Last Name Colchado

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colchado

The meaning and origin of the last name Colchado

The surname Colchado is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "colcha," which means 'mattress' or 'cushion' in English. It is believed to have been an occupational name for someone who was involved in the trade of mattresses or cushions, or perhaps a nickname for a person with plump or well-padded features. The name may also have originated from the use of the term "colcha" as a regional designation, with individuals bearing this surname possibly hailing from a specific region where the word was used prominently. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations such as Colchado, Colecho, and others being recorded in various historical documents.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colchado

The surname Colchado is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it originated. In Spain, it's most common in the regions of Galicia and Asturias, reflecting the historical influence of the Moors who brought Arabic names to these areas. In Portugal, it can be found across various regions but is more frequent in the north. Outside Europe, significant numbers of people with the surname Colchado can be found in Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil, where it was carried during the colonization era. The name may also be present in other Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas, such as Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. In the United States, a substantial number of people with this surname can be found in regions with high populations of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colchado

The surname Colchado has multiple variations and spellings. Some of these include Colchado, Colxado, Colcado, Colkado, Collchado, Collcaudo, Collqado, Collcado, and Collkado. These variations may arise from regional dialects, transcription errors, or individual preferences in spelling. Additionally, the name can also be found with prefixes such as de la (de la Colchado), del (del Colchado), or y (Colchado y). It is important to note that while there are many variations of the surname Colchado, they all share the common root "Colchado."

Famous people with the last name Colchado

Notable individuals bearing the surname Colchado include:

1. José Manuel Colchado Rodríguez (1963-), a Spanish professional football coach and former player, who played for Real Madrid Castilla and Real Valladolid among others, and managed several teams in his career.

2. Carlos Colchado (1876-1950), a Mexican engineer and politician who served as the Minister of Communications and Public Works under the government of Porfirio Díaz, and later became a Senator representing Veracruz.

3. Juan Colchado (1954-), a Spanish economist and politician who has been a Member of the European Parliament for the People's Party since 2014.

4. Antonio Colchado (1967-), a Spanish composer, singer, guitarist, and arranger known for his work in flamenco music, having collaborated with artists such as Enrique Morente and Tomatito.

5. Juan Colchado López (1804-1863), a Spanish military officer who fought in the Carlist Wars, rising to the rank of general and later becoming Governor of Aragon.

Genealogical research on the last name Colchado

The surname Colchado originates from Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain. It is a habitation name for someone who lived near a small port or cove, derived from the Latin word "columna" meaning column or pillar and "cauda" meaning tail, referring to a promontory shaped like a pillar or column. The earliest documented record of this surname can be traced back to the 15th century in Galicia. Over time, the family spread throughout Spain, with significant numbers settling in other parts of the Iberian Peninsula such as Madrid, Valencia, and Catalonia. Some branches also migrated to South America, particularly to Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Peru, and Puerto Rico, where they have contributed significantly to their respective societies in various fields including politics, arts, and sciences. Today, Colchados can be found worldwide, preserving their rich heritage and traditions while adapting to their new environments.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colchado"
• 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 : 12 June 2025