Last Name Codo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Codo

The meaning and origin of the last name Codo

The surname Codo is a relatively rare name of Spanish origin. It derived from various places named "Codo" in Spain, which could be found in several regions such as Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura. In the Middle Ages, the practice of adopting surnames was widespread in these areas to help distinguish individuals within a community. The name "Codo" is believed to have an Old Spanish etymology, possibly derived from the word "codo," meaning "elbow." This could refer to someone who had a physical trait resembling an elbow or be used as a topographical name for someone living near a bend in a river or road. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have varied due to migration and linguistic changes. Today, Codo is a relatively uncommon Spanish surname found mostly in Spain, with variations such as Codo, Codó, or Códola in different regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Codo

The last name Codo is predominantly distributed in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Asturias, where it is one of the most common surnames. The highest concentration can be found in the province of A Coruña in Galicia, which accounts for about 35% of all people with the last name Codo in Spain. Apart from Spain, small numbers of individuals with this surname are also found in Portugal, specifically in the northern region of Minho, due to historical migration between the two countries. Additionally, there are a few instances of the Codo surname in Argentina and the United States, primarily among immigrants or descendants of Spanish or Portuguese origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Codo

The surname Codo has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include Code, Coda, Coado, Kodo, Costo, and Kozdo. These variations may be due to spelling differences, regional dialects, or historical influences. For example, the spelling "Code" is more commonly found in English-speaking countries, while "Coado" might be encountered among Spanish speakers. Similarly, "Kodo" may appear in Asian cultures, and "Costo" could be found among Italian or Portuguese families. It's essential to note that these variations can sometimes lead to confusion when conducting genealogical research. To avoid misunderstandings, it is helpful to explore different spellings and origins when searching for ancestors or family members with the surname Codo.

Famous people with the last name Codo

Notable individuals bearing the surname Codo include:

1. Marcelo Codo (born 1987), a Brazilian footballer who played for clubs such as Ponte Preta, Botafogo, and Avispa Fukuoka in Japan. He represented the Brazil national under-20 football team at the 2007 FIFA World Youth Championship.

2. José Codo (1934–2022), a Brazilian composer, arranger, and conductor of music for films, television, and theater. His works were performed by various artists including Maysa Matarazzo and Zizi Possi.

3. Miguel Angel Codoceo (born 1967), a Filipino politician who served as the governor of Quezon Province from 2013 to 2022. He is also a member of the Nationalist People's Coalition political party.

4. Juan Carlos Codo (born 1950), a Cuban-American sculptor and painter known for his abstract works combining stone, wood, metal, and other materials. His work has been exhibited in galleries across the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Codo

The surname Codo originates from the Basque region, specifically in the provinces of Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya, in Spain. Historically, the Basque Country has been characterized by its unique language and cultural traditions that differ from those of neighboring regions. The name Codo is believed to be a topographic surname derived from the word "kots" in the Basque language, which means "hill" or "bank."

The earliest recorded instances of the family can be traced back to the 13th century, where several Codo families appeared in church records and documents related to land ownership. Some notable branches include the Codos of Zaldibar, who were known for their involvement in the textile industry, and the Codos of Plentzia, who played significant roles in local politics and public life.

Over time, some members of the Codo family migrated to other parts of Spain, as well as to countries like France, Argentina, and the United States, where they continued to bear the surname and contribute to their respective communities. Today, descendants of the original Codo families can be found worldwide, maintaining connections and preserving their Basque heritage through cultural organizations and events.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Codo"
• 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 : 13 June 2025