Last Name Costa

The surname "Costa" is a geographical name that originated from various regions across the world. In Portugal and Brazil, it comes from the Latin word for coast or border, reflecting its historical use to identify someone who lived near the seashore. In Italy, it often refers to someone who came from a coastal area as well. The surname has also been found in Spain, Sardinia, and other parts of Europe, though its meaning may vary depending on the specific location. Additionally, "Costa" can be traced back to several Jewish families across the Iberian Peninsula.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Costa

The meaning and origin of the last name Costa

The surname Costa is of Portuguese and Spanish origin. It derives from the Latin word "costa," meaning "rib" or "coast." This name was often given to individuals who lived near the coast, as it was a common feature in both Portugal and Spain. Over time, the surname spread throughout Europe and beyond due to migration, colonization, and other historical events. Today, Costa is one of the most common surnames in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries, reflecting their historical ties. The name also appears in other parts of the world where Portuguese or Spanish speakers have settled. For example, there are significant populations of people with the surname Costa in Angola, Mozambique, Goa (India), and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Costa

The surname Costa is predominantly distributed across Portugal and Brazil, reflecting its historical origins in these two countries. In Portugal, it ranks among the top ten most common surnames, with highest concentrations in regions such as Minho, Braga, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Lisbon. In Brazil, Costa is the third most frequent surname, mainly prevalent in the Northeastern states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará, Alagoas, and Bahia, which were heavily populated by Portuguese immigrants during colonial times. The name can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of South America, Europe (especially Spain), Africa (namely Angola and Cape Verde), and the United States, reflecting historical migration patterns and global dispersion of Portuguese and Brazilian populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Costa

The surname Costa has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include Coste, Coast, Coasta, Cozta, Kosta, and Koshta. These variations often arise due to differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or regional dialects. For instance, in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal, the name is typically spelled as Costa. In Spanish-speaking regions, it may be spelled Costas. The name also has variants in other languages such as Coste (French) and Coast (English), which are derived from the original Portuguese. Additionally, due to migration and assimilation, there might be regional or personal variations of this surname, for example Kosta among Eastern European communities. These variations highlight the global dispersal and adaptability of the name Costa over time.

Famous people with the last name Costa

Notable individuals with the surname Costa include Jose Socrates Alves da Costa, a Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister from 2005 to 2011. In sports, there's Brazilian professional footballer Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar Jr., who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team. Another notable figure is the late Portuguese fado singer Amália Rodrigues, often referred to as the Queen of Fado, whose career spanned over six decades. In the field of science, Portugal's Manuel de Arteche Costa was a mathematician who made significant contributions to the study of partial differential equations. Lastly, in the world of entertainment, American actor Esai Morales, born Esai Alberto Morales-Costa, is known for his roles in La Bamba and Oz among others. These individuals exemplify diverse accomplishments and influences across politics, sports, music, science, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Costa

The surname Costa has its origins in Portugal, dating back to medieval times. Derived from the Latin word 'costa' meaning rib or spine, it was often used as a topographic name for someone who lived near such a physical feature. The first documented use of the name can be traced back to the 15th century in the region of Minho, northern Portugal. As Portuguese explorers and traders expanded their reach during the Age of Discovery from the 15th to the 18th centuries, many descendants bearing the surname Costa migrated across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Notable figures with this surname include Bartolomeu Dias (who rounded the Cape of Good Hope), Vasco da Gama (the first European to reach India by sea), and Antonio Carlos Borja Garcia de Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal from 1985 to 1995. Today, Costa is a common surname in Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as in communities established by Portuguese immigrants around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Costa"
• 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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