Last Name Queva

Learn more about the origin of the last name Queva

The meaning and origin of the last name Queva

The surname Queva is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Latin word "quevar," which means "barrel maker." This profession-based surname was initially used to identify individuals who were skilled in making barrels or casks, a crucial craft during the Middle Ages for the storage and transportation of various goods such as wine, grain, oil, and water. The name spread across Iberia during the Roman Empire's decline and was later carried by Spanish and Portuguese settlers to other regions, including Latin America. Today, Queva is a common surname in Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Queva

The last name Queva is predominantly distributed in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Aragon and Catalonia, with significant concentrations in Huesca, Lleida, Tarragona, and Barcelona provinces. It's also found in Valencia and Castellón-La Mancha regions due to historical migrations and intermarriages. Outside of Spain, it is scarcely represented in Argentina, where the name has been carried by immigrants from Catalonia. The Queva surname also appears sparsely in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, France, Italy, and Mexico, primarily among diaspora communities originating from Spain or Argentina.

Variants and spellings of the last name Queva

The surname Queva has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in regional dialects and historical transcription practices. Here are some possible forms:

1. Queva: This is the most common spelling found in English-speaking countries. It originates from the Catalan region of Spain, where it is often pronounced as [kəˈβə].

2. Quéva: With an acute accent on the 'e', this spelling represents a more faithful translation of the original Spanish pronunciation, which emphasizes the syllable "que" (pronounced as [ke]).

3. Keava: A less common anglicized version that might be found among families who have emigrated to English-speaking countries from Catalonia or other regions with similar surnames.

4. Cavé or Quave: These forms are possible alternative spellings, though they may not be directly related to the Queva surname and instead could stem from different Catalan surnames that sound similar.

5. Keva: A shorter variant, which might have arisen through the process of linguistic assimilation or simplification upon migration.

6. Cavà: This form is a Catalan-language variant, with a grave accent on the 'a', and it could potentially be related to the Queva surname but may also represent a distinct surname.

Famous people with the last name Queva

The Queva surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Juan Luis Quevedo (b. 1962), a Spanish writer and poet known for his innovative use of language, particularly in the novel "La casa de las musas" ("The House of Muses") which won him the National Literature Prize in 1998. In music, there is Juan Pablo Quevedo (b. 1963), a Cuban-born Venezuelan conductor and composer who has led numerous orchestras around the world. In sports, Ricardo Quevedo (b. 1945) was an Uruguayan footballer who played as a midfielder for Peñarol, Nacional, Boca Juniors, and the Uruguay national team. Lastly, in science, Héctor Quevedo (1931-2018), a Chilean chemist, was known for his research on organometallic compounds and made significant contributions to catalysis and homogeneous catalysis. These individuals demonstrate the diversity and accomplishments of those bearing the surname Queva.

Genealogical research on the last name Queva

The surname Queva is primarily associated with Spain and Portugal, originating from the region of Catalonia in northeastern Spain. Historically, the name could be traced back to the Visigothic period (5th-8th centuries) where it was a personal name, "Queixo", meaning "cheese" or "grief". Over time, this name evolved into the surname Queva in its various spellings.

Throughout history, several notable individuals bearing the name Queva have emerged. For instance, Bartolomé de las Casas, a 16th-century Spanish Dominican friar and priest, was one of the most prominent figures advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples in the Americas. In the modern era, Enric Quevedo i de la Mora (1882-1941), a Catalan painter and caricaturist, is known for his vibrant works that depicted Catalan culture during the early 20th century.

Today, the Queva surname can be found in various countries worldwide, especially in Spain, Portugal, the United States, and other countries with significant Spanish and Portuguese populations. Genealogical research on this name continues to uncover new branches, stories, and connections among its many descendants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Queva"
• 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 : 12 June 2025