Last Name Coto

The surname "Coto" has multiple origins. It can be of Spanish, Portuguese, or Basque descent. 1. In Spain, it is a variant of the name Cortés, which means "courtyard." This name was often given to someone who lived near a courtyard or to someone who worked in the service of a nobleman, as they might have lived within the courtyard of his castle or estate. 2. In Portugal, it is also a variant of the name Cortes, but it can also be an occupational surname for a weaver, from the Portuguese word "cota," meaning "tunic" or "coat." 3. Among the Basque people, who inhabit parts of Spain and France, the name Coto may be a toponymic surname, derived from a place named Coto, which is found in several locations within the Basque Country. As with many surnames, it's important to note that the origin can vary depending on specific lineages, so it's always best to research the particular family history for accurate information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coto

The meaning and origin of the last name Coto

The surname Coto has Spanish origins, derived from the Latin word "cotus" which means hut or cottage. It was often used to identify someone who lived near a small dwelling or rural property. In some cases, it could also be a nickname for someone who was sturdy and robust, like a well-built hut. The name Coto is prevalent in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and Leon, and has been carried by Spanish settlers to various parts of South America, such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. Today, it remains a common surname among Hispanic communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coto

The last name Coto is predominantly distributed across Spain and its territories, with the highest concentration found in the regions of Canary Islands, Castile-La Mancha, and Valencia. In the Canary Islands, it is particularly common in the provinces of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, likely due to a combination of local origins and migration from other Spanish regions. The name Coto also appears with significant frequency in some parts of South America, notably in Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela, which can be attributed to historical ties between these countries and Spain during the colonial era. Smaller numbers of people carrying the surname Coto are found in various parts of the world, primarily among Spanish-speaking communities in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other Spanish-speaking countries. The name's distribution reflects both historical migrations and the cultural ties between these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coto

The surname Coto has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. These include: Cotó, Cotó (with an accent on the o), Costo, Koto (mostly used among Asian or Pacific Islander communities), Kotowicz (Polish variant), Cotovio (Portuguese), Kottowitz (German), Kotowski (also German and Polish), and Cottovich (Italian). These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, orthography, or cultural influences. The name is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from the word "coto," meaning plot or piece of land, but its usage and spelling have been adapted over time and across cultures.

Famous people with the last name Coto

The Coto surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields, reflecting its global presence. In sports, Carlos Coto, a Spanish tennis player, made his professional debut in 2006 and has been consistently ranked among the top 200 players in the world. In the music industry, Los Coto Brothers are a Puerto Rican salsa band that has produced popular hits since the 1980s, including "La Negra Tiene Tumbao" and "El Mundo."

In the realm of science, Carlos Alberto Cotto-García is a Cuban astrophysicist who specializes in gamma-ray astronomy. His work has contributed significantly to the understanding of cosmic ray sources and pulsar observations. In politics, Ana Elizabeth Coto serves as the Governor of Puerto Rico's Monroe County.

These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, serve as testament to the diversity and accomplishment associated with the Coto surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Coto

The last name Coto originates from Spain, specifically the region of Galicia. The surname is derived from the Latin word "cotum" meaning a small enclosure or courtyard, which was used to identify land ownership. In the Middle Ages, during the period of repoblación, many Spanish families, including those with the surname Coto, migrated from Galicia and other northern regions to reclaim lands and populate newly conquered territories in Spain, contributing to its expansion and development. During the 15th and 16th centuries, some members of the Coto family emigrated from Spain to the New World, establishing themselves primarily in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and South America, where their descendants continue to reside today. The name Coto can also be found in Portugal, having been brought over by Portuguese explorers during the Age of Discovery.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Coto"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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