Last Name Colela

The last name Colela is of Portuguese origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Cola, a diminutive form of Nicholas (Nicolau in Portuguese). The name Colela can be found primarily in Portugal and countries with a significant Portuguese diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colela

The meaning and origin of the last name Colela

The surname Colela is believed to have origins in Spain, particularly among the Romani (Gypsy) community, though it may also be found in Portugal and other Iberian countries. It is most likely a variant of the more common Spanish and Portuguese surnames "Coleiro" or "Colhóia," both referring to someone who was a potter or a collector of firewood. The name's Romani origin might stem from "Kollo," which means "young boy." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation may have evolved into Colela in various regions due to linguistic and cultural differences. However, the precise history and etymology of the surname Colela are not definitively known, as many Romani names and their origins remain shrouded in mystery due to the secretive nature of Romani culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colela

The surname Colela is predominantly of Portuguese origin and is most commonly found in Portugal, particularly in the northern regions such as Minho, Douro, and Trás-os-Montes. Additionally, there are significant numbers of people with this surname in the former Portuguese colonies of Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. In Europe, it is also present in Spain due to historical interconnections between Portugal and its neighboring country. Outside of these regions, the distribution is relatively low, but there are small communities of individuals with this surname in other parts of the world as a result of migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colela

The surname Colela, or its variations, can be found with several spelling differences, primarily due to regional dialects and transcribing errors over time. Here are some of the common variations:

1. Colella - This is one of the most common variants, where the "o" at the end of the name is pronounced like the "a" in "about."
2. Colella - This version adds an extra "l" in the middle of the name.
3. Cohola or Coala - These variations replace the double "l" with a single one.
4. Colla - This variant drops the "e" and changes the final "a" to an "o."
5. Colao - In this version, the final "a" is replaced with an "o."
6. Coela - This spelling replaces both the "l" and "a" in the middle of the name with an "e."
7. Coylela or Coyella - These variations are phonetic adaptations, where the pronunciation of "Colela" is adapted to fit English phonetics (e.g., using the letter "y").

These variations and others may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or individual preferences.

Famous people with the last name Colela

Notable individuals with the surname Colella include:

1. Gennaro Colella, an Italian actor, known for his roles in films such as "Romanzo Criminale" and "The Best Offer".
2. Maria Colella, an American actress who has appeared in numerous television series including "The Sopranos", "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", and "Blue Bloods".
3. Salvatore Colella, a political figure from Italy who served as the President of the Chamber of Deputies from 2013 to 2018.
4. Frank A. Colella, an American engineer and academic who has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the areas of power systems and renewable energy.
5. Angelo Colella, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School known for his work in the field of dermatology, specifically skin cancer research.
6. John A. Colella, an American lawyer who has served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan since 2010.
7. Michael Colella, a Canadian artist and educator who specializes in sculpture and installation art.
8. Lisa Marie Colella, an American singer-songwriter who gained popularity through her performances on reality television shows like "American Idol" and "The Voice".

Genealogical research on the last name Colela

The surname Colela originates from Portugal, specifically in the region of Minho, with records tracing back to the late medieval period. One early record shows Francisco Cola, born in Braga in 1487, as one of the earliest known bearers of the name. The surname has been documented under various spellings over the centuries, including Colah, Colao, and Coelho, reflecting its Portuguese origins. Throughout the centuries, many individuals with the Colela surname have contributed to Portuguese history, particularly in the fields of politics, military service, and the arts. Notable members include the 16th-century naval officer João de Cola and the 20th-century poet António Gedeão Coelho. The genealogy of Colela remains largely undiscovered due to the loss or inaccessibility of many historical records, but ongoing research is being conducted to reconstruct the family tree and shed light on its history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colela"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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