Rather than fight trends, it seems more useful to notice their historical precedents as well as their potential to increase our strength as a whole through diversity.
Hispanic surnames crack top 10 Hispanic surnames Garcia and Rodriguez have moved into the top 10 most common last names in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau (NYTimes.com 11.17.07). Garcia moved to No. 8 in 2000 from No. 18. Rodriguez soared to No. 9 from No. 22. Martinez is No. 11, nearly displacing Wilson as No. 10. In all, six Hispanic surnames rank among the top 25. Making the list of top 10 names exemplifies how Latino population growth, increased by both birth and immigration, has impacted everyday American culture. Garcia and Rodriguez are traveling the same historical road as other ethnic names like O’Reilly and D’Amato, which have become socially acceptable. More English-dominant Latinos express pride in their roots because their last names are becoming part of the mainstream. Latino names, like other things Latino, are becoming so common that they are becoming part of the mainstream. |
