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Last Name Cravo

What is the origin of the last name Cravo?

The surname "Cravo" is of Portuguese origin. It translates to 'grape' or 'raisin' in English, derived from the fruit that was common among vineyards and wine-producing regions of Portugal. Like many Portuguese surnames, it likely originated as a nickname for someone who worked with grapes, lived near a vineyard, or had some other connection to this fruit.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cravo

The meaning and origin of the last name Cravo

The surname Cravo is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word 'cravo' which means 'cinnamon'. This name was often given to individuals who were traders or travelers along the historic spice routes, particularly those involved with the import and export of cinnamon. Over time, this profession-based name became a hereditary surname in Portuguese-speaking regions, such as Portugal and Brazil. The usage and spread of the name Cravo demonstrate the historical connections between Europe, Africa, and Asia through trade networks and maritime exploration during the Age of Discovery. Today, the name Cravo is widespread among people of Portuguese descent worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cravo

The surname Cravo is primarily distributed across Portuguese-speaking countries, predominantly in Brazil and Portugal. It is also found in countries that have significant Portuguese immigration such as Angola, Mozambique, and some regions of Africa due to the historical colonization by Portugal. In Europe, it can be found sparsely in Spain and a few other countries with Portuguese-speaking immigrant communities. Cravo is a common surname in Brazil, often originating from the region of Minas Gerais. However, its frequency varies throughout the country and may not be as common in some regions like the Northeast or the Amazon. The distribution of the name outside these areas is relatively minimal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cravo

The surname "Cravo" has several variations and spellings, mostly due to differences in regional pronunciation and translation. Here are some of the common forms:

1. Cravo: This is the original Portuguese spelling, which translates directly from the Latin 'craveria', meaning 'raven'.
2. Crova or Krova: These are variations found in different regions of Portugal, where the vowel "a" may be substituted with "o" or "u" in some dialects.
3. Cravos: The plural form of "Cravo" in Portuguese.
4. Crayva, Craiva, or Craway: These are less common English adaptations, based on the phonetic interpretation of the original Portuguese name.
5. Krewe or Kreu: These are the French and German transliterations of the Portuguese "Cravo".
6. Krawo, Krevo, or Cravoh: Some individuals may opt for alternative spellings when anglicizing their names.
7. Krawov: In some Slavic languages, the name might be adapted to fit the local phonetic rules and traditions.

These variations reflect the multicultural history of the surname "Cravo" and its dispersal across various regions over time.

Famous people with the last name Cravo

Notable individuals with the surname Cravo include:

1. José Cravo e Silva (1896-1972), a Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as the president of the Senate of Brazil from 1946 to 1947, Minister of Finance under President Getúlio Vargas, and as a senator representing Rio de Janeiro.

2. Pedro Cravo e Silva (born 1958), a Portuguese neurophysiologist and academic who is currently the president of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) and Director of the Gulbenkian Institute of Science in Oeiras, Portugal.

3. José Maria Cravo Raiol (1922-2007), a Brazilian jurist who served as the Minister of Justice under President Ernesto Geisel from 1974 to 1978 and was instrumental in drafting the new Constitution of Brazil in 1988.

4. Eduardo Cravo Albin (born 1952), a Brazilian cardiologist, researcher, and academic who has made significant contributions to the field of heart disease. He is currently the president of the São Paulo Heart Institute (InCor) and the Federal University of São Paulo's medical school.

These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments and impact of people with the surname Cravo across various fields, including politics, science, and medicine.

Genealogical research on the last name Cravo

The surname Cravo is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word "cravo," which means "cane" or "cane sugar." The name was often given to individuals associated with the sugar cane industry, as Portugal was a major producer of this commodity during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. One notable bearer of this surname is José Cravo e Silva (1863-1950), a Brazilian composer who played a significant role in the development of Brazilian classical music. The Cravo family originated from the Minho region in northern Portugal, where they were likely involved in the sugar cane trade or cultivation. The surname is also found in other Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Mozambique and Angola, due to the colonial expansion of Portugal throughout Africa during the 15th to 20th centuries. Today, the Cravo name is scattered worldwide, particularly in Portugal, Brazil, and countries with significant Portuguese diaspora populations.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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