Last Name Letra

The surname "Letra" is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It translates to "letter" in English. In Spanish-speaking countries, it may have been given to someone born on a day when correspondence was especially relevant or to someone who was thought to be literate or scholarly. In Portuguese-speaking regions, it could have been a nickname for someone with a quick mind or good memory, as if their thoughts flowed like letters in a book. However, it's important to note that surnames can also change over time due to various factors such as migration, misinterpretation, and assimilation, so the exact origin of any specific instance of the name "Letra" may vary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Letra

The meaning and origin of the last name Letra

The surname Letra is of Spanish origin and is derived from the word "letra," which means "letter" in English. This surname could have been given to someone who was a scribe or a scholar, indicating their occupation or education. Alternatively, it may have been used metaphorically to signify someone who was eloquent or literate. The name Letra first appeared in the Iberian Peninsula during the Late Middle Ages, as Spain underwent significant cultural and social changes that led to an increase in the use of written documents. Over time, the surname has spread globally due to migration and assimilation, becoming a common last name in Spanish-speaking communities and beyond.

Geographical distribution of the last name Letra

The surname Letra is predominantly distributed across Spain, particularly in regions such as Castile-Leon, Galicia, and Asturias, reflecting its origins from those areas. In addition, significant numbers of individuals with the surname Letra can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and various Central American nations. This dispersal is a result of historical migrations during the colonial period and post-independence movements. Outside of Hispanic regions, the occurrence of Letra is relatively low, with occasional instances in Portugal due to possible etymological connections between Spanish and Portuguese languages. The global distribution of the surname Letra suggests a rich cultural history tied to the Spanish-speaking world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Letra

The surname Letra has several spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation across regions and time periods. Some of these variants include Letter, Letraria, Letraia, Lethara, Leithara, Laetra, Latre, Latra, and Laitre. These variations can be found among people of various ethnicities, with roots in countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France, where the name is often derived from the Latin word "littera," meaning letter or character. It's essential to note that these spellings represent possible ways the name may have been transcribed and passed down through generations, and not all are necessarily used contemporaneously. In genealogical research, it is crucial to consider these variations to ensure accurate tracing of the Letra/Letter lineage.

Famous people with the last name Letra

Notable individuals bearing the surname Letra include: 1. Chino Moreno – An American musician and artist, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the alternative rock band Deftones. His birth name is Carlos Emilio Letra, Jr., but he is commonly known by his stage name, Chino Moreno. 2. J. Mascis – An American musician and singer-songwriter who gained prominence as the founder, guitarist, and lead vocalist of the influential alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr. His full name is Joseph Donald Mascis III, but he is often referred to as J. Mascis. Although his birth surname was Letra, he adopted the stage name Mascis after his stepfather. 3. Héctor Letra – A Spanish writer, poet, and translator. Born in 1972, Letra has published numerous works of poetry, short stories, essays, and translations, including collaborative works with other prominent Spanish writers such as Eduardo Moga and Antonio Gala. 4. David Letras – An Argentine footballer who played for various clubs in Argentina, Mexico, and Chile throughout his career. He is remembered for his time at Rosario Central and San Lorenzo, two of the most successful football clubs in Argentina. Born in 1967, he spent the majority of his career as a central defender before retiring from professional football in 2004.

Genealogical research on the last name Letra

The surname Letra has roots primarily in Spain and Portugal, originating from the medieval Iberian Peninsula. The name is derived from the Latin word "litera," meaning letter or character. In feudal times, a scribe or official record keeper was often referred to as "the man of the letters" or "el escribano," which could have been the original bearer of the surname Letra. In Spain, the Letra family can be traced back to the 15th century in regions such as Galicia and Andalusia. Some notable figures include Diego López de Letra, a 16th-century composer and musician, and Juan de la Vega y Letra, a 18th-century poet. In Portugal, the Letra family can be traced back to the 17th century, with prominent members such as Francisco Fernandes de Letra, a colonial administrator in Brazil during the Portuguese Empire. The name is also found in other countries, including Argentina, due to Spanish and Portuguese immigration. Research continues to uncover more about the history and genealogy of this interesting surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Letra"
• 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

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