Last Name Cartagena

The surname "Cartagena" has its origins in Spain. It is derived from a place-name, specifically the city of Cartagena, located on the Mediterranean coast in the autonomous community of Murcia in southeastern Spain. Over time, as families moved from the region or migrated to other countries, the name "Cartagena" became a popular surname among its inhabitants and their descendants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cartagena

The meaning and origin of the last name Cartagena

The surname Cartagena is of Spanish origin, derived from the city of Cartagena, located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. It is believed to have been first used as a geographical or occupational name for someone who was born, lived, or worked in this particular city. Over time, the name spread to other regions due to population movement and migration, particularly during the Spanish colonization of America. In some cases, it may also be a nickname for someone with dark skin or a swarthy complexion, as Cartagena is known for its warm climate. Today, the surname Cartagena can be found among populations in Spain, South America (especially in Colombia and Peru), and other countries with significant Spanish influence. It is pronounced "kar-tah-heh-na" in Spanish.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cartagena

The last name Cartagena is predominantly distributed in Spain and South America, particularly in Colombia. In Spain, it originates from the city of Cartagena, located on the Mediterranean Sea coast. As one of the oldest cities in the Iberian Peninsula, it has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome, contributing to the proliferation of the surname. In Colombia, the name is often associated with the historical city of Cartagena de Indias, a port city founded in 1533 during Spanish colonial rule. Today, many Colombians share this surname, especially among those who reside in and around Cartagena de Indias. The Cartagena surname can also be found in other Latin American countries as well as the United States due to migration patterns from Spain and Colombia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cartagena

The surname Cartagena has several variations and spellings across different cultures and regions. Some common variants include: Cartagena-Torres, Cartagena-López, and Cartagena-González, which combine the last name with other patronymics. In English, it may also appear as Cartegena or Cartenagen. The name is derived from the city of Cartagena, located in Colombia, Spain, and other regions such as Cartagena, Italy and Cartagena, Morocco. Another variant is the French form, Carthagène, which refers to the ancient city of Carthage in Tunisia. It's important to note that surnames can have many variations due to transcription errors, regional dialects, or family traditions.

Famous people with the last name Cartagena

The Cartagena family has produced several notable figures across various fields. Among them is Sofía Vergara, a well-known Colombian actress and model best known for her role in the American sitcom "Modern Family," which earned her multiple Emmy nominations. Another significant figure is the Spanish painter Juan Sánchez Cotán, who specialized in still life paintings and is particularly famous for his work, "Quince, Melon y Sidra" (1602), showcased at the Prado Museum in Madrid. Furthermore, there is Juan Pablo Cartagena, a Mexican journalist and news anchor, known for his work with Televisa. Lastly, Jorge Luis Cartagena, better known as Geo Cartagena, is a Puerto Rican actor, singer, and model who gained fame in the Spanish-speaking world. These individuals have contributed significantly to their respective fields and continue to be recognized for their accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Cartagena

The surname Cartagena originates from Spain, specifically the city of Cartagena, located in the autonomous community of Murcia. It is believed to have been first used by individuals who resided there, with early records dating back to the Middle Ages. Over time, the name spread throughout Spain and other parts of Europe due to various historical events, including the Reconquista and the expansion of Spanish colonies during the Age of Discovery.

The Cartagena family is thought to have descended from noble lineages in medieval Cartagena, with some notable members holding positions in the military or clergy. The surname also has a significant presence in the New World, particularly in South America, due to Spanish colonization and immigration. In Colombia, for instance, the name Cartagena is synonymous with the city of Cartagena de Indias, a historic port on the Caribbean coast, reflecting the enduring impact of the family's Spanish heritage. Today, the Cartagena surname can be found in many countries, testifying to its historical and cultural significance.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cartagena"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends