The surname Cofre is believed to have origins in Spain. It derives from a medieval occupational name for someone who was a maker of chests or coffers, from the Latin word "coffra" meaning "chest." This surname may also have been a nickname for someone who was sturdy and strong, as a coffer is a sturdy container. The spelling variations include Cofre, Cofra, and Cober.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Cofre
The surname Cofre is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from the word "cofre," which means a chest or a box in English. This surname could have originated as an occupational name for someone who was a maker or seller of chests or boxes, or it may have been a topographic name for someone living near a chest-like rock formation. Alternatively, it could also be a habitational name from places named with the word "cofre" in Spain, such as Cofrentes in Valencia. The use of the surname Cofre can also be found among Sephardic Jewish families who were expelled from Spain during the Inquisition and settled elsewhere, particularly in Portugal and later in countries like Turkey, Greece, and North Africa. Over time, variations of the name may have arisen due to spelling errors or regional dialects, such as Cofresi, Cofreo, or Cofra.
Geographical distribution of the last name Cofre
The last name Cofre has a predominant distribution in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura, suggesting its origins may be traced back to these areas. Smaller populations can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico, Argentina, and Peru, due to migration from Spain during the colonial era. The name is less common but still present in parts of Italy, Portugal, and France, indicating potential origins in Iberia or Italian settlements in these regions. In the United States, the name Cofre has been documented primarily in areas with a high concentration of Spanish immigrants, such as Florida, Texas, California, and New Mexico. The distribution pattern suggests that the last name Cofre is strongly associated with Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.
Variants and spellings of the last name Cofre
The surname Cofre has several variations and spelling alternatives, primarily due to transliteration from other languages or regional dialects. Some common variants include Cofar, Cofré, Cofreau, Cofresi, and Kofra. In Spanish-speaking countries, the name is often written as Cofré with an acute accent over the 'e', but this accent is sometimes omitted in English transliterations. The surname also has a notable historical figure associated with it, namely Juan de Cofresí, a famous pirate from Puerto Rico. Despite these variations, the original spelling and pronunciation of the name may be traced back to its origins in the Occitan region of France, where it was originally spelled Caufré or Caubré.
Famous people with the last name Cofre
Notable individuals with the surname Cofre include:
1. José Francisco Cofre Ortega (born 1948), a Mexican politician who served as the Governor of Oaxaca from 2007 to 2012, representing the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
2. Carlos Eduardo Cofre Vidaurre (born 1964), a Chilean footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Deportes La Serena and Colo-Colo, and was part of the Chile national team that participated in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
3. Ricardo Cofre (born 1967), an Argentine footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Boca Juniors, River Plate, and San Lorenzo, as well as the Argentina national team.
4. Eduardo Cofre (born 1970), a Uruguayan footballer who spent most of his career playing for Peñarol in Montevideo. He also represented the Uruguay national team at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Genealogical research on the last name Cofre
The surname Cofre is believed to have originated from Spain, specifically in the region of Aragon. Historically, it is associated with several towns including Calatayud and Tarazona. The name could be derived from the Old Spanish "cobres," meaning "copper mines."
In terms of migration, many individuals with the surname Cofre emigrated to America during the 16th century, particularly to Mexico and Peru as a result of the colonization by Spain. In later years, some members of this family line moved to the United States, predominantly settling in Texas, California, and Florida.
One notable bearer of the name, Juan Cofre, was a prominent figure in early Mexican history. He served as Governor of Sonora from 1839 to 1840. The Cofres have also made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, education, and the arts throughout their dispersed history.
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