Last Name Cortes

The surname "Cortes" has multiple origins depending on the region and country. 1. Spanish: It is derived from a occupational name for a judge or magistrate, from Old Castilian cortés 'noble' (from Late Latin curtis 'courtyard', ultimately from Latin cohors 'company, troop') or from the personal name Cortesio. 2. Portuguese: It is also derived from the personal name Cortês, a medieval diminutive of the given name Cort, which is ultimately derived from the Latin word cortus meaning short. 3. Jewish (Portuguese): It is also a patronymic from the personal name Corte, itself derived from the Hebrew given names Qoresh or Kortobay, which meant 'short'. 4. French: It may have originated as a nickname for someone who was short, from the Old French word cort meaning 'short'. 5. Italian: In some cases, it could be a variant of Corti or Cortese, meaning 'courtly' in Italian.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cortes

The meaning and origin of the last name Cortes

The surname Cortés is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Occitan word "cortez," which means 'courtly,' 'polite,' or 'noble.' The name was initially used as a nickname for individuals who exhibited qualities such as politeness, elegance, or nobility. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname. One of the most famous bearers of this surname is Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who played a significant role in the conquest and colonization of Mexico by the Spanish during the 16th century. His full name was Fernández de Cortés, indicating that he initially belonged to the Fernández family before adopting Cortés as his surname. The success and fame of Cortés has contributed to the widespread recognition of the surname Cortés in many Spanish-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cortes

The surname Cortes has a significant presence in several countries due to historical events and migrations. Originating from the medieval Iberian Peninsula as a variant of the more common surname "Cortez," it is most prevalent in Portugal, Spain, and their former colonies. In the New World, Cortes is particularly prominent in Mexico, where Hernán Cortés, the conquistador who defeated the Aztecs, established the name. The surname also appears in other Latin American countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia due to migration from Iberia and Mexico. Additionally, there are sizable Cortes communities in the United States, largely as a result of immigration from Mexico and Central America. In Europe, apart from Portugal and Spain, smaller populations can be found in other countries with historical ties to Iberia, such as France and Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cortes

The surname Cortes, of Spanish origin, has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional pronunciation, and family genealogy records. Some common variations include: Cortez, Cortes, Cortas, de Cortes, del Cortes, Cortesi (Italian), and Cortesy (French). Each variation may have different origins or be associated with distinct families, but they all share the same root, originating from the Spanish word for "courts" or "royal palace." Additionally, some people may add de, del, or y as a noble suffix to their surname Cortes. These variations serve as a testament to the diverse history and migrations of individuals bearing this name throughout time.

Famous people with the last name Cortes

Hernan Cortes, a Spanish conquistador, is perhaps the most well-known individual bearing the surname Cortes. Born around 1485, he played a significant role in the conquest of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. After completing his studies in Salamanca, Spain, he led an expedition to Mexico in 1519, resulting in the fall of Tenochtitlan and the conquest of the Aztec Empire. His actions profoundly influenced the course of history in both Spain and the Americas. Another notable figure with the last name Cortes is David Diaz-Jaraijo Cortes, a contemporary Spanish politician who served as President of the Government of Spain from 2018 to 2020. In addition, Sergio Cortes, born in Mexico City, is a renowned economist and writer, known for his work on the Mexican economic crisis in the 1980s. These figures demonstrate the global impact and diverse accomplishments of individuals bearing the surname Cortes throughout history.

Genealogical research on the last name Cortes

The surname Cortes is of Spanish origin, derived from the medieval occupational name for a courtier or official at a royal court. Its earliest known usage dates back to the late Middle Ages in Spain. Notable bearers of this surname include Hernán Cortés (1485-1547), a conquistador who played a significant role in the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the early 16th century, and Carlos Cortés y López, a prominent Mexican journalist, author, and activist. The name has spread globally due to migration waves from Spain and Latin America, with significant populations now found in various parts of the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Genealogical research on individuals with this surname can uncover a rich history of royal court officials, explorers, and influential figures throughout the ages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cortes"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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