Last Name Cubillos

The surname Cubillos is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the given name Cubilio or Cubillas, which is a variation of the biblical name Ceballus, originally a Latinized form of the Greek name Kephalas meaning "head." This surname originated in Spain and has spread worldwide due to historical events such as the Spanish colonization of the Americas.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cubillos

The meaning and origin of the last name Cubillos

The surname Cubillos is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Castilian region of Spain. It derives from the occupational name "cubilete," which refers to a worker who was responsible for maintaining the wooden roofs or "cubiertas" in buildings. This name likely evolved over time into its current form, Cubillos. The surname has been found in various regions of Spain and South America, particularly Cuba, where many Spanish settlers immigrated during the colonial period. As with many Spanish surnames, it is a signifier of lineage and occupation, offering insight into the family's history and background.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cubillos

The surname Cubillos is primarily distributed in Spain, specifically in the regions of Galicia and Castile-Leon, where it originates from the medieval settlements of Cebollos and Cobillas. In Galicia, it's most prevalent in provinces like A Coruña, Lugo, and Pontevedra, while in Castile-Leon, it's commonly found in Zamora, Palencia, and Valladolid. Beyond Spain, the Cubillos surname can also be found in Latin American countries, particularly in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela, due to historical migration patterns during the Spanish colonization and post-colonial periods.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cubillos

The surname Cubillos has several variations and spellings, mostly due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Here are some common variants:

1. Cubillo (singular) or Cubillos (plural) - This is the most standardized version of the name, with "ll" replaced by "l" in certain contexts for phonetic reasons.
2. Cubiello (singular) or Cubielos (plural) - These variations replace the double "l" with a single "l".
3. Quiros-Cubillos - This version includes an additional surname, possibly indicating paternal or maternal lineage.
4. Cubillas - This variation changes the ending to the feminine plural form.
5. De Cubillos - The addition of "de" at the beginning of the name suggests a noble or knightly origin, although this is not always the case.
6. Cubillo y / o Cubiello - The use of "y" or "o" between names was historically used to denote different branches or lineages within a family.
7. Cobiolo/Cubijo (Italian variations) - These are possible Italian adaptations of the Spanish name, due to immigration or historical connections between the two countries.

Famous people with the last name Cubillos

The Cubillos family is notable for its contributions across various fields. Among the most renowned members are:

1. Carlos Alberto Cubillas (born 1952), a Peruvian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder in the 1970s and 1980s. He was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1979 and is considered one of Peru's greatest players ever.

2. Lourdes Nova Cubillas (born 1953), a Peruvian writer, journalist, and translator. She has authored several novels, short stories, essays, and articles, earning numerous awards for her literary works.

3. Juan Carlos Cubillos (born 1968), a Spanish footballer who played as a defender. He represented Spain's national team and won the UEFA European Championship in 2008.

4. Luis Miguel Cubillas (born 1978), a Venezuelan professional football manager and former player, best known for his time at Deportivo Táchira and the Venezuelan national team.

These individuals have all made significant impacts in their respective fields, demonstrating the versatility and talent within the Cubillos family.

Genealogical research on the last name Cubillos

The surname Cubillos originates from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain, where it is most prevalent. Historically, it is thought to have derived from various locations such as Cubillas (Palencia) and Cubillos del Sil (Leon), both in northern Spain. The name is a toponymic one, meaning "from the place named Cubillo," which is a diminutive form of cubo, referring to a cube or a small hill.

The Cubillos family has a rich history, with notable members including Juan de Cubillas, a Spanish explorer who traveled to South America in the 16th century, and José Antonio Cubillos y Estrada, a notable politician from Peru during the 19th century. The surname can also be found among Cuban immigrants in the United States, particularly in Florida, where they established communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Cubillos is a common surname in both Spain and Latin America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cubillos"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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