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Last Name Cuevas-santana

What is the origin of the last name Cuevas-santana?

The surname Cuevas-Santana appears to be a composite surname, formed by combining two separate surnames: Cuevas and Santana. The surname Cuevas is of Spanish origin and comes from the word "cueva," meaning cave or hollow. This surname was likely given to someone who lived near a cave or in a cave-like structure, or it could have been a nickname for someone with a physical resemblance to a cave. The surname Santana is also of Spanish origin and comes from the word "Santa Ana," which means "Holy Anne" in English. It was likely given as a religious name to someone dedicated to Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. Therefore, the composite surname Cuevas-Santana would have been given to someone who either lived near a cave and was also named for Saint Anne or had some other connection to both elements of the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cuevas-santana

The meaning and origin of the last name Cuevas-santana

The surname Cuevas-Santana is a combination of two Spanish family names, Cuevas and Santana. The name Cuevas originates from the Spanish word for "caves," likely given to individuals who lived near natural caves or rock formations. On the other hand, Santana is derived from the Latin word "sanctus" meaning "holy." This surname may have been given to people associated with a religious site, a place dedicated to a saint, or it could have been a nickname for a devout person. The combination of Cuevas and Santana in one name likely occurred when two families with these separate surnames intermarried over time, creating the compound surname we see today. The specific origin of the Cuevas-Santana surname can be traced back to particular regions within Spain or among Spanish-speaking communities, depending on the family's history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cuevas-santana

The surname Cuevas-Santana is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking regions, with significant concentrations in Spain and countries with large Hispanic populations, such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and some Central American countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. It's also present in the United States due to migration from these countries. The name is a compound of two common Spanish surnames, Cuevas (meaning "caves") and Santana (meaning "Saint John"), reflecting its origins in Catholic Spain. In recent years, people with this surname have also been found in other parts of the world due to migration and globalization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cuevas-santana

The surname Cuevas-Santana has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation across languages and regions. Some common variations include:

1. Cueva-Santana: This variation alters the spelling of the first name "Cuevas" by replacing the letter 'u' with an 'o', a change that is more common in some Spanish dialects.
2. Cuébas-Santana: This variation replaces the 'e' in "Cuevas" with an acute accent, which is common in certain Spanish regions.
3. Cueva Santana: In this version, the hyphen between the two surnames is dropped, although it may still be included for personal preference or official purposes.
4. Kuervas-Santana: This spelling represents an attempt to phonetically transcribe the name using the Romanization system used in English and other languages, with 'K' replacing the Spanish 'C' when followed by a vowel.
5. Cueva de Santana: This version resembles a place name, as it includes "de" instead of a hyphen, implying "of the" in English. However, this is not a typical surname format in Spanish-speaking countries.
6. Kuevas-Santana: In this spelling, the first letter of the first surname is capitalized, following English naming conventions, but it might be considered unconventional for a Spanish surname.
7. Cueva Santaná: This variation includes an accent over the 'a' in "Santana", which may reflect regional pronunciation or a desire to maintain diacritical marks in the transcription.
8. Cuevas y Santana: Another possible format is to connect the two surnames with "y" (meaning "and"), although this is less common than using a hyphen.

Famous people with the last name Cuevas-santana

Carlos Santana, a renowned guitarist and singer, is one of the most celebrated figures with the surname Cuevas-Santana. Born in Mexico, he relocated to the United States at a young age. His musical career took off in the late 1960s when he co-founded the band Santana, which gained international fame for their album "Abraxas," featuring hits like "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va." In 2010, Carlos was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his career has spanned over five decades, during which he has won ten Grammy Awards. Another notable figure with the surname Cuevas-Santana is Alexa Cuevas, a Mexican-American dancer, choreographer, and educator. She has made significant contributions to traditional Mexican dance by preserving and promoting its cultural heritage in both Mexico and the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Cuevas-santana

The Cuevas-Santana surname appears to have origins rooted in both Spanish and Native American cultures, reflecting the rich history of Spain's colonization of the Americas. The name "Cuevas," derived from the Spanish word for "cave," has been traced back to various regions in Spain such as Andalusia and Castile, where it was often associated with people who lived near natural caves or took their surname from the occupations related to them, such as cave dwellers or stonemasons. On the other hand, "Santana" is a common Spanish surname meaning "Saint John," derived from the baptismal name San Juan.

The combination of these two surnames suggests that individuals bearing this name could be descendants of Spanish settlers who intermarried with Native Americans in the New World, a practice that was not uncommon during the colonial era. However, a precise genealogical analysis would require more specific records and documentation, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, which can provide information about an individual's lineage and ancestry.

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 : 30 July 2025

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