The nearest relative of the Fernandeno language was the Gabrielino and both belonged to the California section of the Shoshonean Division of the Uto Aztecan linguistic stock.
Fernandeno. So-called from San Fernando, the name of one of the two Franciscan missions in Los Angeles County. Location. In that part of the valley of Los Angeles River above Los Angeles. Villages Hahamo, north of Los Angeles. Kawe, northwest of Los Angeles. Mau, north of Los Angeles. Pasek, at San Francisco Mission. Population. Kroeber (1925) estimates that, with the Gabrielino and Nicoleno, the Fernandeno numbered 5,000 in 1770; they are now practically extinct.