Last Name Cuebas

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cuebas

The meaning and origin of the last name Cuebas

The surname Cuevas (spelled as Cuebas in some regions) is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "cueva" which means cave in English. This toponymic surname was often given to individuals who lived near or by a cave, and it became a hereditary name as families resided in the same location over generations. The surname Cuevas/Cuebas is common among the Spanish population, particularly in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura, due to the numerous caves found within these areas, some of which were used as dwellings during prehistoric times. Over time, variants of the name have arisen due to spelling differences caused by regional pronunciation variations and changes in document transcription practices.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cuebas

The surname Cuebas has a predominant presence in Cuba, its origin being traced back to the island's indigenous Taíno population and Spanish settlers. Over time, Cuban immigrants have spread the name globally, particularly to countries with large Cuban diaspora communities such as the United States, Spain, and Puerto Rico. The name can also be found in other Spanish-speaking nations due to migration patterns and historical connections, although it is less common outside of these regions. In Cuba, Cuebas is most concentrated in central and western provinces like La Habana, Matanzas, and Villa Clara, areas with a rich history of sugar plantations, where many families of African descent adopted European surnames during the colonial era.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cuebas

The surname Cuebas has several variations and spellings. Some common variants include:

1. Cueva(s) - derived from the Spanish word "cueva," which means cave, possibly denoting a person who lived near a cave or had the occupation of a miner.
2. Cuébas - an accentuated version of the original surname, reflecting the diacritical marks used in some Spanish-speaking regions to denote certain vowel sounds.
3. Quiroga Cuevas - this is a compound surname formed by combining two independent surnames: Quiroga and Cuebas. In Spain, it's common for people to take their mother's maiden name as the second part of a compound surname.
4. De Cuevas - an aristocratic title meaning "of the caves" in Spanish. This title was often granted to noble families residing near caves or mines.
5. Cueva-Vázquez - another compound surname where Cueva is combined with Vázquez, which could be a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Basco (from Vasco, meaning Basque).
6. Kuebas - an anglicized version of the original Spanish surname, often found in English-speaking countries with large populations of Hispanic immigrants.
7. Cuevas-Lopez - a compound surname formed by combining Cuevas and Lopez, which is one of the most common surnames in Spain.
8. De los Cuevas - this means "of the caves" in Spanish and is an aristocratic title used similarly to "De Cuevas."

Famous people with the last name Cuebas

The Cuebas family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Yoan Cuebas, a Cuban-born baseball player who played for the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball (MLB). In the realm of literature, Reinaldo Arenas, born under the name Antonio Nacher Cuevas, was a Cuban writer known for his works depicting life in Cuba during the Communist Revolution. Another notable figure is Gladys Cuebas-Pastrana, a Cuban-American physicist who worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and contributed to numerous space missions. In music, Carlos Cuevas is a Mexican singer-songwriter known for his romantic ballads. Lastly, Angel Cuevas, born in Cuba, was an influential Mexican architect who designed numerous public buildings during the mid-20th century. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements of those bearing the last name Cuebas across multiple disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Cuebas

The surname Cuebas originates from Spain and is commonly found in the Canary Islands, particularly in Tenerife. It is derived from the Old Spanish word "cubero," meaning a shelter or a small hut. This surname was initially used as a geographical name for inhabitants of a place with such structures.

Over time, the Cuebas family expanded beyond Spain, with significant migrations to Cuba and other parts of Latin America during the colonial era. The family's influence in Cuba is notable, particularly in the provinces of Camagüey and Las Villas. In Cuba, some branches of the Cuebas family are associated with important historical figures like Vicente Cuevas y Varona, a prominent lawyer and politician in the 19th century.

The surname also spread to other parts of the world through immigration waves, such as the United States, where it is most commonly found in Florida, due to its proximity to Cuba. The Cuebas family has made significant contributions in various fields across these regions, including politics, education, and arts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cuebas"
• 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 : 23 July 2025