Last Name Coia

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coia

The meaning and origin of the last name Coia

The surname Coia is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "coia," which means "mule" or "donkey." This surname was often given to someone who worked with mules or donkeys, such as a farmer who used them for labor, or a trader who transported goods using these animals. Over time, the name spread across Italy and other European countries where Italian immigrants settled. The name Coia is relatively rare and can be found mainly in Italy, but also among Italian-American communities. It is pronounced [koˈja] in Italian. Variations of this surname include Cogli, Coj, Cojo, and Coiaro, which may indicate regional differences or changes in spelling over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coia

The last name Coia is primarily distributed across Spain and Portugal, with significant concentrations in the regions of Galicia (Spain) and northern Portugal. According to genealogical databases, the highest frequencies of the surname Coia are found in these two areas, suggesting a historical connection between the distribution of the name and the migration patterns of individuals from those regions. Smaller clusters of Coia families can also be found in other parts of Spain, as well as in South America due to historical emigration. In the United States, for instance, the surname Coia is predominantly concentrated in states with a high population of Hispanic or Latino origin such as Florida, California, and Texas. The name's occurrence outside these regions is relatively rare, indicating a strong association between the Coia surname and the Iberian Peninsula.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coia

The surname Coia has several variations and spellings, including Coha, Coia, Coyah, Koja, Koya, Koiya, and Coyo (though this may also refer to the animal). These variations can be found across different regions and ethnic groups, making it challenging to trace a definitive origin. It is possible that these spelling differences are due to phonetic transcription errors or regional dialects over time. The name Coia is primarily associated with people of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Jewish descent, although it can be found in other cultures as well. The name may have roots from various languages and histories, but without a specific etymological source, the exact origin remains uncertain.

Famous people with the last name Coia

The Coia family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Alberto Coia (1918-1996), an Argentine architect known for designing the iconic Edificio Kavanagh in Buenos Aires, which showcases his Modernist style. In the world of literature, Maria Luisa Coelho Silva Coia (born 1943) is a Brazilian writer and academic. Her work, often focusing on the experiences of women, has earned her numerous awards, including the Jabuti Prize for Literature. Lastly, in the realm of sports, there is Daniel Coia (born 1970), an Italian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He spent most of his career at Udinese Calcio and represented Italy at the international level. These are three examples of distinguished individuals with the surname Coia, each having made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Coia

The Coia surname is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Lombardy. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to Bartolomeo Coia, born in Cremona, Italy around 1467. Over subsequent centuries, the family migrated across Europe, with significant populations found in Spain and France by the 18th century. In Spain, the name evolved into Cojo or Coya due to linguistic variations. Notable figures bearing this surname include Antonio Coia, a 19th-century Italian military officer, and Maria Coia, an Argentine writer and journalist of the early 20th century. Today, there are significant populations of the Coia family in Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, and the United States. Genealogical research continues to reveal more about this diverse and historic lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Coia"
• 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 : 10 June 2025