Last Name Mota

The last name "Mota" has multiple possible origins and meanings. 1. Portuguese: In Portugal, "Mota" is a quite common surname and is derived from the Portuguese word "mota," meaning "small hill" or "hillock." It could have originated as a locational or topographic name for someone who lived near or on a small hill. 2. Spanish: "Mota" may also have Spanish origins, with a similar meaning. In Spanish, "mota" refers to a "speck" or "flake," and it could have been used as a nickname for someone with a small or distinct physical feature. 3. Indian: In India, particularly among Gujaratis, Marathis, and Goans, "Mota" is a Brahmin surname. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "mota," meaning "fat" or "obese," and might have originally identified individuals of a larger build or described their robustness. As with many surnames, its specific meaning and origin can vary depending on geographic and cultural contexts. It would be best to research the specific family history or consult ancestral records to determine a more precise origin of the "Mota" surname in any given case.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mota

The meaning and origin of the last name Mota

The surname Mota has multiple origins and meanings, depending on the region and culture. In Portuguese and Spanish, "mota" originally referred to a small hill or mound. Thus, the name might have been bestowed upon families living near such geographic features or as a toponymic surname for those from places called Mota or La Mota. In Spanish-speaking countries, notable bearers of the surname include the renowned Spanish philosopher and Dominican friar, Tomás de la Mota, and the Puerto Rican playwright and theater director, René Marqués.

In addition to its Iberian roots, Mota can also have indigenous origins. In some Native American languages, the word "mota" may refer to fibers or threads, leading to the possibility that the surname is of Indigenous American origin. It is worth noting that surnames are often subject to various spellings and modifications, depending on historical factors such as colonization, migration, and linguistic influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mota

The last name Mota has a wide geographical distribution, with concentrations in various regions around the world. In Portugal and Brazil, the Mota surname is particularly prevalent, given its Portuguese origin. It is also found in significant numbers in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Asturias. Outside of the Iberian Peninsula, the name is fairly common in countries such as Mexico, where it has both Portuguese and Spanish influences. The Mota surname has also spread to other parts of Latin America, including countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina. In addition, there are notable populations of people with the last name Mota in the United States, primarily concentrated in states with larger Hispanic populations, such as California, Texas, and Florida. Overall, the surname Mota has a significant presence across different continents, reflecting the historical migration and settlement patterns of Portuguese and Spanish-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mota

The last name Mota belongs to a family of Portuguese origin, and it has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. In Portugal, the most common form is Mota, which is derived from the Portuguese word for "mound" or "hill." As the family name migrated to other countries, variations emerged to adapt to new languages and cultures. In Spain, it is known as La Mota, while in Italy, it takes the form of La Motta. In Brazil, the surname is often spelled da Mota or D'Amota, reflecting the influence of Portuguese colonization. Other possible spellings include Motta or Motha, especially in English-speaking countries where phonetic variation often occurs. These variations of the surname Mota highlight the diversity and adaptability of a family name as it travels across borders and generations, while still retaining its original Portuguese roots.

Famous people with the last name Mota

Joey Graceffa, a well-known YouTube personality, often collaborates with famous figures in the online community. Among his friends, we find one of the most influential and cherished content creators, Bethany Mota. Mota gained immense popularity through her fashion and beauty videos, captivating a massive audience with her charismatic presence and relatable personality. With her innovative style and entrepreneurial spirit, Mota has developed her own fashion line, appeared on Dancing with the Stars, and authored a successful book. Beyond her internet fame, Bethany Mota has become an inspiring role model for countless individuals around the world, motivating them to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions. Together with Joey Graceffa, she continues to inspire and entertain, leaving a lasting impact on the online community and beyond, making Bethany Mota one of the most recognizable Mota figures in popular culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Mota

The last name Mota has its roots in both Spanish and Portuguese genealogy. In Spanish, the surname Mota is derived from the word “mota,” meaning a small hill or mound. It is a toponymic surname, initially associated with people who lived near or on a small hill. This name is more commonly found in regions of Spain like Galicia, Asturias, and Catalonia.

In Portuguese genealogy, Mota is also a widely distributed surname. It is believed to have originated from the word “mota” as well, but with a slightly different meaning. In Portuguese, it can refer to a clump or lump, indicating that it may have initially been a nickname for someone with a distinguishing physical feature or characteristic.

The surname Mota has likely spread to various parts of the world through migration and colonization, making it a common surname in many Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries. In modern times, people with the last name Mota can be found in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and even other parts of the world, due to the diaspora of Portuguese and Spanish-speaking populations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mota"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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