Last Name Quadra

The last name Quadra is of Italian origin. It derives from a place name, "Quadra," which can be found in several regions of Italy, including Tuscany and Liguria. The name Quadra means "square" in Italian, referring to a physical square or an open area with buildings on all four sides. It is also possible that the surname originated from the Roman family name "Quadratus," which meant "four-footed" or "solid." Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved into various forms such as Quadra, Quadrari, Quadro, and Quattro, depending on the region and country where it is used.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quadra

The meaning and origin of the last name Quadra

The surname Quadra is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "quadrus" which means "square". It was often given to individuals living near or by a square-shaped piece of land, or perhaps someone who lived in a square-built house. Over time, it has been Anglicized to Quadra in English-speaking countries. The name is relatively uncommon and can be found primarily among Italian immigrants in various parts of the world. Notable individuals with the surname Quadra include the Canadian politician Mary Ellen Quadra and the American baseball player Frank Quadra. Like many surnames, its usage and distribution have varied significantly over centuries and across geographical boundaries due to historical events such as migration, wars, and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quadra

The last name Quadra is primarily distributed across various regions of Portugal and Brazil due to historical migrations from Europe. In Portugal, the name is most concentrated in the northern regions such as Aveiro and Porto, where it originated from a noble family who lived in the Quadra neighborhood.

In Brazil, the name Quadra is found predominantly in the southeastern states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo, as a result of Portuguese colonization. Additionally, smaller clusters of the surname can be found in other South American countries, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, where some Portuguese immigrants settled.

In North America, Quadra is relatively rare but is primarily found in Canada, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia, due to historical ties with Portugal and the colonization of these regions by European settlers. The name can also be found in the United States, particularly along the East Coast in states such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island, where Portuguese immigrants settled in significant numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quadra

The last name Quadra has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in spelling conventions over time and across different regions. The most common versions include:

1. Quadra: This is the standard English spelling, originating from the Latin word "quadrus" meaning 'square'. It's commonly found among people of European descent.

2. Quadro: This variant, also derived from the Latin word 'quadrus', is more common among speakers of Romance languages such as Italian and Portuguese.

3. Kvadra: This is a Slavic variation of the name, originating from countries like Russia or Ukraine where the Latin alphabet has been replaced by Cyrillic script.

4. Quattro: While not a direct spelling variant of Quadra, Quattro is a closely related Italian word meaning 'four', which could be used as a nickname or alternative form in some cultures.

5. Cuadra (Spanish) and Kwatra (Basque): These are adaptations of the name in languages spoken in Spain and the Basque Country, respectively. They share the same root as Quadra but have been modified to fit their respective phonetic rules.

Famous people with the last name Quadra

The Quadra family has produced several notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Michael Quadra, a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of York South from 1972 to 1984, and Minister of State for Consumer and Corporate Affairs from 1979 to 1980. In the field of sports, there is Doug Quadra, a former professional baseball player who played for teams including the Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics between 1962 and 1975. In the realm of academia, George Quadri (often spelled as Quadra) has made significant contributions. He is a professor of mathematics at the University of Waterloo, known for his work in combinatorial geometry and discrete mathematics. Lastly, in the world of entertainment, there's Toni Collette, an Australian actress whose career spans over three decades. Although she was born Toni Collett, her family changed their surname to Collette-Quadra, then simplified it to Quadra during her childhood. Her acclaimed acting roles include The Sixth Sense and Hereditary.

Genealogical research on the last name Quadra

The last name Quadra originates from Italy and is predominantly found in the Tuscan region. The name is derived from the Latin "quadrus" meaning "square," likely referring to a geographical feature or a property with a square layout. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the surname was Riccio di Quadro, who lived in Florence during the 13th century. The family migrated to other parts of Italy and expanded their presence throughout the Middle Ages, with notable members serving as politicians, military leaders, and artists. The family tree has various branches, including the Counts of Santa Fiora, a noble family from Santa Fiora in Umbria. In the 16th century, several Quadra families emigrated to Spain, where they became prominent figures in government, business, and culture. Some descendants of the Italian Quadras eventually made their way to North America, particularly Canada and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quadra"
• 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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