Last Name Cucuta

The surname Cucuta is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place-name, specifically the city of Cúcuta located in northeastern Colombia near the border with Venezuela. This toponym comes from the Tupi language and means "town of the cassava bread," referring to the staple food made from the cassava root that was traditionally cultivated in the region. Over time, families from Cúcuta began using the name as a surname when they migrated to other parts of Spain and later the Americas.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cucuta

The meaning and origin of the last name Cucuta

The surname Cucuta is believed to have origins rooted in Spain, specifically in the northern region of Navarra. It's a toponymic surname, which means it was originally derived from a place name. The town of Cucúnda or Cucuta, located in Navarra, is thought to be the source of this surname. Over time, the spelling evolved into Cucuta as it was carried by Spanish immigrants during migrations. As with many surnames, its use and distribution have spread beyond its original geographical location due to historical events such as population movements and colonial expansion. Today, the name Cucuta is found not only in Spain but also among communities of Spanish descent around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cucuta

The last name Cúcuta is predominantly found in Colombia, with a significant concentration in and around the city of Cúcuta, located near the border with Venezuela in the department of Norte de Santander. This suggests that the surname may have origins in this region. Beyond Colombia, there are also instances of the last name Cúcuta in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, indicating potential dispersals through migration. However, the distribution outside of Colombia is relatively minor compared to its prevalence in Colombia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cucuta

The surname Cucuta has several variations and spelling forms due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Cucuta: This is the most common form of the surname, originating from Spain. It is pronounced as 'ku-koo-ta'.
2. Cucuta: A slight variation of the original Spanish spelling, this version is also commonly used and pronounced similarly to 'ku-koo-ta'.
3. Cukuta: This variation may be found in some Slovak or Eastern European families, where the "c" sounds are often represented by "c" with a caron (ˇ), though it may not always be present. It is pronounced as 'tsu-ku-ta'.
4. Kukuta: A variation that may arise due to phonetic differences in pronunciation or transcription, this form is pronounced as 'ku-ku-ta' and might be less common than the other variants.

Famous people with the last name Cucuta

The Cúcuta family is less prominently represented among well-known individuals compared to some other surnames. However, notable figures with the last name Cúcuta include:

1. Juan Camilo Cúcuta (b. 1987), a Colombian football defender who played for Deportes Tolima and Atletico Bucaramanga.
2. Ana Maria Cucuta (b. 1954), a Cuban-born American scholar, activist, and professor of Romance Languages at the University of Florida.
3. Edgar Daniel Cúcuta (b. 1987), a Colombian football midfielder who played for Independiente Medellin and América de Cali.
4. José Vicente Cúcuta (1885-1966), a Venezuelan lawyer, politician, and educator who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1937 to 1938 during the presidency of Eleazar López Contreras.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, academia, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Cucuta

The surname Cucuta, originating from Spain, is believed to have roots in the Basque region. It is thought that the name may be derived from various place names in the Basque Country, such as Cucaga or Kukaugata, meaning "hollow where the water gathers." The first recorded instances of this surname appear in the Spanish records of the 16th century. Among notable individuals bearing this surname are Juan de Cucuta, a Spanish conquistador who participated in expeditions to South America, and Eduardo Cucuta, a contemporary Colombian musician. In modern times, the Cucuta family can be found primarily in Spain, Colombia, and other Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting the historical migrations of Basque populations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cucuta"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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