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Garcia
How to Pronounce Garcia
Pronounced gar-SEE-uh /ɡɑːrˈsiː.ə/Low
Meaning: Garcia is one of the most common Spanish surnames, of old Iberian and probably Basque origin. Its meaning is genuinely debated, with proposals including 'bear' and 'young,' and it began as a medieval personal name before becoming a widespread family name. As a first name it borrows that heritage; the underlying etymology remains uncertain.Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Garcia is a storied Spanish surname of old Iberian, likely Basque roots, once a personal name of medieval kings. Its meaning is honestly disputed, so we present the leading ideas, 'bear' or 'young,' without overclaiming. As a given name it carries strong Hispanic heritage and stayed uncommon in the United States.
Garcia appeared in modest numbers across the twentieth century, peaking around 1958 with still only about fifteen boys a year given the first name. A man named Garcia at that peak would be in his sixties today, and the name reads as a heritage-rich surname-name.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Garcia mean?
It is a Spanish surname of old Iberian, likely Basque origin, used as a first name; its meaning is debated, possibly 'bear' or 'young.'
How do you pronounce Garcia?
It is said gar-SEE-uh /ɡɑːrˈsiː.ə/ - three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Garcia a boy or girl name?
Garcia is used here as a boy's name.
How popular is Garcia?
It was always rare in the United States as a first name, given to only about fifteen boys a year even at its peak in the late nineteen-fifties.