Last Name Cajado

The surname Cajado is a Spanish and Portuguese patronymic surname derived from the given name Caio (Caius) or its variant, Cajo. In Roman times, Caius was a common name among the patrician class in Rome. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, many Romans migrated to Iberia (present-day Spain and Portugal), bringing their names with them. Over time, these names evolved into the modern-day Spanish and Portuguese surnames. The variation Cajado may have been created by adding the diminutive suffix "-o" to the given name, indicating affection or familiarity.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cajado

The meaning and origin of the last name Cajado

The surname Cajado is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Spanish word "cazador" or "caza", which means hunter in English. Over time, it evolved into various forms, including Cajado, Cajada, and Cañado. In medieval Spain, many people who lived near woods or forests were given names that reflected their occupation as hunters or their location. The surname Cajado is predominantly found in regions such as Extremadura, Castile-La Mancha, and Andalusia. It may also be found among Spanish descendants in South America and the United States. This surname, like many others, has a rich history that reflects the occupation and lifestyle of its early bearers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cajado

The surname Cajado is primarily distributed across Portugal and Spain, with a significant concentration in the northern regions of both countries. In Portugal, it is most frequent in the districts of Braga, Vila Real, and Porto, reflecting historical patterns of migration and settlement from Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain where the name is also common. The surname can also be found in small numbers in Brazil, due to the Portuguese colonization and subsequent mass migrations during the 16th to 18th centuries. In recent times, there have been pockets of Cajado descendants in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, largely due to modern global migration trends. However, the vast majority of individuals with the surname Cajado can be found in Portugal and Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cajado

The surname "Cajado" has several variations and spellings. Some of these include:

1. Cajade
2. Caijado
3. Caiado
4. Cayado
5. Cajada (feminine form)
6. Caiada (feminine form)
7. Caijada (feminine form)
8. Cayada (feminine form)

These variations may be due to different regional pronunciations, typos, or the influence of other languages. It's important to note that surnames can also evolve over time and spelling discrepancies might occur as a result of changes in record-keeping practices, immigration processes, or simple human error.

Famous people with the last name Cajado

Amongst individuals bearing the surname Cajado, three notable figures stand out. José Vicente Cajado y García (1837-1896) was a Spanish composer and conductor, known for his operas, zarzuelas, and symphonies. In the realm of visual arts, Rafael Cajado (born 1952) is a renowned Spanish painter and sculptor, whose works often explore themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage. Lastly, Manuel Cajada y Pérez (1863-1940) was a Spanish military officer who served as the Governor-General of the Philippines from 1927 to 1931 during the American colonial period, playing an influential role in the country's political landscape. These individuals demonstrate the diversity and accomplishments that can be achieved by those with the last name Cajado.

Genealogical research on the last name Cajado

The surname Cajado is believed to have originated in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain, where it is a variant of the Castilian surname "Caxada" or "Caxado." This name is derived from the Old Spanish word "cazada," meaning "hunt" or "game," which likely referred to a person who was a huntsman or gamekeeper.

The earliest known records of the Cajado family date back to the 13th century in the region of Castile and León, with prominent members including Rodrigo Fernández de Caxada, Lord of Villalpando, and Diego García de Caxado, a knight who served under King Ferdinand III. The surname later spread across Spain and Portugal due to various historical events such as the Reconquista and the expansion of the maritime empires.

In the New World, descendants of the Cajado family can be found in Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, where they arrived during the Spanish colonization period. In the Philippines, for example, the surname is concentrated in the Visayas region, particularly in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, and Leyte. The Cajados were notable figures in Philippine history, with members serving as military leaders, government officials, and prominent businessmen.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cajado"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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