Last Name Coutino

The surname Coutino is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the occupation of a couturier or tailor, from the Latin word "coturnus" or "cutis," meaning skin or leather, and the suffix "-ão" or "-inho," indicating a person who was related to that occupation. Over time, the spelling variations include Couto, Costeira, Costa, and others, all of which are common in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting their immigration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coutino

The meaning and origin of the last name Coutino

The surname "Coutino" is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It derives from the word "coto", which means a small enclosure or piece of land, indicating that the original bearer of this name may have lived on such a plot of land. The name has also been found in Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain, where it is spelled as "Couto" in some instances. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation of names like Coutino occur due to factors such as regional dialects, religious or cultural influences, and individual preference. This surname is relatively uncommon but can be found among Hispanic populations in countries like Spain, Portugal, and their respective colonies and diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coutino

The surname Coutino is predominantly distributed in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. According to the Surname Database, it is one of the most common surnames in Portugal, primarily in the northern regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Douro. In Brazil, the name Coutino is more prevalent in the Northeast region, particularly in the states of Piauí, Ceará, and Paraíba, reflecting historical Portuguese immigration patterns to these areas. Additionally, small communities bearing the surname Coutino can be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. It is also present in Spanish-speaking regions with a significant Portuguese influence, like Equatorial Guinea, due to historical migration. Overall, the Coutino surname represents a geographical distribution that encompasses various Portuguese-speaking nations and territories.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coutino

The surname Coutino has various spellings and variations, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common versions include Costeño, Coutinou, Coutinoo, Cooteen, Coeteno, Cooteuno, Cooteyno, Cooteyne, Costeyno, Costeyne, Costaeno, and Costaeyno. These variations originate from the same Portuguese root, "coutinho," meaning "little field" or "small estate." The spellings may have been altered due to factors such as dialectal differences, phonetic changes, or errors in transcription during immigration. The name is primarily associated with Portugal and Spain, but it can also be found among the descendants of Portuguese and Spanish immigrants in other parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Coutino

Notable individuals with the surname Coutinho include Rafael Coutinho, a Brazilian writer and journalist who has written extensively on Brazilian politics and history. He has won several prestigious awards for his work. Another notable figure is Philippe Coutinho, a professional footballer who plays for Barcelona and the Brazilian national team. He is considered one of the best players in the world and has won numerous accolades during his career. Additionally, there is Eduardo Coutinho, a Brazilian filmmaker and documentary producer. His work often focuses on social issues in Brazil, and he has received international recognition for his films. Lastly, let's mention Marcos Antônio Coutinho, a Brazilian Roman Catholic prelate who currently serves as the Archbishop of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. He is known for his work in charity and social outreach. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are recognized for their achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Coutino

The surname Coutino is believed to have originated from Portugal, specifically in the Minho region, where it was first documented during the Middle Ages. The name is thought to be a variation of the occupational name "Cozinheiro" or "Cozido," meaning cook or stew maker, due to its association with the profession of preparing food in large quantities, which was common among the higher social classes at that time.

Over time, the Coutino family migrated across Europe, particularly to Spain and South America. In Brazil, the name became quite prevalent, particularly in regions like Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, as a result of Portuguese colonization and migration during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Coutinos in these regions have contributed significantly to the country's social, cultural, and political landscape over several generations.

Notable individuals with the surname Coutino include Joaquim Manuel de Macedo Coutinho, a Brazilian statesman who served as the 12th President of Brazil from 1891 to 1894, and Maria Cândida da Silva Coutinho, a Brazilian writer and poet. The study of genealogical records in Portugal, Brazil, Spain, and other regions with significant Coutino populations continues to reveal more information about the origins, migrations, and achievements of this interesting surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Coutino"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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