NomOrigine Background

Last Name Caba

What is the origin of the last name Caba?

The surname "Caba" has multiple origins, and it can be challenging to trace its exact origin due to the diverse ways surnames evolved in different regions. However, some possible origins include: 1. Basque Origin: In the Basque Country (a region spanning parts of Spain and France), the name "Kabako" or "Cabaquivo" exists, which could be a source of the modern-day "Caba." This name is thought to mean "mountain dweller." 2. Italian Origin: In Italy, the name "Cabaia" or "Cabassi" can be found in various regions. It might be derived from an occupational name for someone who made a type of basket or container (cesta in Spanish and Italian). 3. Jewish Origin: Some sources suggest that "Kohav" (Hebrew for "star") may have evolved into "Caba" in some Sephardic Jewish communities, particularly those from Spain and Portugal.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Caba

The meaning and origin of the last name Caba

The surname Caba is of Spanish and Basque origins. In Spanish, "Caba" can be a variant of the given name Cabo or a diminutive form of Cabrera, both meaning "cape" or "headland." In the Basque language, it may originate from the toponymic term "kaba," which refers to a small hill or mound. The Basque region spans parts of modern-day Spain and France, and its native inhabitants are known for their distinctive surname system, where most families share one common last name. In this context, "Caba" could be a family name passed down from a specific location in the Basque Country. Over time, as Basques migrated across Europe and to other parts of the world, the surname Caba became more widespread.

Geographical distribution of the last name Caba

The surname Caba is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the northern regions of Basque Country and Navarre. It also appears with significant frequency in the autonomous community of Aragon, specifically in the provinces of Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel. Smaller concentrations can be found in other parts of Spain, but it is most common in these areas due to historical reasons such as migration patterns, local traditions, and cultural ties. Beyond Spain, there are also communities of people with the surname Caba in Argentina, particularly in the provinces of Córdoba and Santa Fe, reflecting Spanish immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Caba

The surname Caba has various spellings and variations, reflecting its roots in different regions and languages. Some common spelling variants include Cabá, Cabà, Caba'o, Caballo, Caballó, Cabatá, Cabata, Kaba, Kabba, Kabaa, Kaaba, Qaba, Qabah, and Qabaah. These variations may stem from the original Spanish or Basque spelling of the name, which has been adapted over time due to regional dialects, phonetic changes, and cultural influences. Additionally, there may be other less common variants based on the use of different alphabets, such as Arabic or Hebrew, or due to assimilation into different cultures. Despite these variations, all these names can trace their origins back to the original last name Caba.

Famous people with the last name Caba

Notable individuals with the surname Caba include:

1. Julio Caba (born 1978), Uruguayan footballer who played for clubs such as Defensor Sporting and Peñarol, as well as the Uruguay national team. He was part of the team that won the 2011 Copa América.

2. Jorge Caba (born 1953), Spanish actor known for his work in television series like "La familia Mata" and "Un, dos, tres... responda otra vez." He has been nominated multiple times for the Goya Award for Best Actor.

3. Maribel Verdú Caba (born 1970), a Spanish actress who gained international recognition for her role in Pedro Almodóvar's "Talk to Her" and "Volver." She has won numerous awards, including the Goya Award for Best Actress three times.

4. Lara Cox Caba (born 1987), a Spanish singer who was a contestant on the seventh season of the reality television show Operación Triunfo. She later became a member of the pop group Auryn and released her debut solo album in 2016.

Genealogical research on the last name Caba

The surname Caba originates from Spain, specifically in the Basque Country and Navarre regions. Historically, the Basque region has been known for its unique linguistic and cultural traditions, which have influenced the naming practices of its inhabitants. The name Caba is thought to be a topographic or occupational surname derived from the word "cabá" meaning 'shelter' or 'hut' in Basque.

During the Middle Ages, the use of surnames became widespread in Europe as a way to distinguish individuals within communities. In Spain, the adoption of patronymics and topographic/occupational names gained popularity, with many families taking on names based on their geographical location or profession. The Caba family, like many others in the Basque region, likely adopted their surname in this manner.

Over time, the name spread to other parts of Spain, particularly during the migration waves triggered by events such as the Expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 and the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. Today, the Caba family can be found throughout Spain and beyond, with notable concentrations in cities like Madrid, Bilbao, and Pamplona. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover more about its history, lineage, and connections among its many descendants around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Cababa (Last name)

surnames > cababa

The last name "cababa" originates from the Philippines. It is a surname commonly found among Filipino families.

Cabacang (Last name)

surnames > cabacang

The last name Cabacang is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Filipino word "kabakang," which means "ridge" or "elevation." It is commonly found in the Philippines, particul...

Cabadi (Last name)

surnames > cabadi

The last name Cabadi is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the surname Cabati, which is derived from the word "cabatti," meaning "cabinet maker" in Italian. The surname likely o...

Cabagui (Last name)

surnames > cabagui

The surname Cabagui is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the word "kabig" which means "to take care of" or "to foster."

Cabajaan (Last name)

surnames > cabajaan

The last name Cabajaan is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "kabahayan," meaning "residence" or "home." This surname is likely to have originated in the Phili...

Cabalen (Last name)

surnames > cabalen

The last name "Cabalen" originates from the Philippines. It is a surname commonly found in the Pampanga region of the country. The name is likely derived from the Tagalog word "kab...

Cabalhin (Last name)

surnames > cabalhin

The last name "Cabalhin" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Visayan word "kabahin," which means "to participate" or "to join." The name is typically found in the Philipp...

Cabalhug (Last name)

surnames > cabalhug

The last name "Cabalhug" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a word in the Leonese dialect, "cabal," which means horse, and the suffix "-hug" which could be a phonetic variati...

Cabaling (Last name)

surnames > cabaling

The surname Cabaling is of Philippine origin. It is derived from the word "kabalyero," which means "knight" in Tagalog. The name may have been used as a title of nobility or honor ...

Caballas (Last name)

surnames > caballas

The last name "Caballas" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "caballo," meaning horse, and may have originally denoted someone who worked with horses or had some asso...

Cabalquinto (Last name)

surnames > cabalquinto

The last name "Cabalquinto" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "cabal" meaning "horse" and "quinto" meaning "fifth." This suggests that the original bearer o...

Cabaltierra (Last name)

surnames > cabaltierra

The last name "Cabaltierra" originates from Spain. It is believed to be a toponymic surname, derived from the combination of the words "caba" meaning hut or cabin, and "tierra" mea...

Cabalum (Last name)

surnames > cabalum

The surname Cabalum is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "kabalyero," which means "knight" or "gentleman." The surname may have been given to individuals of n...

Cabana de jesus (Last name)

surnames > cabana-de-jesus

The surname Cabana de Jesus has its origins in Portugal. "Cabana" is derived from the Portuguese word for cabin or hut, while "de Jesus" translates to "of Jesus," indicating a conn...

Cabane (Last name)

surnames > cabane

The surname "Cabane" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "cabane," meaning "hut" or "small dwelling." This name was originally a topographic surname for som...