicating a change of 24.65%. Meanwhile, the percentage of people with the surname Arca who identify as White decreased significantly by 40.55%, and those identifying as American Indian and Alaskan Native saw an increase of 40.2%. The smallest group, identifying as Black, increased from 0.93% to 1.43%, reflecting a 53.76% change.

20002010Change
Asian/Pacific Islander43.49%44%1.17%
Hispanic27.51%34.29%24.65%
White21.38%12.71%-40.55%
Two or More Races4.65%4.71%1.29%
American Indian and Alaskan Native2.04%2.86%40.2%
Black0.93%1.43%53.76%