Last Name Cora

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cora

The meaning and origin of the last name Cora

The surname Cora is of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin personal name "Corvus," meaning "raven." The name may have originated as a nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion. Alternatively, it could have been a medieval given name for someone who exhibited characteristics associated with the raven, such as wisdom or intelligence. The surname Cora is found in various regions across Spain, Portugal, and Italy, and its popularity may have spread to other countries through immigration and cultural exchange.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cora

The last name Cora has a strong presence in Italy, primarily concentrated in the regions of Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. It is also quite common in Spain, especially in regions such as Catalonia and Andalusia. In the United States, the surname Cora can be found in significant numbers in states such as New York, Florida, and California. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Cora in countries like Argentina, Mexico, and the Philippines. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Cora is widespread, with notable concentrations in Italy and Spain, as well as diaspora communities in the United States and other countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cora

The variations and spellings of the last name Cora include Corra, Corah, Corrae, Corahh, Coraa, Core, Kora, and Corra. Each variation may differ in pronunciation and spelling based on regional dialects or familial preferences. In some cases, the name may be altered with the addition or omission of letters or accents, leading to a diverse range of possible spellings. Regardless of the specific variation, the name Cora remains a common surname with multiple ways of being spelled and pronounced.

Famous people with the last name Cora

One of the famous personalities with the last name Cora is José Cora, a former professional baseball player hailing from Puerto Rico. José Cora played in Major League Baseball as an infielder, primarily for the Cleveland Indians and the San Diego Padres during the 1990s. Known for his defensive abilities at second base, he was a reliable fielder in the league. However, José's career highlight came in 1997 when he hit a significant and memorable game-winning home run in Game 3 of the World Series, helping the Cleveland Indians win that crucial matchup. His impact on the field and his dedicated contributions to the sport have solidified his place among the notable individuals with the surname Cora.

Genealogical research on the last name Cora

The surname Cora is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name Corrado, which means "bold advisor". It is believed that the name originated in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy. The Cora family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with records showing individuals bearing the name living in various regions of Italy. Over the centuries, the Cora surname has spread to other countries, particularly those with strong ties to Italy, such as Argentina, the United States, and Canada. The genealogical research of the Cora name would involve tracing the family lineage through historical records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as immigration and census records to uncover more about the origins and migrations of the Cora family.