Mercado

Mercado is a Spanish surname meaning "market", derived from the Latin mercatus (trade). Originally, it was a topographic name for a person who lived near a market or a metonymic occupational name for a market worker. The surname first emerged in Castile, Spain during the Middle Ages, often associated with towns granted market rights, and spread across the Spanish Empire during the colonial period.

Distribution and Demographics

Today, Mercado is highly prevalent in Hispanic communities. According to the 2010 United States Census, it ranks as the 555th most common surname in the country, with 86.6% of bearers identifying as Hispanic/Latino. The name is also common in Latin American nations such as Mexico, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic, and is particularly widespread in the Philippines, where it was introduced via Spanish colonization.

Notable Bearers

• Alejandro Mercado (born 1972), Major League Baseball pitcher for San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers.
• David Mercado (born 1961), Mexican boxer who fought at the 1984 Olympics and as a professional welterweight.
• Eddie Mercado (1917–2004), an aspiring Filipino-American boxer and speed skater who attempted Olympic trials.
• Ephraem Mercado, Filipino boxer and longest-reigning International Boxing Federation Mini Flyweight champion.
• Héctor Mercado (born 1974), Puerto Rican wrestler and champion in the miniature division.
• Melina Mercado (born 1974), Mexican professional wrestler.
• Orly Mercado (born 1949), Filipino businessman, writer, and game show host.
• Radcliffe Mercado (born 1973), Filipino politician; grandson of two distinguished judges serving as Cavite's governor.

Variant Forms

The Italian cognate Mercanti shares the “market” origin.

• Meaning: Market (occupational/topographic)
• Origin: Spanish
• Type: Surname
• Usage regions: Spain, Latin America, Philippines, United States