Last Name Lucumi

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lucumi

The meaning and origin of the last name Lucumi

The surname Lucumi is derived from the Taino language, which was spoken by the indigenous people of Cuba before the arrival of the Spanish. Specifically, "lucumí" means "person from the cacicazgo of Lucumayo," a significant region in pre-Columbian Cuba. The Tainos were an Arawak-speaking people who inhabited the Caribbean islands, including Cuba and Hispaniola (modern Haiti and the Dominican Republic). When the Spanish arrived in the 15th century, they adopted many of the native words into their own language, often using them to name people or places. In this case, the surname Lucumi was given to individuals who were descendants of the Taino leaders from the region of Lucumayo. Today, the term "Lucumí" is also used in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santería as a synonym for Yoruba (a West African ethnic group), reflecting the syncretization of African and Indigenous cultures that occurred during the formation of Latin American societies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lucumi

The surname Lucumi is predominantly associated with the Yoruba people, who originated from West Africa, specifically Nigeria and Benin. However, its distribution extends beyond Africa due to the Transatlantic slave trade and subsequent diaspora. In the Americas, particularly in Cuba and other Caribbean countries, the surname Lucumi is often used by individuals of Afro-Cuban Santeria faith, as it is derived from the Yoruba term "Lucumí" or "Orisha," referring to the Yoruba deities. Additionally, pockets of people bearing the name can be found in Latin America and North America, as a result of migration patterns from Cuba and other Caribbean countries. It's important to note that the use of the surname Lucumi does not necessarily indicate a religious affiliation or ethnicity, but rather it serves as a connection to African roots among some communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lucumi

The surname Lucumi, which is often associated with Santeria and Yoruba culture, has various spellings and pronunciations. Some common variations include: Lukumí, Lukumi, Lukumí, Lukuimi, Lucumy, Lukumy, and Lucumee. The correct spelling and pronunciation depend on regional dialects and individual preferences among people who bear this name or are associated with it. It is important to note that the name Lucumi (or its variations) does not necessarily indicate a specific ethnicity or nationality, but rather, it often reflects cultural or religious affiliations related to Santeria or Yoruba traditions.

Famous people with the last name Lucumi

The Lucumi surname is primarily associated with individuals of Yoruba descent who are practitioners of Santería, a syncretic religion originating from Cuba and the Caribbean. One of the most notable figures with this surname is Félix Varela y Morales (1796-1853), a Cuban priest, lawyer, philosopher, and abolitionist. Another well-known figure is Armonía Somers (1904-2000), a Cuban-American dancer, choreographer, and folklorist who helped popularize Santería rhythms in the United States. In contemporary times, Alicia Keyes' mother Terria Joseph, also known as Tina Douglas, is of Lucumi descent, further highlighting the global influence of this surname among practitioners of the religion. Additionally, there are numerous other professionals and artists with the Lucumi surname across various fields such as academia, medicine, and the arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Lucumi

The surname Lucumi, also spelled Lukumí, Lukumi, or Lukumíy, is predominantly associated with the Yoruba people, originating from West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Benin. In the Yoruba language, "Lucumi" translates to "sacred" or "divine," reflecting the spiritual significance of this name within their culture. The term was later adopted by the Yoruba in Cuba as a synonym for Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion that incorporates elements of the Yoruba faith system and Roman Catholicism. Over time, some practitioners of Santeria who emigrated from Cuba to other parts of the world, such as the United States, brought the name Lucumi with them, thus spreading its usage globally among Santería communities. Today, the surname Lucumi can be found among people of African descent, particularly those with roots in West Africa and Cuba.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lucumi"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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