Hello,
I am interested in learning whether anyone has been able link their Mercado lineage back to a place of origin other than Puerto Rico - Where did the Mercado surname originate? Of particular interest is the Mercado lineage from Hatillo/Arecibo, Aguada, Camuy, and Lares/Ponce. All of these are areas to which I've been able to track my family on both the maternal & paternal sides. I have immediate Mercado lineage on both sides.
It appears to me that the Mercado line has very deep and old roots in Puerto Rico. I have not been able to find any links outside of the island in my personal family lines, dating back to 1830. During my research, I have noticed that many of the older Mercado lines in Hatillo appear to have been "trigueno" with darker skin and straight black hair. This points to strong Taino heritage. However, the Mercado lines from Lares & Ponce appear to be of white completion.
Please drop me a line here if you have made any similar observations or if you know anything more concise.
Thank you.