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Last Name Coaquira

What is the origin of the last name Coaquira?

The surname "Coaquira" is a Spanish-speaking variation of the Basque surname Koiketxea, which means "from the hollow by the oak tree." The Basques are an ethnic group predominantly living in the Basque Country, an area historically divided between Spain and France. They have their own language and culture, and many of them have kept their unique surnames through generations. The variation to "Coaquira" might be due to regional or historical changes in pronunciation and spelling.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coaquira

The meaning and origin of the last name Coaquira

The surname Coaquira is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula where it first appeared. It derives from the Latin term "Caquinus", which was a personal name used in ancient Rome and later adopted by the Visigoths who invaded the peninsula during the Middle Ages. Over time, this personal name evolved into the surname Coaquira as a result of linguistic changes within the Basque, Galician, and Castilian populations of Spain. The meaning of the name is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be either a variant of the Latin "Cactus" (thorn), referencing physical characteristics or landmarks of the time, or a diminutive form of "Coco", which means 'berry', reflecting the abundance of berries in the region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coaquira

The surname Coaquira is predominantly found in Central and South America, particularly in countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and Peru. According to data from FamilyEducation, it is most common in Mexico, where it ranks among the top 40,000 surnames, suggesting a relatively large number of bearers. The name also appears in Guatemala, although not as frequently, and is somewhat less prevalent in Colombia and Peru. It's important to note that the distribution of this surname mirrors broader demographic trends, with high concentrations in Central and Latin America due to historical colonial ties, immigration patterns, and local naming customs.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coaquira

The surname Coaquira can be found with various spellings and minor variations. These include Coaquira, Coakwira, Coaquirra, Coacquira, Coaquirra, and possibly others due to the phonetic nature of the name and regional dialects. It originates from Spanish-speaking countries and is believed to have been derived from a place or person of significance in its native region. However, the exact etymology is yet to be definitively established. The variations in spelling may result from differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or regional dialects within Spain and Latin America where this name is predominantly found.

Famous people with the last name Coaquira

Notable individuals with the surname Coaquira include:

1. Manuel Antonio Coaquira (1943-2018), a Colombian journalist and politician, who served as Minister of Information Technology and Communications for Colombia from 2006 to 2007. He was also a member of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2002.

2. Carlos Coaquira (born 1957), a Mexican actor, screenwriter, producer, and director, known for his work in telenovelas such as "El Fantasma del Paradiso" and "La Pequeña Señora de Puerto Rico." He has won multiple awards, including the Ariel Award for Best Supporting Actor.

3. Marisol Coaquira (born 1967), a Mexican actress and model, known for her roles in telenovelas such as "El Manantial" and "Mundo de Fieras." She has also been a host on various television shows, including "Sabado Gigante" and "Cantando por un Sueño."

4. Francisco Javier Coaquira (born 1975), a Mexican video game developer and co-founder of Volition Inc., best known for creating the "Saints Row" series. He has also worked on games like "Red Faction: Guerrilla" and "Agents of Mayhem."

These individuals represent various fields, including politics, acting, journalism, and video game development, demonstrating the diversity and accomplishments of those with the surname Coaquira.

Genealogical research on the last name Coaquira

The surname Coaquira originates from the Basque region in Spain and is believed to have been brought to South America by Basque immigrants during the colonization period. One notable variation, Coacqui, is found predominantly in the Bizkaia province of Basque Country, suggesting a possible common ancestry for those bearing this name. The name can also be found in Mexico and South America, indicating a dispersal of Basque families across these regions during colonial times. In Mexico, the most populous region with the Coaquira surname is the state of Jalisco. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Manuel Coaquira, a Mexican politician, and Juan Coaquira, a prominent figure in the Basque diaspora in Argentina. Further research into the genealogy of the Coaquira surname may uncover additional connections to Basque heritage and history.

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 : 13 June 2025

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