The surname Cotas has multiple possible origins, depending on the geographical region and historical context.
1. In Portugal, Cotas is derived from a medieval occupation name for a potter. It comes from the Portuguese word "cota," which means pot or jug.
2. In Galicia (northwestern Spain), Cotas could also be a variant of Coto, which was originally a place name indicating a small agricultural estate or landholding.
3. Another possible origin is from the Jewish surname Katz (which means 'cat' in German), that was adopted by Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492 and settled in Portugal, where their name was sometimes Latinized as Cotas.
It's worth noting that the name has been anglicized over time, which could lead to slight variations in spelling.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Cotas
The meaning and origin of the last name Cotas
The surname Cotas has its origins in Portugal, specifically in the region of Minho. It is derived from the medieval occupational name "Cota", which referred to a person who was a leather worker or armorer. In Old Portuguese, "cota" meant armor, shield, or coat of mail. The surname Cotas may have been originally given to someone who made or sold these items, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was particularly skilled in combat. Over time, the name has spread beyond Portugal and can now be found among Portuguese-speaking communities around the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Cotas
The last name Cotas has a significant presence primarily in Portugal, where it originates from. According to records, it is most frequently found in the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Beira Alta, reflecting a historical association with rural areas and nobility. Outside Portugal, there are also notable populations of individuals with the last name Cotas in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, where it is especially concentrated in the southeastern states, such as Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, smaller numbers can be found in Spanish-speaking regions due to emigration and intermarriage over centuries. In North America, individuals with the last name Cotas can be traced back to Portuguese immigrants who settled primarily in the northeastern United States.
Variants and spellings of the last name Cotas
The surname Cotas has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Here are some of the common versions:
1. Cota - This is the most standard version, often found in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal.
2. Costa - A more common spelling worldwide, especially among people with Portuguese, Spanish, or African descent. It originates from the same root as Cota but has undergone different phonetic changes over time.
3. Kotas - In some languages, such as Estonian, the surname may have been adapted to fit local phonetic rules, resulting in variations like Kotas.
4. Kotta - A Finnish variation that may have originated from Portuguese immigrants or is a coincidental similarity due to the meaning of 'rock' in both languages.
5. Cottas - An English variant that could be a misspelling or anglicized version of Cota or Costa.
6. De Cota, Da Cota, Do Cota - These are Portuguese suffixes added to the name to indicate family lineage or nobility, although they are less commonly used today.
Famous people with the last name Cotas
The Cotas surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields throughout history. One prominent figure is José Cota (1931-2018), a Mexican economist who served as the Secretary of the Treasury from 1976 to 1982 and was instrumental in developing Mexico's economic policies during the oil boom years. In the world of art, Lygia Clark (1920-1988) was a Brazilian artist known for her innovative work in kinetic and concrete art movements. In sports, American basketball player Bill Cota played professionally from 1947 to 1953, winning an NBA Championship with the Fort Wayne Pistons in 1950. Portuguese footballer Nuno Cota has represented Portugal's national team as a goalkeeper and currently plays for Vitória de Guimarães. These individuals exemplify the diversity and achievements associated with the Cotas surname across multiple disciplines.
Genealogical research on the last name Cotas
The surname Cotas originates from Portugal and is believed to have derived from the occupational name for a basket maker, derived from the Portuguese word "cesta". The name has various spellings including Costa, Cota, and Cortes. In the Iberian Peninsula, it is one of the most common last names, attributed to its origin dating back to the Visigothic Kingdom in the 5th century. Notable individuals with this surname include Portuguese explorer João de Barros, a historian and geographer during the Age of Discoveries; and Manuel da Silva Cota, a prominent figure in the early history of California. The Cotas, like many Portuguese families, have migrated to various countries, particularly Brazil, the United States, and Canada, due to historical events such as the Age of Exploration, immigration waves, and colonization.
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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