What is the origin of the last name Cotado?

The surname "Cotado" is of Spanish origin. It derives from a place name, likely referring to a farmstead located near a cobblestone or paved area. In Old Castilian, "cobijo" meant a small cobbled place, and "coto" was used as a suffix in toponyms to designate lands belonging to a certain person or institution. Over time, the name evolved into Cotado.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cotado

The meaning and origin of the last name Cotado

The surname Cotado is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Castilian region in Spain. It is derived from a geographical location named "Cotado," which could be a field, farm, or rural settlement. In medieval times, many individuals took on names related to their place of origin as a way to identify themselves within their communities. The name Cotado has also been spelled as Coto in some records and variations may exist due to differences in spelling and translation over time. Today, the surname Cotado is predominantly found in Spain, particularly among its Castilian population, but it can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, as a result of migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cotado

The surname Cotado is predominantly found in Spain, where it originates and has a significant presence across various regions. In particular, it is most common in the autonomous communities of Castile-Leon, Galicia, and Asturias, reflecting its historical roots in those areas. The name can also be found to a lesser extent in Portugal, due to historical connections between the two countries. Additionally, small populations bearing the surname Cotado can be traced in Latin America, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, as a result of Spanish and Portuguese migration during the colonial period. Outside of Spain and its former colonies, the occurrence of this name is relatively rare globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cotado

The surname Cotado has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in translation, transcription errors over time, and regional dialects. Some of these variants include Cotaudo, Cotato, Kotado, Cotat, Codato, and Kotadou. In Portuguese, the name is often spelled as Cota or Costa, with Cotado being a more specific variant. Similarly, in Spanish, it can be spelled as Cota or Cortado, although Cotado remains less common. These variations highlight the surname's roots in both Portugal and Spain, where similar sounds and spellings exist due to cultural and linguistic ties between the two countries.

Famous people with the last name Cotado

Notable individuals with the surname Cotado include:

1. Juan Cotado (born 1947), a Spanish politician who served as a member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009. He was part of the Group of the Greens–European Free Alliance and was active in environmental and social justice issues.

2. Francisco Cotado (born 1985), a Spanish professional footballer who primarily plays as a midfielder for UD Logroñés in the Segunda División B. He has also played for other Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid Castilla and Getafe B.

3. Juan José Cotado (born 1946), a Mexican economist who served as the Governor of Morelos from 2006 to 2009. Prior to his governorship, he was a professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Mexico City and held various public positions related to economics and education.

4. Carlos Cotado (born 1938), a Mexican actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the late 1960s. Some of his notable roles include "La maldición del halcón" (1975) and "Cuentos fantásticos de Edgar Allan Poe" (1982).

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of politics, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Cotado

The surname Cotado is believed to have originated from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain and Portugal. One of the earliest documented instances of this name can be traced back to the 15th century in Galicia, Spain. Over time, variations such as Cota, Costa, and Cotado emerged due to spelling alterations and regional dialects. The name is generally thought to have originated from a topographical or occupational reference. In Old Spanish, "cota" means coat of armor, indicating a possible knightly lineage. Another theory suggests that the name could be derived from the occupation of a weaver, as "cotar" in Old Spanish meant to weave. Regardless, the Cotado family has had significant representation across Spain and Portugal throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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