Explore the Family Name Bracero

The meaning of Bracero

Spanish: from bracero, an occupational name, most likely for a day laborer or farm hand, although the term could also mean ‘brewer’ and ‘sure-armed man’ (i.e. one with a good aim in throwing or shooting) and these senses cannot be excluded. Some characteristic forenames: Spanish Jose, Julio, Angel, Delfin, Eladio, Rafael, Alfonso, Alida, Bernardo, Blanca, Carlos, Catalina.

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

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

According to data from the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Bracero has been growing in popularity. In 2000, it was ranked 18,582nd in terms of most common surnames, with 1,369 individuals bearing it. By 2010, this rank had improved to 17,268th and the number of people with the surname had increased by 19.8% to 1,640. This change also meant that the occurrence of the name per 100,000 people had risen by 9.8%, from 0.51 in 2000 to 0.56 in 2010.

20002010Change
Rank#18,582#17,2687.07%
Count1,3691,64019.8%
Proportion per 100k0.510.569.8%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Bracero

The census data also provides insight into the ethnic identity of those with the surname Bracero. Notably, there has been a significant increase in individuals identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander, with an increase of 113.75%. However, the majority identify as Hispanic, although this group saw a slight decrease of 3.21% between 2000 and 2010. The proportion of individuals with the Bracero surname who identify as white has also increased by 30.74%. For the first time in 2010, individuals identified as Black or American Indian and Alaskan Native were recorded within the Bracero surname demographic. Conversely, there was a 57.95% decrease in those identifying with two or more races. This information is based on the Decennial U.S. Census.

20002010Change
Hispanic91.6%88.66%-3.21%
White5.92%7.74%30.74%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.8%1.71%113.75%
Black0%1.16%0%
Two or More Races0.88%0.37%-57.95%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0.37%0%