Last Name Contreras

The surname Contreras has Spanish origins and is derived from the occupation of a contramaestre (head servant) or someone who kept accounts in medieval times. This name can also be traced to the Latin "contrarius," meaning opposite or counter, indicating that it may have been used for people who lived on the opposite side of a town or river, or perhaps those with opposing views. The name spread throughout Spain and its territories, including Mexico, Central America, and South America, due to Spanish colonization and immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Contreras

The meaning and origin of the last name Contreras

The surname Contreras is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). It derives from the Latin word "contrarius," meaning opposite or contrary. This name was often given to someone who held opposing views or displayed contrary behavior compared to the majority in their community. Over time, it became a common surname in Spanish-speaking regions due to historical events such as repopulation efforts after the Reconquista (reclaiming of lands from Muslim rule) and the expansion of Spain into the Americas. The name Contreras is now widespread throughout Latin America and among Spanish speakers globally, reflecting the rich cultural history shared by these communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Contreras

The Contreras surname is of Spanish origin and has its highest concentration in various regions of Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, Valencia, and Extremadura. Outside of Spain, a significant number of Contreras descendants can be found in Latin America, notably in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Chile, and Central American countries such as Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras. The migration of Spanish speakers to the United States has also resulted in a presence of Contreras families across various U.S. states. In terms of distribution by country, Mexico has the largest number of Contreras individuals worldwide, followed by Spain and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Contreras

The surname Contreras has several variations and spellings worldwide. It primarily originates from the Spanish language and is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable (kon-treh-ras). Some common variations and their pronunciations include: 1. Contréres (French pronunciation: kɔ̃treʁ) 2. Contrares (Portuguese pronunciation: kõnˈtaɾɨʃ) 3. Contras (Galician pronunciation: kɔnˈtɾas) 4. Contreras-Constant (English, combining the surname with Constant) 5. Contrear (Catalan pronunciation: kɔnˈtɾɛər) 6. Conturas (Italian pronunciation: kɔntuˈraːs) 7. Kontreas (Greek pronunciation: kɔnˈtɾjeas) 8. Contrareses (Portuguese, with the addition of the feminine suffix -es) 9. Contrearas (Catalan, with the addition of the feminine suffix -as) 10. Contreras-Constantes (English, combining the surname with Constances) These variations may be found among people who share Hispanic heritage or have connections to countries like Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. The name Contreras often translates to "counter-mountain" or "against the mountain," which could symbolize a historical settlement located at the foot of a hill or mountain range.

Famous people with the last name Contreras

Notable individuals bearing the surname Contreras include Juan Pablo Contreras, a renowned Mexican professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 26 in May 2018. In music, Jose Feliciano Contreras, known mononymously as José Feliciano, is a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, famous for hits like "Light My Fire" and "Calypso." Another notable figure is Carlos Enrique Contreras, a Mexican politician who served as the Governor of Baja California Sur from 2005 to 2011. In sports again, Marco Antonio Contreras, aka 'The Cobra,' was a Mexican professional boxer, known for winning the WBC super featherweight title in 1993 and defending it seven times before retiring undefeated in 1998. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Contreras

The surname Contreras is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "contreras," meaning "between estates" or "boundaries." It is most commonly found in Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, where it was brought by Spanish colonizers. Historically, the name can be traced back to the medieval Kingdom of León in northern Spain, specifically to the region of Las Contreras, located between two municipalities, Sahagún and Cabrazos. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Juan Contreras y Acedo, a Spanish-Mexican politician who served as Mexico's Minister of Foreign Affairs during the late 19th century; and Salvador Contreras, a Mexican revolutionary general who played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution. The Contreras family tree is vast and varied, with numerous branches and sub-lines spread across continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Contreras"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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