SpanishAmerican

The term Spanish American has more than one meaning and is not a fixed demographic category. It may refer to people from Spanish-speaking regions in the Americas, or to persons with ancestry connected to Spain living in the American continents. It can also describe matters pertaining to Spanish America, the set of territories in the Americas formerly ruled by the Crown of Spain.

Historically, Spanish America described the vast territories in the Americas governed from major colonial centers such as Mexico City and Lima. The term encompassed present-day Mexico, much of the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the viceroyalties of New Spain, Peru, New Granada, and Río de la Plata. Populations were diverse, blending Indigenous, European, and African influences.

In modern usage, demographers and everyday speech usually prefer terms such as Hispanic, Latino, or native national identifiers rather than the pan-continental label. In the United States, Hispanic or Latino origins are common categories, while in Latin American countries residents identify primarily by nationality (for example, Mexican, Cuban, Argentinian). The phrase Spanish American may appear in genealogical, historical, or cultural discussions but is less common as an Everyday demographic descriptor.

Language and culture associated with the term are dominated by the Spanish language and Catholic heritage, with regional variations. Colonial legacies in law, architecture, cuisine, music, and religious practices reflect the syncretism of Indigenous, African, and European influences across the former Spanish territories.