Last Name Cunha

The surname "Cunha" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from various toponyms in Portugal, particularly those located in the northwestern regions, such as Santa Maria da Feira and Vila Nova de Gaia. In these regions, the place names with "Cunha" as a suffix are usually associated with a high ground or hill, as "cume" in Portuguese means "summit" or "crest". Over time, inhabitants of these places started to use their home's toponym as their surname when they migrated or during the process of surnaming that took place in Portugal in the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cunha

The meaning and origin of the last name Cunha

The surname Cunha is a Portuguese name of Latin origin, derived from the word "cuniculus," which means rabbit or coney in Latin. Historically, it was often used to identify someone who lived near a rabbit warren or hutch, as these structures resembled burrows made by rabbits. The name has been popular in Portugal for centuries and is most prevalent in the northern regions of the country, particularly in the district of Vila Real and Trás-os-Montes. Over time, many Portuguese immigrants have taken this surname to other parts of the world, including Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and the United States, where it remains a common name among Portuguese descendants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cunha

The surname Cunha is predominantly found in Portugal and its former colonies, particularly Brazil and Angola. In Portugal, it originates from the region of Algarve, where it's relatively common due to the Moorish influence during the Middle Ages. The name spread to other parts of Portugal over time. In Brazil, Cunha is one of the most frequent Portuguese surnames, especially in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. This is due to the immigration wave from Southern Portugal in the 16th and 17th centuries. In Angola, it's also quite prevalent, particularly in the provinces of Huíla and Benguela, reflecting the Portuguese colonization history. Additionally, there are communities with the surname Cunha in countries like Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Goa (India), as a result of historical Portuguese connections.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cunha

The surname Cunha is predominantly found among Portuguese speakers, although it may also be encountered in other linguistic communities as a result of migration. Variations of this name include Cuhna, Conha, Coanha, Coana, Corhã, Coroa, and Cuhnha, which stem from regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions. Additionally, there may be alternate spellings such as Kunha, Kohna, or Konha due to transliteration or anglicization. It is important to note that the exact origin of this name is unclear; however, it is believed to have derived from a place-name or occupational title in medieval Portugal.

Famous people with the last name Cunha

Notable individuals sharing the surname Cunha include:

1. Joaquim Alberto Silvá Cunha (1866-1937), a Brazilian physician and politician, known for his work on tropical diseases. He discovered Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan that causes Chagas Disease.

2. José Eduardo dos Santos Cahunga (born 1942), Angolan politician who served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2017. He was a key figure in the country's struggle for independence and played a significant role in shaping post-independence Angola.

3. José Maria da Silva Cunha (born 1958), a Portuguese footballer who won the European Cup Winners' Cup with FC Porto twice (1987, 1988) as a player and once as a coach in 2004.

4. António Augusto de Aguiar Cunha (born 1956), a Portuguese writer who won the Camões Prize, one of Portugal's most prestigious literary awards, for his novel "A Imprensa do Espírito Santo" in 2008.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have left lasting impacts on their countries and the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Cunha

The Cunha surname originates from Portugal and is commonly found in regions such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Alto Douro. Its earliest recorded usage dates back to medieval times, with the first documented instance being in the 9th century during the reign of Count Hermogenes, who was a prominent figure in the County of Portugal. The Cunha family is believed to have descended from the Knights Templar, as some members of the family were associated with the Order in medieval times. Through the centuries, the Cunha family expanded and dispersed, with notable branches migrating to Brazil during the 16th century colonization efforts. The Brazilian branch has since grown significantly, with a large concentration of Cunhas residing in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo. Today, the Cunha family is spread across several countries, including Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and the United States, maintaining a strong sense of cultural identity and connection to their roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cunha"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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