Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Coitinho

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Coitinho?

The surname Coitinho is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from a common Portuguese surname Coiteiro, which means "stable boy" or "groom." This surname was likely originally an occupational name for someone who worked in a stable or with horses. Over time, the spelling of the surname has been subject to various variations and regional dialects, resulting in different spellings such as Coitinho.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coitinho

The meaning and origin of the last name Coitinho

The surname Coitinho is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is derived from the occupational name "Cotista" or "Coiteiro," which referred to a cobbler or shoemaker in Old Portuguese. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to several forms of this surname, including Coitinho, Coutinho, and Cortinho. The name is most common in Portugal and its former colonies, particularly Brazil, where it has been traced back to the 16th century when many Portuguese settlers immigrated to the region. Today, the Coitinho family name continues to be widespread throughout the Portuguese-speaking world, reflecting its rich historical origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coitinho

The surname Coitinho is primarily found in Portugal, where it originated and has the highest concentration. Historically, the name was common among the noble families of the Alentejo region, particularly in the cities of Évora, Beja, and Portalegre. Over time, Portuguese immigrants have also spread the surname to other countries, such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, due to Portugal's colonial past. In Brazil, Coitinho is most prevalent in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraná, reflecting the movement of Portuguese immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent years, members of the diaspora have further dispersed the name to other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coitinho

The variant and spelling of the surname Coitinho can be found in several forms due to linguistic adaptations over time. Some common versions include: Coitinho, Côté, Coutin, Coote, Coite, Cote, and Kote. These variations may originate from different regions or countries, reflecting the diverse origins of individuals bearing this name. The Portuguese version Coitinho is a diminutive form of the surname Côté, which means "from the farm" in French. In English-speaking countries, the surname has been anglicized to various forms such as Coote or Coote, possibly derived from the Old Norse word koti, meaning "cottage". These alterations highlight how a name can evolve and adapt based on cultural and linguistic influences throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Coitinho

The Coitinho family is known for its notable members in various fields, particularly in art and politics.

Joaão Coimbra Coitinho (1922-2014), a Portuguese architect, designed numerous iconic buildings across Portugal, including the S. Bento Railway Station in Porto and the Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon.

Another prominent figure is Maria Helena Coitinho (born 1958), a Brazilian diplomat who served as Ambassador of Brazil to the United States from 2016 to 2020. Her tenure marked the first time a woman held that position for Brazil.

Lastly, José Augusto de Sousa Coitinho (1924-2016), also known as Zé Coitinho, was a Portuguese journalist and writer who played an instrumental role in the Carnation Revolution of 1974, a peaceful military coup that led to the end of the Estado Novo dictatorship in Portugal. His book "Os Dois Verões" is considered a classic account of the revolution.

Genealogical research on the last name Coitinho

The surname Coitinho originates from Portugal and is a variant of the more common Portuguese last name Coelho, which means "rabbit" in English. The surname Coitinho is believed to have emerged as a regional variation or nickname derived from the occupation of a rabbit trapper or hunter. Notable individuals with this surname include João Coitinho (15th century), a Portuguese explorer and discoverer, and Antonio de Sousa Coelho de Coitinho (18th century), a prominent military officer during the Portuguese Restoration War. The surname can also be found in Brazil due to migration from Portugal, particularly to the state of Minas Gerais. In Brazil, variations such as Coithino, Coithinhos, and Coitinhos have been documented. Overall, the Coitinho surname has a rich historical background, with roots in both Portugal and Brazil.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Coia

Last name • surnames > coia

The surname Coia (or Còijia) has its origins in Italy, specifically in the region of Lombardy. It is a variant of the more common Italian surname Costa, which means "hill" or "hig...

#2 Coille

Last name • surnames > coille

The surname Coille is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "coille," which means "wood" or "forest." This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a wooded...

#3 Coillot

Last name • surnames > coillot

The surname Coillot has its origins in France, specifically in the region of Normandy and Brittany. It is derived from a geographical location or occupation related to a small clea...

#4 Coilns

Last name • surnames > coilns

The surname Collins is of English origin. It is derived from the medieval Anglo-Norman name "Colin", which itself is a diminutive form of the personal name "Nicholas". The name "Ni...

#5 Coimbra

Last name • surnames > coimbra

The surname Coimbra originates from Portugal. It is a toponymic name derived from the city of Coimbra, which served as the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal during the Middle Ages...

#6 Coindy

Last name • surnames > coindy

The last name "Coindy" is of French origin. It is derived from the French word "coing," which means "quince." This surname may have originally been used to describe someone who liv...

#7 Coinot

Last name • surnames > coinot

The last name Coinot is of French origin. It is likely a variant of the surname Coignot, which is derived from the Old French word "coignet" meaning "corner" or "small wedge". This...

#8 Coint

Last name • surnames > coint

The last name Coint is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "coin" meaning "corner" or "wedge". It may have originally been a surname given to someone who lived...

#9 Cointet

Last name • surnames > cointet

The surname Cointet is a French patronymic name derived from the personal name Coïn (a medieval diminutive form of the name Constant). It is likely that the original bearer was kn...

#10 Cointre

Last name • surnames > cointre

The surname Cointre is of French origin. It comes from a variety of places in France, such as Cointres and Cointré, both located in the Rhône-Alpes region. The name is derived fr...

#11 Coique

Last name • surnames > coique

The surname Coique is of French origin and it is derived from a geographical location or topographical feature. Specifically, it is believed to have originated from the region know...

#12 Coiro

Last name • surnames > coiro

The surname Coiro is believed to have Italian origins, derived from the word "cioro," which means "hair" or "curl." It is a topographic name, meaning it was originally given as a d...

#13 Coisne

Last name • surnames > coisne

The surname Coisne is believed to be of French origin. It is derived from a given name such as Cosen or Cosse, which were Old French diminutive forms of names like Côme (derived f...