Last Name Capin

The surname "Capin" is of French origin. It is derived from a place name meaning "the headland" or "cape". The name was often given to someone who lived near such a feature, or to someone who was noted for some particularly prominent physical characteristic, much like the modern usage of "Cape" in English language. During the Middle Ages, people generally took their occupational names from the place where they lived, so surnames like Capin were likely originally geographical rather than descriptive.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Capin

The meaning and origin of the last name Capin

The surname Capin is of Basque origin, specifically from the region of Spain known as Navarre and the adjacent areas of southern France. The name is believed to have derived from various places named 'Kapin' or 'Cabín' in the Basque country, which are thought to be related to the Basque words 'kapti' (cabinet) or 'kapi' (door), signifying a place with a small enclosure or building. In some cases, it may have also been an occupational name for someone who built or repaired doors and cabins. The surname Capin has since spread throughout various parts of Europe due to migration patterns and historical events, evolving into different variations over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Capin

The surname Capin is predominantly found in the Philippines, where it ranks among the top 2,000 most common family names. It originates from the Tagalog word "kapin" meaning 'cinnamon', reflecting its historical usage by people involved in the cinnamon trade or cultivation. The name is also present in smaller numbers in Spain, especially in regions such as Galicia and the Basque Country, due to historic colonial ties with the Philippines. Additionally, there are scattered occurrences of Capin families in other parts of Europe, America, Australia, and Asia, primarily due to emigration from the Philippines over the past century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Capin

The surname Capin, while predominantly recognized in its original spelling, has several variants and spelling variations that may appear across different regions or time periods. Some of these include Capine, Cappin, Kapin, Kapine, Kaping, Kappin, and Kaapin. These variations can stem from differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during record keeping, or simply personal preference when spelling one's name. The commonality among all these variants is their shared origin as a surname derived from various places named Capin or a nickname meaning 'cabbage' in certain languages.

Famous people with the last name Capin

Notable individuals bearing the surname Capin include:

1. Juan Miguel Capin-Usana: A Filipino diplomat who served as Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2016 and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York from 2007 to 2010.

2. Richard Capin: An American statistician, economist, and professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He is best known for his contributions to labor economics and the study of discrimination.

3. Paul Caponigro Capin: An American photographer whose work often focuses on nature, particularly landscapes and seascapes. His images are part of numerous permanent collections in museums around the world.

4. Richard Capin Preston: A British author who has written over 50 books across various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction. His works have been translated into multiple languages.

5. Lara Capraru Capin: A Romanian poet, essayist, and translator. She is a recipient of the George Bacovia Award for Poetry, one of Romania's most prestigious literary honors.

Genealogical research on the last name Capin

The Capin surname originates from France, specifically the region of Normandy. It is derived from the occupational name "Capitaine," which means captain or leader. The first recorded instances of the Capin name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages. The family migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, where they maintained a significant presence for several centuries. Some branches of the family later moved to the British Isles and subsequently spread across Europe due to various historical events such as the Hundred Years War and the Reformation. In more recent history, many Capin descendants emigrated to the Americas, particularly the United States and Canada, beginning in the 17th century. Today, the Capin surname can be found worldwide, with concentrations in France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Capin"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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