Last Names

Surnames / S

Salas

What is the origin of the last name Salas?

Spanish originLocational (a place or landscape)Rank #513 in the US

Meaning and origin

The last name Salas has its origins in the Spanish language, specifically stemming from the term "sala," meaning hall or living room. It is believed to have initially been a locational surname, indicating that the bearer either resided near an important room or held a position associated with a formal gathering place. Over time, the surname Salas spread and evolved, becoming widely adopted by individuals and families across Spanish-speaking regions.

The longer story

The last name "Salas" is of Spanish origin and is classified as a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the first name of an ancestor. In this case, "Salas" is derived from the Spanish given name "Salo" or "Salomon" which originated from the Hebrew name "Shlomo." The name "Shlomo" means "peace" or "peaceful" in Hebrew.

Salas is primarily found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Asturias, but it can also be found in Latin American countries with Spanish heritage.

The surname Salas is relatively common, and variations of the name can be observed, such as "de Salas" or "Salaz." The name may also be spelled with an accent mark as "Salás" in some cases.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#513

Salas was the 513th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 65,468 people, about 22 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)6.5%
  • Hispanic or Latino90.2%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)0.4%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander2.0%
  • Two or more races0.6%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.3%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Salas.

Surnames like Salas

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.