Last Name Caicoya

Learn more about the origin of the last name Caicoya

The meaning and origin of the last name Caicoya

The surname Caicoya is of indigenous South American origin, specifically from the Quichua language spoken by various groups in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. In Quichua, "caica" means "black" and "-oya" can denote a place or a group of people, hence Caicoya could be translated as "black settlement" or "black people". The surname might have been given to individuals who were part of a specific indigenous tribe or community that was known for its dark-skinned members. Over time, the name has spread and evolved among various populations due to migrations, colonialism, and assimilation processes in South America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Caicoya

The Caicoya surname has its origins in the Basque region of Spain, specifically in the province of Guipuzcoa. Historically, it was primarily concentrated in the coastal towns and valleys of this region. Over time, due to migration and colonial expansion, the Caicoya name has also been found in other Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in South America. In these regions, concentrations of Caicoyas can be found in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru, where they may have immigrated as Basque whalers or settlers during the colonial era. In recent years, members of this surname have also dispersed globally through migration, with significant diaspora communities in places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Caicoya

The last name Caicoya can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some possible variants include Caquoya, Cayquoya, Caiquoya, Kaikoya, Kaiquoya, and Kakoya. These variations may arise from regional accents, dialects, or historical changes in spelling conventions. In some cases, these variations can also be influenced by the language of origin, as Caicoya is a name of Quechua origin that has been adopted by Spanish speakers in South America. Additionally, it's worth noting that individuals may choose to alter their surnames for personal reasons, such as changing the spelling or adopting different variations.

Famous people with the last name Caicoya

The Caicoya family has produced several notable individuals, predominantly in the realm of sports and entertainment. One of the most recognized is Juan Carlos Caicoya, a professional soccer player from Ecuador who played as a midfielder for various clubs, including Barcelona Sporting Club, and represented his national team at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

In the world of music, Luis Enrique Caicedo, also known as Luis Caicedo, is an award-winning Ecuadorian singer-songwriter who has gained international recognition for his fusion of traditional Andean music with contemporary genres. He has collaborated with artists like Shakira and Juanes and won multiple Latin Grammy Awards.

Lastly, Fernando Caicoya, a Mexican actor, has garnered acclaim in the film industry. He began his career as a child actor and went on to star in numerous telenovelas and films throughout his career. Among his most notable roles is that of Rafael Valdés in the popular Mexican television series "Like Water for Chocolate."

These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, represent some of the most famous people with the last name Caicoya.

Genealogical research on the last name Caicoya

The Caicoya surname is primarily associated with the indigenous peoples of South America, particularly in Ecuador and Peru. Its origins can be traced back to the pre-Columbian era. In Ecuador, it is often found among the Kichwa communities in the Amazon region, where it is believed to have its roots in the Tupi language, meaning "caiman hunter" or "son of the caiman." However, the exact origin and historical context of the name Caicoya are not well-documented. In Peru, the surname has been recorded since the late 16th century, suggesting a migration from Ecuador during the Spanish colonization period. Research into the family history and genealogy of individuals with the Caicoya surname often involves tracing their lineage within specific indigenous communities and documenting their cultural practices, language, and ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Caicoya"
• 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 : 24 July 2025