The surname Coyco is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name or a nickname. In some cases, it could have origins in the name of the village "Coyocoa" located in the province of Zamora, Spain. Alternatively, it could be a patronymic surname derived from the given name Coyo or an occupational surname for someone who was a shepherd (pastor) or a goatherd (coyero). However, these are just possible origins and the exact source may vary depending on individual family histories.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Coyco
The meaning and origin of the last name Coyco
The surname Coyco is believed to have origins from Mexico, specifically the state of Oaxaca. It is derived from various indigenous languages, particularly Nahuatl, and translates to "Place of the Coyote." In these indigenous cultures, coyotes were often associated with wisdom or trickery. The surname may have been given to someone who lived near a place inhabited by coyotes or was known for traits similar to that animal. Over time, as Mexicans migrated and settled in different parts of the world, the name spread, becoming a common surname among people of Mexican descent. Today, Coyco is found not only in Mexico but also in other countries with significant Mexican populations, such as the United States.
Geographical distribution of the last name Coyco
The surname Coyco has its roots primarily in Mexico and Central America. According to genealogical databases, it is most frequently found in the states of Jalisco, Puebla, and Guerrero in Mexico, as well as in El Salvador and Guatemala. The name is a patronymic derived from the given name Coyote or Coyo, which is common in indigenous Mexican cultures. Its distribution reflects the migration patterns of these communities over time. In the United States, individuals with the last name Coyco are predominantly found in areas with large Mexican-American populations, such as California, Texas, and Florida, where they have established significant communities. Globally, it is a rare surname outside of Mexico and Central America.
Variants and spellings of the last name Coyco
The surname Coyco has multiple variations and spellings due to different transliteration methods, regional dialects, and historical changes over time. Some common variants include:
1. Coyco: This is the original form of the name.
2. Coico: A possible phonetic spelling variation of Coyco.
3. Kayko: An alternative spelling that may arise from slight misinterpretations or differences in pronunciation.
4. Quijoco: A Spanish variation, derived from the word "quijote" (knight) and "oco" (little), which could have been a descriptive nickname.
5. Coyoca or Koica: These variations may have originated from indigenous languages, as the name Coyco can be associated with the Aztec god of wind, Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl.
6. Kojko: Another possible spelling variation that could result from slight mispronunciations or different regional dialects.
Famous people with the last name Coyco
Notable individuals with the surname Coyco include:
1. Carlos A. Coyco, a Filipino economist who served as Undersecretary at the Department of Finance and Deputy Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
2. Victor Coyco, a Mexican-American professional baseball player who played for teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball during the 1950s and early 1960s.
3. Jose A. Coyco, a Filipino diplomat who served as Ambassador to Japan from 1982-1987 and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva from 1986-1992.
4. David Coyco, a Canadian businessman who is the founder, president, and CEO of CGI Group Inc., one of the largest independent IT and business process services firms in the world.
5. Maria Elena Coyco, a Filipina academic and administrator who served as Chancellor of the University of San Carlos from 2010-2018, the first woman to hold that position.
Genealogical research on the last name Coyco
The surname Coyco is predominantly found among Filipino families, originating from the Spanish word "coyote," which means trickster or clever one. In the Philippines, the name could have been given to those who were considered cunning or resourceful.
One notable individual with this last name is Edwin A. Coyco, a Filipino economist and politician who served as the Undersecretary of Finance from 2016 to 2019. He completed his Master's Degree in Economics at the University of the Philippines and later earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration.
The Coyco family hails from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, but the surname can also be found in other parts of the Philippines due to migration over time. Research suggests that some Coyco families may have immigrated from Mexico, where the name is more common, during the Spanish colonial era. However, further study is needed to confirm these connections and trace the exact origins of the Filipino Coyco lineage.
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