Last Name Corea

The surname Corea is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Corrado," which is a variant of the Germanic name "Kunrad," meaning "bold or wise counselor." Over time, Corrado evolved into Corea as a surname in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Corea

The meaning and origin of the last name Corea

The surname Corea is of Italian origin and is believed to have originated from the town of Cori in the Lazio region of Italy. The name Corea is a variant of the Latin name Coriunum, which means "place of the spear." It is likely that the surname was originally a locational surname, used to identify individuals who hailed from the town of Cori. Over time, the surname Corea has spread to other parts of the world through migration and colonization, particularly to countries like Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil. Today, individuals with the surname Corea can be found in various parts of the world, with each branch of the family likely having its own unique history and story of how they came to bear the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Corea

The last name Corea has a relatively small geographical distribution, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname located in Sri Lanka. It is a prominent name among the Sinhalese community in the country. Additionally, there is a presence of individuals with the last name Corea in other parts of South Asia, such as India and Bangladesh, though in smaller numbers. The name Corea is also found in some Western countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia, as a result of migration and diaspora from South Asia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Corea indicates a strong connection to Sri Lanka and the Sinhalese culture, with a presence in other parts of the world due to historical and contemporary movements of individuals.

Variants and spellings of the last name Corea

Corea is a last name that can be spelled in various ways, resulting in different variations. Some common spellings include Correa, Coria, Korea, and Korey. These variations may stem from different regions or languages, leading to differences in pronunciation and spelling. Additionally, individuals may choose to anglicize the spelling of their last name for ease of use or to align with cultural norms. Despite the different spellings, the name Corea or its variations typically carries the same meaning and history. Whether it is spelled with a single "o" or two, Corea remains a distinctive and unique surname that represents a family's heritage and identity.

Famous people with the last name Corea

Chick Corea was a legendary jazz pianist and composer known for pushing the boundaries of jazz music with his innovative style and virtuosic playing. Born Armando Anthony Corea in 1941, he rose to fame in the 1960s as a member of the influential Miles Davis band and went on to have a successful solo career. Chick Corea won 23 Grammy Awards and was nominated for 67 throughout his career, solidifying his status as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He also collaborated with other jazz luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, and Gary Burton. Sadly, Chick Corea passed away in 2021, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of music.

Genealogical research on the last name Corea

The surname Corea is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the word "correia" which means "leather strap" or "belt" in these languages. The name is believed to have been a nickname for someone who worked with leather or made belts. The surname Corea is most commonly found in Sri Lanka, where it was introduced by the Portuguese during their colonization of the country in the 16th century. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the world, particularly to countries with historical ties to Portugal. Today, individuals with the surname Corea can be found in various countries including Brazil, India, and the United States. Genealogical research on the Corea surname may reveal ties to Portuguese or Spanish ancestry, as well as connections to the historical trade and colonization routes of these countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Corea"
• 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 April 2025

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