Surname Cavazos - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Dissecting My Surname, Cavazos: A Journey of Genealogical Discovery with iGENEA DNA Test
The iGENEA DNA test has unveiled unfathomable depths of my family ancestry, profoundly reshaping my perception of my surname, "Cavazos." This invigorating journey of self-discovery uncovered hidden facets of my familial identity, unearthing my roots in Spain and North Africa, while debunking long-held myths.
Q. Cavazos
read moreCavazos: What does the surname Cavazos mean?
The last name Cavazos is of Spanish origin, most commonly found in Northern Spain and Mexico. While there are different theories about the meaning, some suggest it may derive from "Cavada," a term referring to a hollow or valley, indicating the geographical feature of the family's ancestral home. Another interpretation asserts that the name could be derived from 'Cabazos,' a term used in northwestern Spain and Portugal to describe granaries, hinting that the initial bearers could have been involved in grain storage or trade. As with many surnames, the exact meaning of Cavazos can be difficult to confirm due to its long history and the various regions in which it is found. The prominence of it in Mexico suggests it likely spread during the period of Spanish colonization.
Order DNA origin analysisCavazos: Where does the name Cavazos come from?
The surname Cavazos is of Spanish origin. It is believed to be derived from the term "cavazos," which was used to refer to places with lots of caves or caverns. The surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone residing near a notable cavern or cave.
Cavazos is most common today in Mexico, particularly in the northern states of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas. It's also prevalent in the United States, more so among the Hispanic and Latino populations. Texas, for example, has a considerably high concentration of individuals with the last name Cavazos, which can be attributed to its proximity to Mexico and the significant Hispanic population in the state.
Variations of the surname Cavazos
The surname "Cavazos" is of Spanish origin, specifically traced back to the Basque region of Spain. It is believed to originally descend from the word "Kabatzo" in the Basque language, which translates to "hut" or "cabin".
The name has a number of different spelling variations, due to differences in regional dialects, phonetics, and individual preferences. Among the many variants of the surname Cavazos, some examples are: Cebazos, Cavasos, Cabasos, Covazos, and Cevazos.
The name "Cavazos" may also have been modified over time as families migrated and adapted to new domestic and international regions. For instance, when Spanish names moved into English-speaking countries, they were often entirely anglicized.
It is also common for names to be misspelled in historical documents due to clerical errors, which can lead to families unintentionally adopting new surnames. Despite these variations, however, the surname typically retains its original pronunciation and meaning, usually pertaining to a location or dwelling.
In summary, the diverse range of spellings for "Cavazos" is reflective of the name's rich history and widespread geographical distribution.
Famous people with the name Cavazos
- Lauro Cavazos: He was the first Hispanic to serve in the U.S. Cabinet as the Secretary of Education under both the Reagan and Bush administrations.
- Joaquin Cavazos: An American actor best-known for his role in the 1987 movie "La Bamba", and also appeared in films like "Bounty Hunter" and "Laredo War".
- Raul Hector Castro: Also known as Raul H. Castro, was an American diplomat and politician who was the first Mexican American to be elected Governor of Arizona.
- Felicia Cavazos: An American teacher who won Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year award in 2007.
- Juan Nepomuceno Cavazos: A Mexican political figure who served as the governor of Tamaulipas state in Mexico.
- Kitty Cavazos: An American model who made appearances in Playboy magazine.
- Celestino Cavazos: A Mexican boxer who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics.
- Nacho Cavazos: A professional footballer from Mexico. Please bear in mind that not all of these individuals may be well-known in every part of the world, as fame can often be relative to specific regions or fields of expertise.