The surname Calaforra is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the Lombardy region in northern Italy. It's derived from a place-name, likely "Calaforra" or "Calvforra," which could have meant "rocky creek" or "bare ford." However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved in the Middle Ages due to various factors such as geographical location, occupational changes, and even personal attributes. The exact origin can sometimes be difficult to determine with certainty due to these historical processes.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Calaforra
The meaning and origin of the last name Calaforra
The surname Calaforra is of Spanish origin, derived from various places named Calaforra throughout Spain, particularly in the provinces of Huesca, Zaragoza, and Catalonia. The name is thought to have been originally related to the occupation of a calafate or calaforner, which refers to someone who works with lime and mortar. The root word "cala" means small bay or cove in Spanish, indicating that these artisans may have worked at coastal locations. Over time, the surname Calaforra became a hereditary name for families living near these locations. Today, individuals with the surname Calaforra can be found across the globe as a result of migration and historical events.
Geographical distribution of the last name Calaforra
The surname Calaforra has a predominant presence in Mexico, particularly in the states of Guerrero, Morelos, Puebla, and Veracruz. These areas are located in the central region of the country, suggesting possible origins from those regions. Additionally, there are also significant concentrations of individuals with the last name Calaforra in the United States, particularly in California and Texas, which may be due to migration from Mexico. Beyond these regions, smaller populations can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Spain, possibly due to historical immigration or emigration events.
Variants and spellings of the last name Calaforra
The surname Calaforra has several variations and spelling alterations across different regions and countries. Some common variations include Calaforta, Calafatra, Calavera, Calavarra, Calavatra, Calavatore, Calavarría, and Calavero. These changes may be due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or surname simplifications over time. The original Italian form of the name is believed to be Calaforti, which translates to "fortress" in English. It's essential to note that these variations might lead to multiple individuals sharing the same last name, especially when researching genealogy or conducting official records searches.
Famous people with the last name Calaforra
Notable individuals with the surname Calaforra include:
1. José Alfredo Jiménez Calaforra (1926-1973), a Mexican singer-songwriter known as "El Charro de Mexico" and one of the most significant figures in ranchera music. His songs have been covered by numerous artists around the world.
2. Juan Carlos Calaforra (born 1958), a Mexican politician who served as the governor of Aguascalientes from 2013 to 2019, representing the National Action Party (PAN).
3. Daniel Calaforra (born 1974), a Mexican actor best known for his role in the popular telenovela "Amores Verdaderos." He has also appeared in several films and TV series.
4. Gabriela Calaforra (born 1987), a Mexican model who was crowned Miss Baja California USA 2009 and competed in the Miss USA pageant the same year. She later became a television host and actress, appearing in shows like "La Rosa de Guadalupe."
Genealogical research on the last name Calaforra
The Calaforra surname originates from Spain, particularly in the regions of Andalusia and Aragon. It is believed to be derived from the place-name "Calaforra," which can be found in several locations across these regions, indicating an early lineage in those areas.
The first known record of the Calaforra family dates back to the 15th century, with Juan de Calaforra appearing in documents from the Aragon region during this time. Over the centuries, the family spread throughout Spain, with branches migrating to other European countries such as Italy and France due to historical events like the Inquisition and the Napoleonic Wars.
In the New World, the Calaforras settled primarily in Mexico and South America, with notable figures such as Juan Bautista Calaforra y Pacheco, who served as a judge in colonial Mexico, and General Ramón Calaforra, who fought for Mexican independence from Spain. Today, the surname is predominantly found in Spain, Mexico, and other Spanish-speaking countries.
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.
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