Last Name Cavazos

The last name "Cavazos" has its origin in Spain. It is a Spanish surname derived from the place name "Cavazos," a village located in the Cantabria region in northern Spain. As people migrated from Spain to different parts of the world, the surname Cavazos also traveled with them. Today, it is a fairly common surname found not only in Spain but also in various Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Mexico and the United States due to historical migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cavazos

The meaning and origin of the last name Cavazos

The surname Cavazos is of Spanish origin and is primarily associated with the region of Cantabria in northern Spain. The name derives from the word "cavazoso," which means "full of hollows" or "depressions," a reference to the topography of the area. It is believed that the Cavazos family could have been originally linked to this distinctive geographical feature. Over time, as people migrated, the surname spread to different regions of Spain and eventually to the Americas, particularly Mexico and Texas. The Cavazos family can be traced back to the 15th century, where they held prominent positions in various industries such as agriculture, farming, and commerce. As many Cavazos families crossed the Atlantic to establish new lives, their surname became deeply rooted in Mexican and Texan history. Today, the name Cavazos is still quite prevalent in these areas, representing a sense of familial pride and heritage among those who bear the surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cavazos

The last name Cavazos has a significant geographical distribution primarily in Mexico and the United States. In Mexico, Cavazos is particularly concentrated in the northeastern region, specifically in the state of Nuevo León, where it originated. This surname is prevalent among individuals of Spanish and indigenous ancestry in Mexico, and many Cavazos families continue to reside in this area. In the United States, the Cavazos name has spread due to migration patterns from Mexico and has become more widely dispersed. It is most commonly found in Texas, where a large Mexican-American population resides, but there are also substantial numbers of Cavazos individuals in other southwestern states such as California and Arizona. Over time, some Cavazos descendants have moved to other parts of the United States, leading to a more dispersed distribution across the country. Furthermore, due to globalization and immigration, the Cavazos surname can also be found among individuals of Mexican heritage in various other countries, including Canada and parts of Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cavazos

The last name Cavazos, originating from Spain, has several variations and spellings due to the diverse transliteration practices across different regions and through time. Some of the common variations include Cavazoz, Cavasos, Cavasoz, Cavassos, Cawazos, Kavasos, Kavasoz, and Kavazos. These variations may have emerged as a result of phonetic adaptation, changes in spelling conventions, or regional dialects. Additionally, the name may have been altered when individuals migrated to different countries, such as the United States, where local customs and pronunciation influenced its transformation. It is important to note that different branches of the same family might use slightly different last name variations. Despite the numerous spellings, they all trace their origins back to the original Cavazos surname, which continues to be a significant part of Hispanic heritage and genealogy today.

Famous people with the last name Cavazos

One famous person with the last name Cavazos is Lauro F. Cavazos, an American educator and politician. He became the first person of Hispanic descent to serve as the United States Secretary of Education under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Cavazos worked towards implementing various educational reforms and promoting opportunities for students from all backgrounds. Another well-known individual is Édgar Cavazos, a Mexican professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for the Liga MX team, Club Tijuana. Cavazos is recognized for his skill, speed, and versatility on the field, contributing significantly to his team's success. Lastly, Raul Cavazos, a renowned Mexican architect, has made a notable impact in the architectural industry. His innovative designs and use of sustainable materials have garnered international acclaim. Cavazos has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including the National Architecture Prize of Mexico, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the field.

Genealogical research on the last name Cavazos

The surname Cavazos has roots in Spain and is believed to have originated from the Galician region in Northwestern Spain. The name is derived from the Galician word "cavazos," which refers to a small field surrounded by hedges or fences. During the medieval period, many families with this name moved south to Castile and Andalusia, where they established themselves as landowners and farmers. In the 17th century, some members of the Cavazos family migrated to the New World, particularly to Mexico and later to Texas, USA. Over time, the Cavazos name spread across the American Southwest and throughout Latin America, becoming prominent in various fields, including politics, sports, and academia. Today, descendants of the Cavazos family can be found in many countries, carrying on their ancestral heritage and contributing to the diverse cultural tapestry of their respective communities.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cavazos"
• 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 April 2025

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