Last Name Cacho

The surname "Cacho" has Spanish and Portuguese origins. In both languages, it is derived from the word "cazo," which means "casserole" or "pot." Surnames were often occupational names in medieval Europe, and this one likely originated with someone who was a potter or a cook using large pots. The name is also found in Jewish families of Spanish and Portuguese descent, having been adapted to Hebrew phonetics as "Kahana" or similar forms.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cacho

The meaning and origin of the last name Cacho

The surname Cacho is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the old Occitan word "cac", which means "rooster" or "cock". It may have been used as a nickname for someone who resembled a rooster in appearance or behavior, such as being loud or aggressive. Alternatively, it could be a topographic name for someone living near a cock's cage (Spanish: "cage del gallo"), a common feature in farms where roosters were kept. The surname has been borne by numerous figures in history, including the Spanish painter Luis Felipe Cacho and the Portuguese writer Maria do Ceú Cacho. Today, it is found predominantly among Hispanic and Lusophone populations but has also spread to other regions due to immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cacho

The last name Cacho has its origins primarily in Spain, with significant concentrations found in regions such as Castile-Leon, Galicia, and Andalusia. Historically, it is associated with the Moorish conquest of Iberia, as many surnames with Arabic roots were adopted by the reconquering Christian populations. The name has also spread to other parts of the world due to Spanish colonization and immigration. In Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Puerto Rico, the Cacho surname is relatively common. Additionally, smaller communities of individuals with the surname Cacho can be found in the United States, primarily in Florida and Texas, as a result of Spanish settlements. The Cacho name also appears sporadically in countries such as France, Italy, and the Philippines due to various historical interactions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cacho

The surname Cacho has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common versions include:

1. Cacho: This is the original Spanish spelling, which derives from the Occitan word "cac" meaning goat or donkey. It's also pronounced [kaˈcho] in modern Spanish.

2. Cache: A variant of the French pronunciation of Cacho (pronounced as [kaʃ]), which is a diminutive form of the name Jacques, itself derived from Hebrew origins.

3. Kacho: In some Eastern European languages like Russian or Ukrainian, this could be a phonetic transcription of the Spanish surname Cacho.

4. Catco, Katco, or Katko: These are possible anglicized versions of the surname Cacho, which may have developed due to mispronunciation, misspelling, or assimilation into English-speaking communities.

5. Cassio, Cassie: While not direct variants or spellings of Cacho, these names share a similar origin as they derive from the Latin name Gaius Cassius Longinus, which has been adapted and transformed over time in various languages.

Famous people with the last name Cacho

Among the notable individuals with the last name Cacho are Josefa Cacho-Olivares, a Mexican artist known for her work during the Mexican Renaissance; Carlos Cacho, a Cuban-American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Miami Vice" and "The Sopranos"; and Eduardo Cacho, a Spanish composer and conductor who has been recognized as one of the most important figures in 20th-century Spanish music. Additionally, Martin Cacho is an Argentine footballer who has played for clubs such as River Plate, Boca Juniors, and Barcelona. In the United States, Jimmy Cacho, a Puerto Rican actor, is known for his roles in films like "Midnight Cowboy" and "Born to Win." These individuals have contributed significantly to their respective fields across various disciplines, making the surname Cacho synonymous with talent and achievement.

Genealogical research on the last name Cacho

The surname Cacho has roots in several regions of Spain, particularly in the provinces of Burgos, Palencia, and Soria, where it is believed to have originated among the medieval Christian population during the Reconquista period. The name is thought to derive from the Old Spanish word "cazo," meaning "pot" or "kettle." Over time, the Cacho family expanded across Spain, with notable settlements in cities such as Madrid, Valencia, and Seville. Some members of the family emigrated to South America during the colonization period, establishing a strong presence in countries like Peru, Argentina, and Cuba. In the United States, individuals with the surname Cacho can be found predominantly in California, Florida, and Texas, reflecting historical migration patterns from Latin America. Today, the Cacho family is diverse, with members practicing various professions and residing in multiple countries worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cacho"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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

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