Last Name Colado

The surname Colado is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the word "colar" which means "neck" in both languages. Over time, it became a toponymic surname, referring to someone who lived near a place with a notable neck-shaped feature, such as a point or a cape. In some cases, it may have also been a metonymic occupational name for a collar maker or a jeweler specializing in collars and pendants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colado

The meaning and origin of the last name Colado

The surname Colado is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin term "calidus," which means 'warm' or 'hot.' In its original form, it was likely used to describe someone who lived near a warm spring or whose complexion gave an impression of warmth. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations of this surname emerged. For instance, the Portuguese spelling is "Calado," which has also been anglicized as Caldow, Calladine, and Caldwell in English-speaking countries. Today, individuals bearing the Colado surname can be found predominantly in Spain, Portugal, and Latin American nations that were once under Spanish or Portuguese rule, reflecting its historical roots and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colado

The surname Colado, derived from the Spanish word for 'channel' or 'drain', has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula and is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal. Within Spain, it is most concentrated in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile-Leon, reflecting the historical migration patterns and regional settlement dynamics of these areas. In Portugal, the highest concentration of the Colado surname can be found in the district of Porto, along with other northern districts. The diaspora of Spanish and Portuguese descendants has led to a smaller presence of the Colado name in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States. Additionally, it is worth noting that due to historical events like the Spanish Inquisition and colonization, there may be variant spellings of the surname, such as Calde, Colad, or Colat, found across different regions and cultures.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colado

The surname Colado has several variations and spellings worldwide. These include Colodoe, Coladou, Collado, Collaudo, Colldo, Collo, Cloyd, Kloyd, Coe-Lloy, Coelho, Cole, Collard, Coldi, Kolado, Kolados, Colladi, and Callado. Some of these variations may have originated due to regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, or immigration-related adjustments in spelling. It's essential to consider the specific geographical location and historical context when trying to trace the origins and variations of a surname like Colado.

Famous people with the last name Colado

Notable individuals with the surname Colado include:

1. Jorge Colado (b. 1967), a Spanish professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 138 in 1992 and is best known for reaching the semifinals at the 1990 French Open in doubles alongside Sergi Bruguera.

2. Manuel Colado (b. 1976), a Spanish former professional road bicycle racer, who competed as a professional from 2000 to 2012. He won stages at the Vuelta a España and the Tour de France, among other races.

3. Carlos Colado (b. 1983), a Spanish retired footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs in Spain's top two divisions and for the Spain national team at the under-21 level.

4. Antonio Colado (b. 1950), a Spanish painter and sculptor known for his abstract expressionist style, with works exhibited worldwide.

5. Carlos Enrique Colado (b. 1936), a Cuban-born American architect who worked extensively in Florida and designed notable buildings such as the Central National Bank Building in Miami.

These figures demonstrate the diverse range of accomplishments by individuals sharing the surname Colado, spanning sports, arts, and architecture.

Genealogical research on the last name Colado

The surname Colado is predominantly found among Spanish and Portuguese populations, particularly in Spain's Canary Islands and Portugal. Originating from the Latin word "calidus," meaning hot or warm, it likely referred to someone who lived near a hot spring or had a warm temperament.

In Spain, the earliest recorded instances of the surname Colado can be traced back to the 15th century in the Canary Islands. One notable bearer was Alonso de Colado, a conquistador who participated in the conquest of Gran Canaria in 1496. In Portugal, the name Colado has been recorded since the 16th century, with notable families such as the Colados de Sao Martinho being documented in the 1500s.

The diaspora of bearers of this surname includes Latin America, where it is commonly found among descendants of Spanish and Portuguese immigrants. In the United States, the name Colado can be traced back to the early 20th century, with a significant number of bearers originating from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Spain. The surname Colado continues to be widely distributed across these regions today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colado"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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