What is the origin of the last name Correa?
Countries of origin for the last name Correa
The last name Correa has origins in various regions of Europe, primarily in Spain and Portugal. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word “corro,” meaning “boundary” or “limit.” The name is associated with a place or geographic feature that served as a boundary marker, such as a ridge or a point of intersection.
The earliest recorded instances of the surname Correa can be found in documents dating back to the 13th century. These documents indicate that the name was primarily used as a topographical or locational surname, referring to individuals who lived or owned land near a boundary or landmark. Over time, the surname Correa spread to other regions and populations.
During the period of Portuguese exploration and colonization, the surname Correa gained prominence in Portugal and its overseas territories. It was associated with several notable figures, including explorers, military commanders, and colonial administrators. The surname is particularly prevalent in Brazil, where Portuguese influence and settlement were significant.
Another possible origin of the surname Correa is its association with a profession or occupation. In some cases, the name may have been used to denote individuals who worked as a leatherworker or tanner. The Latin word “curro,” meaning “to run,” is linked to the craft of tanning, as it involves the running of water over hides. This occupational association might have contributed to the adoption of the surname by individuals engaged in the leather industry.
The surname Correa has also been linked to the Jewish Sephardic diaspora. Following the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many Sephardic Jews migrated to various parts of the world, including Portugal. Some of these individuals may have adopted the surname Correa or variations thereof to blend in with the local population and avoid religious persecution.
It is important to note that the meaning and origins of surnames can vary significantly across different regions and historical contexts. While the aforementioned facts provide insights into the general etymology and historical associations of the Correa surname, it is crucial to conduct further genealogical research to uncover more specific and individualized information.
Interesting facts about the last name Correa
- The surname Correa is of Portuguese and Spanish origin.
- It is derived from the word “correa,” which means “leather strap” in Portuguese and Spanish.
- The name Correa was traditionally used to refer to a person who worked with leather or made leather products.
- Correa is a fairly common surname in Portugal, Brazil, Spain, and other Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries.
- There are variations of the surname, such as Correia, Correo, and Correja, which can be found in different regions.
- The name Correa is also known as a Sephardic Jewish surname, with Jewish families adopting it during the Spanish Inquisition to hide their Jewish ancestry.
- Notable people with the surname Correa include Marcelo Correa, a Brazilian footballer, and Carlos Correa, a Puerto Rican baseball player.