Last Name Collazo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Collazo

The meaning and origin of the last name Collazo

The surname Collazo is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula, which includes modern-day Spain and Portugal. The name derives from the medieval occupation of 'colazo', a term used in Old Castilian language to denote someone who worked with ropes or pulleys, particularly in the construction of cranes or other machinery that required lifting heavy loads. Over time, as families moved across regions and generations passed, the specific job-related name evolved into a general surname, Collazo. The spread of this surname can be traced through immigration to the Americas, particularly during the colonization period. Today, it is common in Spanish-speaking countries, notably Puerto Rico, where it represents a significant portion of the population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Collazo

The last name Collazo is predominantly distributed across several Spanish-speaking regions, primarily Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands, as well as parts of Central and South America. According to data from FamilyEducation, the highest concentration of the Collazo surname can be found in Puerto Rico, where it ranks among the top 20 most common last names. Additionally, significant populations of people with this surname are present in countries such as Spain, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Colombia, and Venezuela. It is also found in smaller numbers in the United States, particularly in areas with high populations of Puerto Ricans or other Latinos. The name Collazo has roots in the Basque region of Spain, where it originated as a toponymic surname, meaning "from Collado" (meaning "a hollow place" or "valley"). Over time, it spread across the Iberian Peninsula and eventually reached the New World with Spanish explorers and colonists.

Variants and spellings of the last name Collazo

The surname Collazo has several variants and spelling options, reflecting its origins and evolution over time. Some common variations include Collazzo, Colazzo, Cojazo, Cohazo, Colace, Collarzo, Collazos, Collazo's, Colás, Colaz, and Kollazo. These spellings may be found in different regions and are often influenced by local dialects and phonetic interpretations. Additionally, the name can also appear as a first name in some parts of the world. The roots of this surname are believed to be Basque or Spanish, with Collazo being derived from "Colex" or "Colache," which meant "large hill" or "shepherd's hut." This name is most prevalent in Puerto Rico, Spain, and other Hispanic countries.

Famous people with the last name Collazo

Among notable individuals sharing the surname Collazo, Pedro Albizu Campos stands out as one of the most significant figures. Born in 1896 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he was a lawyer, educator, and nationalist activist who advocated for the independence of Puerto Rico. His political activities led to his imprisonment several times, but he remained dedicated to the cause until his death in 1950. Another influential Collazo is Olympic boxing champion Félix trinidad Collazo, known as "Tito" Trinidad. Born in Hayes, New Jersey, in 1973, he had a remarkable career in professional boxing, holding multiple world titles in four different weight classes and being named Fighter of the Decade for the 1990s by The Ring magazine. Additionally, Lorraine Collazo, born in Chicago in 1962, is a prominent activist and writer who focuses on issues related to Latino communities and women's rights. She has authored several books and served as a commentator for various media outlets. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements and impact of people carrying the surname Collazo across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Collazo

The surname Collazo is of Spanish origin, primarily found among the descendants of the first settlers from Spain who arrived in the Americas during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The name is derived from the Old Castilian word "collazo," meaning "neck." One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Collazo appears in the records of the Spanish Conquest of the New World, where a soldier named Martín Collazo fought under Hernán Cortés in the Battle of Tenochtitlan (1521). Over subsequent centuries, the Collazo family spread throughout Latin America, particularly in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and parts of South America. In Puerto Rico, for instance, notable figures with the surname include the poet Juan Antonio Collazo y Carbonell (1739-1809) and politician Antonio Sánchez Collazo (born 1948). Today, the Collazo family is found in various parts of the world, reflecting the historical diaspora of Spanish colonization.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Collazo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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