Last Name Cotto

The last name "Cotto" has origins in both Italy and Puerto Rico. 1. Italy: In Italy, "Cotto" is a surname derived from the Italian word "cotto," which means "cooked" or "baked." It likely originated as a nickname for someone who worked with clay or was associated with pottery or tile making. 2. Puerto Rico: In Puerto Rico, the surname "Cotto" is of Spanish origin. It is a variant of the surname "Cotto de Mendoza" or "Cotto Mendoza," which has roots in the Spanish region of Andalusia. This surname was brought to Puerto Rico by Spanish colonizers during the colonial period. Overall, the surname "Cotto" can have different origins depending on the specific country or region being referred to.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cotto

The meaning and origin of the last name Cotto

The surname Cotto has different meanings and origins depending on the cultural context. In Italian, Cotto means "cooked" and may have been given to someone who worked as a cook or had a specific association with cooking. It may also be derived from the Latin word "coctus," meaning baked or cooked. In Spanish, Cotto is thought to be a derivate of De Cotto or Cotto, indicating someone from the town of Cotto in Spain. Additionally, the name can have Jewish origins and be a variant of the Sephardic Jewish surname "Cohen" or "Kohen," denoting a descendant of the priestly caste of ancient Israel. This version could have originated from the Hebrew word "kohen," meaning priest. Over time and through migrations, variations of the Cotto surname have emerged, further contributing to its diverse meanings and origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cotto

The last name Cotto is primarily found in the country of Puerto Rico. As Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, many individuals with the surname Cotto can also be found in areas with a significant Puerto Rican population, such as New York, Florida, and New Jersey. Additionally, due to migration and globalization, individuals with the surname Cotto may be found in other parts of the United States and even other countries around the world. However, it is important to note that the concentration of individuals with the last name Cotto is highest in Puerto Rico and regions with a strong Puerto Rican presence. This surname, like many others, is closely tied to Puerto Rican culture and heritage, reflecting the historical roots and ancestry of those who bear the name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cotto

The last name Cotto can have several variations and spellings, reflecting the various ways it has been recorded or modified over time. Some of these variations include Cota, Cottoe, Cotteau, Kotto, Cocotte, Cottier, and Coat. These different spellings may have originated from regional influences, dialects, transcription errors, or changes made during immigration or assimilation processes.

For example, the spelling "Cota" may stem from the Spanish spelling convention, while "Cottoe" or "Cottier" could be phonetic adaptations or anglicizations. "Cotteau" might be a French-influenced variant, and "Kotto" could represent a simplified or altered spelling in other languages or contexts. "Cocotte" may also potentially be a slang alternative or affectionate nickname for the surname.

In summary, the various spellings and variations of the last name Cotto demonstrate the fluid nature of names and the ways they can evolve over time.

Famous people with the last name Cotto

There are several famous individuals with the last name Cotto who have made notable contributions in various fields. One such figure is Miguel Cotto, a renowned Puerto Rican professional boxer. Throughout his illustrious career, Cotto won world titles in four different weight divisions, becoming the first Puerto Rican to accomplish this feat. Known for his remarkable punching power and resilience, Cotto gained worldwide recognition for his thrilling fights against some of the top names in boxing. Another notable personality is Salvador Cotto, a Mexican politician and former governor of the Mexican state of Querétaro. He served as governor from 1991 to 1997 and contributed significantly to the development and progress of the state during his tenure. Both Miguel and Salvador Cotto have left a lasting impact in their respective fields, earning them a place among the famous individuals with the last name Cotto.

Genealogical research on the last name Cotto

The last name Cotto is a surname of Spanish origin and can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula. The name Cotto is believed to have originated from the word "cottage" or "cottager," indicating that early bearers of this name may have had ancestral ties to modest rural dwellings. The Cotto surname is relatively rare, and its most significant concentrations are found in the regions of Spain, including Catalonia, Galicia, and Andalusia.

Upon migration, the Cotto family spread across various parts of the world. In Puerto Rico, many individuals with the Cotto last name can be traced back to Spanish settlers who arrived on the island during the colonial period. descendants of these settlers have since played significant roles in Puerto Rican history and culture.

Further genealogical research on the Cotto name may require investigating historical records, such as birth certificates, marriage registers, immigration documents, and census records, to explore individual family trees and connections.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cotto"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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