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Last Name Cuevas

What is the origin of the last name Cuevas?

The surname Cuevas is of Spanish origin. It comes from a topographical name for someone who lived near a cave or rocky outcrop, derived from the Spanish word "cueva" meaning 'cave'. This surname has been widely distributed throughout Spain and South America due to historical events such as colonization and migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cuevas

The meaning and origin of the last name Cuevas

The surname Cuevas is of Spanish origin, derived from the geographical feature "cueva" which means cave in English. It was often used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a cave or geographical formation resembling a cave. Over time, this name evolved into a common Spanish surname, with many different branches and variations across Spain and its colonies, particularly in Latin America. In some cases, the spelling of the name may have been altered due to immigration and assimilation into other cultures, resulting in variations such as Cueva, Kuevas, or Cuervas. Today, the surname Cuevas is one of the most common surnames in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cuevas

The surname Cuevas is predominantly distributed across Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and Latin America. In Spain, it is most frequently found in the autonomous communities of Andalusia, Canary Islands, and Extremadura. The name also holds a significant presence in various Latin American nations such as Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Venezuela. Additionally, there are notable populations with the Cuevas surname in the United States, largely due to immigration from Spain and Latin America. It is important to note that the distribution of this surname can vary greatly depending on factors like regional migration patterns, historical events, and cultural assimilation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cuevas

The surname Cuevas can have various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, pronunciation, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include:

* Cuervas
* Cueva
* Cuvas
* Cueva
* Kuevas
* Kyevas
* Quevos
* Keuvas
* Kuivas
* Cuvaz
* Kuvaz

These variations can be found among people of Spanish, Hispanic American, and Portuguese descent. It originates from the Spanish word "cueva," meaning cave, which could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a cave or an occupational name for a cave dweller.

Famous people with the last name Cuevas

The Cuevas surname is represented by several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of sports, there's Pablo Cuevas, an Uruguayan professional tennis player who has won multiple ATP titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 24 in singles in 2017. In the world of music, Juan Luis Guerra, a Dominican singer-songwriter known for his fusion of merengue and other genres, is also known as Cuevas. He has sold millions of records worldwide and won multiple Latin Grammy Awards. Another famous figure with this surname is Rita Moreno, a Puerto Rican actress, singer, and dancer who is the first Hispanic woman to earn an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, often referred to as the EGOT. These are some of the most prominent individuals with the last name Cuevas.

Genealogical research on the last name Cuevas

The surname Cuevas, originating from Spain, is predominantly found in regions such as Andalusia and Canary Islands. Historically, it is derived from the occupation of a 'cueva' or cave dweller. The name Cuevas can also be associated with geographical locations, referring to those who lived near caves or rocky outcrops.

In Spain, the Cuevas family tree includes notable figures like Alonso de Cuevas, a Spanish conquistador who participated in the conquest of Peru and Guatemala during the 16th century. In other parts of the world, such as Mexico and Central America, the name Cuevas is also common due to migration from Spain.

In the United States, the Cuevas family tree can be traced back to early Spanish settlers in Texas and Florida, with further expansion into states like California, New Mexico, and Puerto Rico, reflecting the dispersal of Hispanic populations over time. The Cuevas surname is widely distributed globally, testifying to its long history and geographical spread.

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 : 27 July 2025

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