Last Name Correa

The surname Correa is of Portuguese and Spanish origin. It comes from the occupation of a shepherd (cora in medieval Gallego-Portuguese) or a steward or caretaker of an estate (corregedor). The name may have been occupational, indicating the original bearer's profession or role, or topographic, referring to someone who lived near a sheep pen or pasture. It is widely distributed in Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Correa

The meaning and origin of the last name Correa

The surname Correa is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, deriving from the word "correo" which means post office or mail route in both languages. This toponymic name was often given to inhabitants who lived near a postal route or relay station during the Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula. As Europeans explored and colonized regions in South America, they brought their surnames with them, thus the Correa surname can also be found throughout Latin America, particularly in Brazil, where it is one of the most common family names. Over time, various spelling variations have emerged due to differences in language, migration patterns, and record-keeping methods, such as Corrêa, Correia, Corraya, etc. Today, the Correa surname can be found across the world, with a significant concentration in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Correa

The surname Correa is primarily distributed across Latin America, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Peru. In Brazil, it ranks among the top ten most common surnames and is especially prevalent in the southeastern states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Within Costa Rica, Correa is the second most common surname, with a high concentration in the central region around San José. In Peru, the name also holds significant frequency, particularly in the northern regions. Additionally, the name has been carried by immigrants to other parts of the world, such as Spain, the United States, and Canada. The Correas are thought to originate from Moorish conquerors who settled in Portugal during the Middle Ages and later spread across Ibero-America with colonial expansion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Correa

The surname Correa has several spelling variants due to its Latin-American and Portuguese origin. The most common variants include Correia, Corea, Corraya, Corrêa, Corey (English variation), Koraia, Koraiya, Qorra, Correro, and Korres among others. In some instances, the name may also be anglicized as Corry or Cory. Additionally, there could be regional variations based on local dialects, phonetic adaptations, or errors in transcription. The name Correa is of Spanish and Portuguese descent, derived from the Latin word "corium" meaning "hide" or "skin". It is particularly common in countries like Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and many other Hispanic and Lusophone nations.

Famous people with the last name Correa

Lucio Alvaro Correa (born 1967), also known as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is a prominent Brazilian politician who served as the President of Brazil from 2003 to 2010 and again since January 2022. Known for his populist style, he was the founding member of the Workers' Party (PT) and is widely regarded as one of the architects of Brazil's reduction in poverty levels. Another notable figure with the surname Correa is Rafael Correa (born 1963), an Ecuadorian economist and politician who served as President of Ecuador from 2007 to 2017. He implemented significant economic reforms, including a new constitution in 2008, and was known for his confrontational style with the international community. Additionally, José Gaspar Rodríguez de Correa y Cáceres (1775–1833), a Paraguayan lawyer and statesman, served as the President of Paraguay from 1814 to 1840, playing a crucial role in establishing Paraguay's independence.

Genealogical research on the last name Correa

The Correa surname, originating from medieval Iberia, is predominantly found among Portuguese and Spanish populations, with historical roots tracing back to the Moorish Al-Andalus region. The name Correa is derived from the Arabic word "Quraysh," denoting a noble family or tribe, which was later Hispanized into Corrêa in Portugal and Correa in Spain. The name spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula due to the Moorish invasions and subsequent Christian Reconquista. Over time, some members of the Correa lineage migrated to South America during the Age of Discovery, particularly to Brazil and parts of Latin America, where the surname persists today among various communities. Notable individuals bearing this surname include the Brazilian politician José Alencar de Oliveira Corrêa, known as Tiradentes, who led the Inconfidência Mineira movement for Brazilian independence; and Chilean politician Eduardo Frei Montalva, President of Chile from 1964 to 1970. The Correa lineage, with its roots in medieval Iberia and expansions to South America, continues to be a significant surname across various global communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Correa"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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