Last Name Covas

The last name Covas is a Spanish and Portuguese surname, derived from various places with that name in their original form. In Spain, Covas can be found mostly in Catalonia and Valencia regions. It is thought to come from one of the numerous locations named Covas, which are primarily found in these regions. These place names are typically associated with streams or valleys, derived from the Latin word "cava" meaning a hollow or cavity. In Portugal, Covas can also be found but may have different origins due to the country's distinct history and naming patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Covas

The meaning and origin of the last name Covas

The surname Covas is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Catalan region in northeastern Spain. It is derived from the toponymic name "Covas," which refers to a place with deep hollows or cavities in the ground. This could have been an actual location where the original bearer of this surname resided. The name was likely first used as a nickname for someone who lived near such a site, and it eventually became a hereditary surname over generations. Covas is primarily found among Catalan and Spanish families, but due to migration patterns throughout history, it can now be encountered in other parts of the world with significant Spanish-speaking populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Covas

The surname Covas is predominantly distributed across two major regions: Catalonia and Valencia, both autonomous communities in Spain. A significant concentration of individuals bearing this name can be found in the provinces of Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona, and Lleida within Catalonia, as well as in Valencia and Castellón in the Valencian Community. Smaller clusters also exist in other regions of Spain such as Madrid, Aragon, and Balearic Islands, indicating migration from these original areas over time. Beyond Spain, individuals with the surname Covas can be found in Portugal, Italy, France, and countries with large Spanish-speaking populations like the United States, Argentina, and Mexico, reflecting historical emigration patterns from Catalonia and Valencia to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Covas

The surname Covas has several variants and spellings, reflecting the phonetic and regional differences in how names are pronounced and transcribed. Some common variations include: Covass, Cova, Cuvas, Coivas, Coavas, and Coyvas. These differences may arise due to historical or geographical factors, such as different dialects within Spain, where the name is predominantly found, or transcription errors during migration and immigration processes. Additionally, it's important to note that some families may have their unique spelling of the name, influenced by personal preference or local customs. The root form, Covas, derives from the Latin word "cubare" meaning "to lie down," which suggests an original occupational name for a bedmaker or someone associated with resting places.

Famous people with the last name Covas

The Covas surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of sports, Ricardo Teixeira de Freitas Covas is a Brazilian businessman and former FIFA Executive Committee member who served as President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) for two terms from 1999 to 2019. In music, José Covas, also known as Zeca Pagodinho, is a renowned Brazilian samba artist and composer who has won numerous awards, including four Latin Grammy Awards. From the world of science, Eduardo J. Covas is an Argentine-Italian mathematician who made significant contributions to number theory and algebraic geometry. Lastly, in politics, Manuel Covas was a Spanish military officer and politician who served as President of the Government of Spain during the Second Spanish Republic from 1930 to 1931. These individuals demonstrate the diversity and achievements of those bearing the Covas surname across multiple domains of human endeavor.

Genealogical research on the last name Covas

The surname Covas is primarily of Spanish origin, stemming from the medieval Iberian region of Catalonia. Variations such as "Covás," "Cobas," and "Covasso" are also found. The name's roots can be traced back to the Latin word "Cubitis," meaning "hip," which suggests an early association with a geographical location or topographical feature. Over time, the name spread across Catalonia and other parts of Spain, with notable concentrations in regions like Valencia and Aragon. The Covas family migrated to various countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly to Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, and the United States, reflecting the broader migration patterns of Spanish-speaking populations during those periods. Today, the Covas surname is widespread globally, with significant populations in Spain, Cuba, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, and other countries, demonstrating its enduring legacy across generations and borders.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Covas"
• 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 June 2025

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