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Last Name Cueva

What is the origin of the last name Cueva?

The surname "Cueva" has Spanish origins. It is derived from a geographical location, specifically referring to someone who lived near or in a cave. In Spanish, "cueva" means "cave." This surname is common among people from Spain and Latin American countries where Spanish is the predominant language.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Cueva

The meaning and origin of the last name Cueva

The surname Cueva originates from Spain and is derived from the Spanish word "cueva," which means cave in English. This surname was often given to people who lived near or in caves, or to those whose occupation involved working with caves or mining. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through generations. The name Cueva can be found not only in Spain but also among Spanish-speaking communities around the world due to migration and colonization. It is one of many Spanish surnames that are geographically descriptive, reflecting the diverse landscape and occupations of early Spanish settlers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cueva

The surname Cueva is predominantly distributed across Spanish-speaking countries due to its Spanish origin. It is most commonly found in Spain, particularly in regions like Galicia and Castile-Leon. In Spain, it ranks among the top 2,000 surnames by frequency. Outside of Spain, significant numbers of people with the last name Cueva can be found in countries with large Hispanic populations, such as Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and other Central and South American nations. It is also present in the United States due to immigration from these countries. The name's distribution reflects historical migrations and the influence of Spanish colonialism in Latin America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cueva

The surname Cueva has various spelling variations due to historical and regional differences in pronunciation and recording methods. Some common variants include Cavas, Cuevas, Kueva, Cuva, Kuva, and Kyua. These variations may arise from errors during transcription or translation, or from regional dialects that slightly alter the pronunciation of the name. Additionally, some families have adapted their surnames to suit different languages or cultures, leading to additional variants such as Cavaso (Italian), Kueva-Diaz (Spanish compound surname), and Cueva-Lopez (also a Spanish compound surname). It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different ancestries, but rather reflect the diversity in how names were recorded over time and across regions.

Famous people with the last name Cueva

Notable individuals with the surname Cueva include:

1. Julio César Cueva (born 1963), Costa Rican former footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Deportivo Saprissa, Alajuelense, and the Costa Rica national team.

2. Carlos Cueva (born 1989), Colombian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Mexican club Cruz Azul and the Colombia national team.

3. José Cueva (1905–1977), Peruvian painter known for his murals, frescoes, and public artworks in Lima, Peru.

4. Juan Pablo Cueva (born 1982), Ecuadorian footballer who plays as a forward for Argentine club Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata and the Ecuador national team.

5. María José Cueva (born 1980), Chilean television presenter, model, and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Chile World in 2000.

Genealogical research on the last name Cueva

The surname Cueva, originating from Spain, is primarily associated with the regions of Asturias and Cantabria. The name is derived from the Old Spanish word "cueva," meaning cave or underground shelter, likely indicating an early inhabitant lived near or in a cave.

The earliest recorded instances of the Cueva family date back to the 10th century in Asturias during the Reconquista. Notable figures with the surname include Alvaro de Cueva (died 1325), who was a Castilian nobleman and grandmaster of the Order of Calatrava, and Juan de Cueva (1480-1529), a Spanish explorer who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in 1493.

The Cueva family spread throughout Spain during the Middle Ages, with many branches migrating to other parts of Europe and the Americas over time due to various historical events such as religious conflicts and economic migrations. Today, the Cueva surname is found globally, with significant populations in Spain, South America, and the United States.

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 : 23 July 2025

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