Last Name Cunalata

The surname "Cunalata" appears to be of Basque origin, a historical region spanning parts of Spain and France. Basque surnames often have unique origins that are not easily identifiable as they predate written records or follow patterns specific to the Basque culture. In Basque-speaking regions, many surnames were traditionally composed of two words, with either the second element being a locative (a place name) or descriptive term. However, without specific information about the family in question or further context, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of the surname "Cunalata." One possible interpretation of "Cunalata" could be derived from the Basque words "kuna" (beech tree) and "lahia" (moisture, dampness). This would suggest that the original bearer of this surname might have lived near a beech tree grove or a moist area. It is important to note that these are speculations based on the knowledge of Basque naming patterns and etymology. Without additional research into the specific family history, it cannot be definitively confirmed that "Cunalata" originated from this source.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cunalata

The meaning and origin of the last name Cunalata

The surname Cunalata is of Basque origin, derived from the place name "Cunilata" located in the province of Gipuzkoa, Spain. This name is thought to be composed of two elements: "kune" meaning dog, and "lahatza" meaning gate or door, possibly indicating a location with a dog-shaped landmark. The Basque region has a rich history and distinct culture, which is characterized by its own language and unique surnames like Cunalata. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have evolved as families migrated to other countries, leading to variations such as Cunilata or Conalata. The name Cunalata is relatively rare outside of Basque-speaking regions but serves as a reminder of the region's rich history and unique cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cunalata

The geographical distribution of the surname Cunalata is predominantly concentrated in Argentina and Spain, with significant populations in both countries. In Argentina, it is most frequently found in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Santa Fe, Mendoza, and San Juan. This reflects the historical migration patterns from Spain to Argentina during the colonial period and post-independence era.

In Spain, Cunalata is primarily found in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León. The highest concentrations are in Galicia, particularly in the provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra. The migration patterns indicate that many families bearing this surname originated from these regions before moving to Argentina or remaining in Spain.

There are also smaller populations of individuals with the last name Cunalata scattered across other Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, due to immigration waves over several centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cunalata

The surname Cunalata has several variations and spellings in different contexts and regions. Some common variants include Conalata, Cunlata, and Cunilata. These variations may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcribing errors, or changes over time. In some cases, the name might also be misspelled as Consalata, Cunalatta, or Cunaltas, though these are less common. It's important to note that surnames can vary based on factors such as immigration, transcription errors during record keeping, and personal preference in spelling. Therefore, when researching family history or conducting genealogical research, it is essential to consider all possible variations of the name Cunalata and its derivatives.

Famous people with the last name Cunalata

Notable individuals sharing the surname Cunalata include:

1. Juan José Cunalata (born 1964), a Bolivian economist and politician who served as the Minister of Economy and Public Finance from 2006 to 2017.

2. Carlos Cunalata (born 1987), an Argentine footballer who plays as a midfielder for Italian club U.S. Vibonese Calcio.

3. Martín Cunalata (born 1964), an Argentine musician and composer, best known for his work with the band Soda Stereo.

4. Fernando Cunalata (born 1957), a Uruguayan journalist and writer, currently serving as the director of the newspaper El País.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, sports, music, and journalism. Their accomplishments reflect their dedication and hard work in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Cunalata

The Cunalata surname is believed to have origins in Spain, specifically in the Basque region. It derives from the toponymic surnames that were common in that area, where names were based on the place of origin or residence. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name is Juan Martin de Cunala, who lived in the 16th century in Navarra, Spain.

Over time, family members migrated from Spain to other parts of Europe and the Americas. In South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile, the surname became quite prevalent due to immigration during the colonial period. Some notable individuals with the Cunalata name include Jose Maria Cunala, a prominent Argentine soldier, and Manuel Cunalata, a Chilean politician.

Today, variations of the surname include Cunalata, Cunala, Conalata, and others, and can be found across several countries, predominantly in Spain and Latin America. Genealogical research on this name is ongoing, with many efforts focused on tracing the early lineages and migrations of the Cunalata family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cunalata"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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