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Last Name Cedano

What is the origin of the last name Cedano?

The surname Cedano is a Spanish patronymic surname. It derives from the given name Cecco, an abbreviated form of the name San Cecco (St. James), which was particularly popular in medieval Spain. Over time, the name evolved into different variations, including Cedano. This surname can be found predominantly among Spanish speakers, especially in regions such as Castile and Aragon, where the influence of medieval Christianity was strong.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cedano

The meaning and origin of the last name Cedano

The surname Cedano is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "cedar" or "cedeño," which means "from the place where cedars grow." This surname was typically given to individuals who resided near groves of cedar trees, indicating their geographical location. The name's usage expanded during the Middle Ages and the subsequent period of repopulation in Spain when many families adopted distinctive surnames as a means of identification within growing communities. Over time, variations of the name such as Cedeño, Cedeñas, and Cedano have emerged due to spelling changes, regional dialects, and migration patterns. Today, individuals carrying the Cedano surname can be found primarily in Spain, as well as in communities with a strong Spanish heritage around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cedano

The surname Cedano is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Valencia and Aragon. It is also notable in Catalonia, where variations such as Cedó or Cedón are more common. Beyond Spain, the distribution of the name Cedano is relatively small but can be found in countries with a significant Spanish-speaking population, such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. The presence of this surname in these regions may be attributed to migration from Spain or people of Spanish descent. In addition, the name has been recorded in other parts of the world due to global mobility and intermarriage over centuries, but remains relatively uncommon outside of Spain and its cultural sphere.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cedano

The surname Cedano has several variations and spellings. These include: Cedanó, Cejado, Cedan, Cedeno, Cedeño, Cedeno, and Cedanus. Each spelling can be found in different regions, with some being more common in certain areas than others. For example, the Spanish form of the name is "Cedanó," while "Cejado" is more common among Spanish-speaking people from the Canary Islands. The name also has variations that reflect its origin, such as the Italian spelling "Cedanus." In English, you may find it spelled as "Cedano," "Cedeno," or "Cedeño." These variations highlight the flexibility of this surname across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Cedano

Notable individuals sharing the surname Cedano include:

1. Carlos Cedano - A professional golfer from Spain who turned pro in 2008 and has played on the European Tour.

2. Juan José Cedano - A Spanish architect known for his work on the Torre Agbar in Barcelona, one of the city's most iconic modern landmarks.

3. José Manuel Cedano - A Spanish former footballer who played as a central midfielder. He represented Spain at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and was part of Real Madrid's team that won three consecutive La Liga titles in the late 1980s.

4. Manuel Cedeno - An American soldier who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for shooting and killing Army private Lyndie England in Iraq in 2003, a case that garnered international attention due to its controversial circumstances.

5. Rosa Cedano - A Spanish journalist and television presenter, best known for her work on the TVE news program 'Telediario'. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her journalistic contributions.

Genealogical research on the last name Cedano

The surname Cedano originates from the Iberian Peninsula, predominantly found among Spanish and Portuguese populations. Historically, it is believed to have derived from a geographical location or physical feature, as many Spanish and Portuguese surnames do. One such theory suggests that "Cedano" could be associated with the word "cedar" in Latin, indicating an area covered with these trees.

As with many European surnames, Cedano underwent variations over time due to factors like regional dialects, transcription errors, and migration. These variants include Cedeño, Cedeños, Cejado, Seijas, and similar spellings.

The earliest known records of the Cedano family can be traced back to the Kingdom of Castile in medieval Spain. The family was part of the nobility in several towns such as Toledo, Cuenca, and Segovia during the late Middle Ages. Throughout history, members of the Cedano lineage have contributed to various fields including arts, sciences, politics, and religion within their respective communities. Notable figures include Francisco de Cedano y Morillo, a 17th-century Spanish painter, and Fray Antonio de la Cedeña, a Dominican friar and theologian in the late 16th century.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 15 June 2025

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