Understanding the Labels: Latino, Latina, Latinx, Hispanic, and More
What’s in a Name? Exploring Identity in a Diverse Community
When it comes to describing a vibrant and diverse community, the labels we use are as varied as the people they represent. Latino, Latina, Latinx, Hispanic, Mexican, immigrant, undocumented immigrant, DACA recipient, Dreamer—and now the newer term Latiné. Sound familiar? These words might seem interchangeable at first glance, but each carries its own unique history and cultural significance. Even the U.S. Census has evolved its approach to categorizing this group over time.
A Brief History of Labels
How the U.S. Census has categorized this community over the years reflects the complexity of identity. In 1930, everyone was grouped under the label “Mexican.” By 1970, the Census Bureau had expanded its categories to include “Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American,” among others. Fast forward to 2010, and the question shifted again: “Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?” These changes highlight an ongoing effort to better capture this population’s nuances.
A Growing and Diverse Population
Today, nearly 60 million people in the U.S. trace their roots to Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America or Spain. Mexicans make up the largest subgroup—about 37 million—accounting for 62% of Latinos. Here’s a surprising fact: Roughly 79% of Latinos in the U.S. are citizens.
Despite these shared roots and numbers, there’s no universal agreement on what to call this community. While some prefer “Hispanic,” others identify more closely with “Latino.” Newer terms like Latinx and Latiné are gaining traction among younger generations and LGBTQ+ communities but remain less widely used overall.
Identity Is Personal
People’s choice of identity often depends on their experiences and cultural backgrounds. For instance, Latina feminists use terms like Chicana, Latina, Mexican American, Hispanic, and more recently, Latinx or Chicanx to describe themselves. Both Latinx and Latiné were introduced as gender-neutral alternatives that aim to include all genders. Yet traditional terms like Hispanic or Latino still resonate more broadly with many people. A 2020 Pew Research poll found that most individuals prefer longstanding identifiers over newer ones.
So Which Term Should You Use?
The answer is simple: ASK! Identity is deeply personal and nuanced. The best way to show respect is by using the term someone chooses for themselves. Whether someone identifies as Hispanic or prefers a newer term like Latinx or Latiné is entirely up to them—and honoring their choice is a meaningful way to acknowledge their individuality.
Celebrating Diversity Through Understanding
At its core, this conversation underscores an important truth: No single label can fully capture the richness of such a diverse community. Each term carries history and meaning that reflect shared experiences and unique personal journeys. By understanding these nuances and engaging with curiosity and respect, we can celebrate the diversity that makes this community so vibrant.
How do you navigate these terms in your conversations? Do you have a preferred label or perspective on this evolving discussion? Let us know in the comments below!
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