Last Name Caravaca

Learn more about the origin of the last name Caravaca

The meaning and origin of the last name Caravaca

The surname Caravaca is of Spanish origin, specifically associated with the region of Murcia in southeastern Spain. It is derived from the place name "Caravaca de la Cruz," a town known for its ancient Christian sanctuary, the Santuario de la Veracruz, which dates back to the 12th century. The name Caravaca itself is believed to be derived from the Arabic "Qurawwat al-Saqiyah," meaning "well of the crier" or "well of the herald." Over time, the name evolved and was adapted by the inhabitants of this town, ultimately becoming a common surname in Spain. The Caravaca surname is also found in other Spanish-speaking countries due to migration patterns over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Caravaca

The surname Caravaca is predominantly distributed across Spain, particularly in the region of Murcia and the adjacent provinces of Albacete, Alicante, and Valencia. It also has significant presence in the Extremadura region, especially in the province of Cáceres. Additionally, small clusters can be found in other parts of Spain such as Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, and Madrid. Beyond Spain, Caravaca is also present in several countries with a significant Spanish population, including Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico. The name may have origins linked to the town of Caravaca de la Cruz in Murcia, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times and gained prominence as a pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. The dispersal of this surname throughout Spanish-speaking regions and beyond is likely due to historical migration patterns and the expansion of the Spanish language.

Variants and spellings of the last name Caravaca

The surname Caravaca has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and evolution over time. Some common spelling variations include Carabaca, Carravaca, Carrabaca, Karabaka, Karrabaka, and Cavacca. These variations may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, or changes in the spelling of names over generations. In some cases, the name may also be found with prefixes such as de, del, la, or los, which indicate the individual's place of origin (e.g., De Caravaca, Del Carravaca). Despite these variations, all of these names are believed to be derived from a common root, likely referring to a place or occupation associated with rocky terrain. The Caravacas can be found in several countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, but also throughout Latin America due to historical migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Caravaca

The Caravaca surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Jose Manuel Caravaca, a Spanish footballer who played as a central defender for clubs such as Real Betis and Sporting de Gijón, as well as the Spanish national team. He was known for his leadership skills and strong defensive abilities.

In literature, Pilar Caravaca is a celebrated Argentine author and journalist. Her works include "Voces para no olvidar" (Voices to Remember) and "La noche de los cuchillos" (The Night of the Knives), which tackle themes such as human rights, political repression, and social injustice.

Lastly, Manuel Caravaca y García de la Huerta was a Spanish military officer who played a significant role in the Spanish colonial expansion during the 17th century. He served as the Governor of Chile from 1693 to 1698 and made important contributions to the growth and development of the colony.

Genealogical research on the last name Caravaca

The Caravaca surname is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the region of Andalusia. It is derived from the Arabic "Qarabáqa," which translates to "small, dry, or barren hill." The first recorded mention of this name was in the 15th century, during the Christian Reconquista of Spain. One notable historical figure bearing the Caravaca surname is Diego de Carvajal y de la Cueva, a Spanish conquistador who participated in the conquest of Mexico and Peru in the early 16th century. The family's coat of arms features three towers on a field of azure, symbolizing strength and fortitude. Genealogical research indicates that many Caravaca descendants migrated to other regions within Spain, as well as to Latin America, particularly Mexico and Peru. Today, the Caravaca surname is found in various countries, with the largest populations still in Spain.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Caravaca"
• 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