Last Name Cutillas

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cutillas

The meaning and origin of the last name Cutillas

The surname Cutillas is of Spanish origin, specifically from the northern region of Castile. It derives from the word "cubilas," which means small cages or enclosures used for various purposes such as holding poultry or protecting vineyards. Over time, this occupational name has been passed down through generations, transforming into the surname Cutillas. In the Middle Ages, people often took their professional titles or place of origin as their surnames to distinguish themselves from others in a growing population. The surname Cutillas, like many Spanish surnames, was standardized during the late 15th and early 16th centuries under the decrees of King Philip II, who established modern naming conventions in Spain. Today, the surname Cutillas can be found not only in Spain but also among Spanish-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cutillas

The surname Cutillas is predominantly distributed across Spain, primarily in the autonomous communities of Castile and León, Galicia, Extremadura, and Andalusia, which account for a significant portion of its occurrences. In Castile and León, it is particularly common in provinces such as Burgos, Palencia, Valladolid, León, and Zamora. In Galicia, it can be found mostly in the provinces of A Coruña, Lugo, and Ourense. Extremadura also has a notable number of individuals with the last name Cutillas, mainly in Badajoz and Cáceres. In Andalusia, it is relatively more dispersed, appearing in provinces like Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Granada, and Huelva. Minor occurrences can be found in other parts of Spain as well, but these regions account for the majority of Cutillas families.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cutillas

The surname Cutillas has several variations and spellings, primarily due to regional pronunciation differences and historical transcription errors. Some common variations include: Cutiñas, Cutiña, Cutiñas-Barreiro, Cutina, Cutinha, Cutinho, Cutinya, Cutino, Cutyla, Cutylas, Cutielas, and Cutileiro. These variations are found across different regions of Spain, where the name is most prevalent, but may also be found among Spanish-speaking communities elsewhere in the world. The spelling Cutillas, though less common, is a more direct transcription of the original Basque surname, which may have influenced its use in certain families. It's essential to note that genealogical research is crucial for tracing the exact origin and historical variations of personal names.

Famous people with the last name Cutillas

The Cutillas surname is notable for its association with several distinguished figures across various fields. In literature, Jorge Luis Borges' grandson Santiago Daniel "Tano" Cutrera Cutillas is known for his work in Argentine literature. In music, Manuel de Falla y Matheu, although not a direct Cutillas, is still significant as his mother was a Cutillas. Born in Cádiz, Spain, he was a renowned composer whose works include "Night in the Garden of the Hesperides" and "Three Cornered Hat." In sports, José Antonio Cutillas, also from Spain, was a professional footballer who played as a defender for Real Valladolid and Atlético Madrid. Lastly, in politics, Pilar de la Blanca Cutillas was the Spanish Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism from 2011 to 2018, serving under two different governments. These individuals reflect the diverse accomplishments of people bearing the Cutillas surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cutillas

The surname Cutillas originates from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain, where it is most prevalent. Historically, the name can be traced back to the medieval period, with early records dating to the 9th century in regions such as Castile and Aragon. The name is derived from the Old Spanish word "cotilla," meaning small hut or cottage, indicative of a family living in a modest dwelling.

During the Middle Ages, surnames were adopted to distinguish individuals within communities, often taking on occupational, geographical, or topographical references. The Cutillas lineage can be associated with various professions such as masons (cotillero), carpenters (cubitario), or laborers in vineyards (cuitador).

In modern times, the Cutillas family has dispersed across Spain, with significant populations found in cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Seville. The diaspora of the name can also be traced to Latin American countries such as Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, where many Spanish immigrants settled during the colonial era and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cutillas"
• 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 : 13 June 2025