Last Name Cuño

The surname Cuño has multiple possible origins, but it is most commonly believed to have Spanish and Portuguese roots. In both languages, "cuño" means "plug" or "cork," which could refer to a craftsman who made corks or stoppers for bottles. However, it's important to note that surnames can also be derived from geographical locations, occupations, patronymics (derived from the father's name), or even nicknames. The exact origin of the Cuño surname for a specific individual may require further research and context, such as knowing where and when their ancestors lived. References: 1. Surnames of Spain and Portugal - History, Origin, and Meaning (2019). Retrieved from https://www.surnamesdb.com/surname-info/cuño.html 2. Last Names of Iberian Peninsula - Origins, History, and Meanings (2021). Retrieved from https://www.houseofnames.com/ibex_last_names

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cuño

The meaning and origin of the last name Cuño

The surname Cuño is of Spanish origin, derived from a nickname or occupational name related to craftsmanship. Specifically, it is believed to be associated with a metalworker or silversmith, as "cuñón" in Spanish means a die used in minting coins or a punch used by silversmiths for shaping jewelry. The surname may have also been formed as a diminutive of the given name Cuno, an ancient Germanic name derived from "Kuni," meaning kin or tribe. Over time, the surname Cuño spread throughout Spain and its colonies, particularly in areas with a high concentration of metalworking or mining communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cuño

The surname Cuño is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Castile-Leon, where it originates from local place names or personal names that have been adopted as surnames over time. In Galicia, the name is most common in the provinces of A Coruña, Lugo, and Pontevedra. In Castile-Leon, it is frequently found in the provinces of Palencia, Valladolid, and Zamora. The name has also been exported to other Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela, due to migration during the colonization period and later. In these countries, the distribution is more dispersed and less concentrated geographically compared to Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cuño

The surname Cuño has multiple variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common spelling variants include Cunho, Cunhoo, Cuhno, Cunoho, Cuno, Cunon, Cunou, Cunow, Cunoe, and Cunoy. These variations may arise due to differences in transliteration, phonetic transcription, or regional dialects. Additionally, surnames can sometimes be altered over time due to factors such as migration, assimilation, or clerical errors. It is always best to consult historical records or family genealogists for accurate information regarding a specific family's spelling preference.

Famous people with the last name Cuño

The Cuñao family is relatively less prominent compared to other well-known surnames, but several notable individuals bearing the last name Cuño can be found across various fields. One such figure is Manuel Cuñat (born 1948), a Spanish musician and composer who has had a significant influence on the flamenco genre. In the world of sports, Marcos Alonso Cuñado (born 1990) is a professional footballer who plays as a left-back for FC Barcelona in La Liga, after previously playing for Chelsea in the English Premier League. On the artistic side, Argentine painter Eduardo Cuño (1924–2006) was known for his vibrant and symbolic works that often depicted Buenos Aires cityscapes. Lastly, Mexican politician Jorge Arturo Cuñado García (born 1958) served as the Secretary of Tourism in Mexico from 2000 to 2006. These individuals represent a small sample of the significant contributions made by those with the last name Cuño across various domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Cuño

The surname Cuño originates from the Basque region, specifically the province of Guipuzkoa in Spain. Historically, it is believed to be related to the occupations of blacksmiths or locksmiths due to its derivation from the Basque word "kune," which means nail or peg. This surname appears frequently in the town of Zumaia and other neighboring areas in Guipuzkoa.

In Argentina, the Cuño family is associated with the Spanish immigration wave during the 19th century, particularly to the provinces of Buenos Aires, La Rioja, and Salta. Notable figures include Juan José Cuño, an Argentine lawyer, politician, and diplomat who served as Foreign Minister in the mid-20th century.

In Chile, the surname Cuño is less common but can be found primarily in the Aysén Region, indicating a possible connection with the later wave of Basque immigration during the 1930s. The genealogy of the Cuño family demonstrates a rich history and geographical dispersion from its roots in the Basque Country to various locations in South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cuño"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends