The surname Ceja (Cejas) is a Spanish and Portuguese patronymic name. It originates from the male given name Cece, which was derived from the Latin name Caecus or Caius, meaning "blind" in Latin. Over time, this name evolved into various forms in different regions of Spain and Portugal, such as Ceja or Cejas. The use of patronymic surnames like Ceja was a common practice in many countries during the Middle Ages when people adopted their father's first names as their last names to distinguish themselves from others with the same given name.
The surname Ceja is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "ceja," which means eyebrow in English. This surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a prominence resembling an eyebrow or as a nickname for someone with distinctive eyebrows. The use of physical features to identify individuals was common in medieval Spain, where people were often identified by their distinctive characteristics. The surname Ceja is mainly found in the Spanish-speaking world, particularly in Mexico and other Latin American countries, but also appears among Hispanic populations in the United States and elsewhere. It belongs to a group of Spanish surnames that are primarily occupational or descriptive in nature, reflecting the social structure and daily life of medieval Spain.
The surname Ceja is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Mexico and Spain, due to its origins from these regions. According to data from the FamilySearch website, which compiles genealogical records, a significant number of people with the last name Ceja reside in Mexico, particularly in the states of Jalisco, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Puebla. The name is also present in Spain, especially in regions like Castilla y León and Galicia. Smaller populations of individuals with the last name Ceja can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, as well as in Central and South American nations. In the United States, Ceja is most common among Mexican Americans, particularly in states with large Mexican-origin populations like California, Texas, Illinois, and Florida.
The surname Ceja has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Cea, Ceya, Cheja, Chheja, and Tseja, which may be found among different ethnic groups or regions. Additionally, the name may appear as Chejová (female form in Czech language) or Chejoa (Spanish female variant). In some cases, diacritics can also be omitted, such as Cea, Ceja, and Cheja without accent marks. Lastly, phonetic variations like Keja, Keya, or Kheja could occur due to pronunciation differences or transcription errors.
Notable individuals with the surname Ceja include:
* Juan Carlos Ceja, a Mexican footballer who has played for clubs such as Cruz Azul and Monarcas Morelia. He represented Mexico at international level and was part of the team that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2011.
* Maria Celeste Arraras Ceja, an American journalist and news anchor. She is currently the co-host of "Al Rojo Vivo con Maria Celeste" on Telemundo, a Spanish-language television network. Arraras has won numerous awards for her work in journalism, including five Emmy Awards.
* Josefa Ceja de Leon, a Mexican activist and leader of the peasant movement known as La Liga de Campesina (The Peasant League). In 1974, she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the "Alternative Nobel Prize," for her work in promoting social justice and sustainability in rural Mexico.
* Juan Ceja, a Mexican artist who works primarily in printmaking and sculpture. He has exhibited his work internationally, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. Ceja's art is characterized by its political commentary and exploration of Mexican identity.
* Maria del Carmen Ceja-Sanchez, a Colombian politician who served as the Minister of Defense from 2014 to 2015. She was the first woman to hold this position in Colombia and was known for her efforts to combat armed violence and strengthen the rule of law in the country.
The surname Ceja originated in Spain, where it is believed to have roots in the medieval kingdoms of León and Castile. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 12th century, with members of the Ceja family appearing as landowners and nobles in these regions. Over time, the family expanded and migrated, particularly during the Spanish colonial period when many Spaniards settled in Central and South America. In Mexico, the Ceja family became prominent in the state of Jalisco, with the town of Ceja now named after them. The Ceja family tree exhibits a wide distribution globally, with significant populations in Spain, Mexico, the United States, and other Spanish-speaking countries. Notable individuals with the surname Ceja include artists, politicians, and entrepreneurs, demonstrating its historical and contemporary significance.
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