Surname Columbus - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Columbus: What does the surname Columbus mean?
The last name Columbus is most commonly associated with the famous Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus, who made four voyages to the Americas during the late 15th century. The name itself is derived from the Latin term “columba,” meaning “dove.” This symbol of peacefulness and hope is an appropriate association for Columbus, considering his historical role in the search for a westward route from Europe to the East.
The name Columbus has been used in many different cultures since the time of the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, it was used to represent saints, warriors, and rulers alike. In Italian, it is also commonly used to symbolize strong leadership. Even today, it is a popular naming choice for people of Italian descent.
The last name Columbus has come to refer not only to the Italian explorer, but also to the idea of exploration and discovery. It is a testament to his legacy, and a reminder of the bravery and courage of those who have always been inspired to seek out new opportunities and to take the risks necessary to achieve great things. It is this adventurous spirit that continues to make Columbus a popular name in many different cultures.
Order DNA origin analysisColumbus: Where does the name Columbus come from?
The last name Columbus is most commonly found today in Italy, especially in the regions of Sicily, Tuscany, and Lazio. It is estimated that over 8000 people in Italy bear the Columbus name. It is also quite common throughout Latin America, particularly in Cuba, Mexico, and Chile, and is thought to have originated with Spanish and Portuguese immigrants who came to the continent in the 18th and 19th centuries and settled in areas where ports were established for colonization and the slave trade.
The United States also has a high concentration of people with the surname Columbus, especially in the Midwest and Southern coastal states. This could be attributed to the number of people of Italian-American descent, as well as the descendants of Columbian exiles in the region. The surname is also found in parts of Europe, including England, France, and the Netherlands, where it is thought to have been brought by Spanish and Portuguese settlers.
It is likely that people with the surname Columbus living in the Americas descend from Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who first crossed the Atlantic in 1492. Indeed, some of the famous people to bear the name today include Colombian musician and actor Juanes and Italian footballer Daniele de Rossi.
Variations of the surname Columbus
There are a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Columbus. One variant of the surname is Colombo, which is mainly seen in Italy, particularly in large numbers in southern Italy. There is also the variant form Colom, which is found in Catalonia and Castile, and the form Colomé, found mainly in Central and South America. The spelling Kolumbus is also found in Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, while Colum is the form often seen in Ireland.
Other variants include Colomb, Colombe, Colombo, Colomby, Kolomasch, Kolymonds and Kolumbas. The variants Columbus, Kolumbus and Kolumbo, which are mainly limited to German-speaking populations, also exist.
Surnames related to Columbus, but of different origins, include Columbano, Columba, USAmbrosio, Celeste, Lunardo, Milano, Cattaneo, Carrisi and Majo.
All of these surnames are variations of the name Columbus, and are of Italian, Spanish, Greek or Latin origin. While some are limited to a certain region or language, it’s safe to say that most of them are common in many countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Columbus
- Christopher Columbus: Also known as Cristoforo Colombo, Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator who is credited with discovering the New World in 1492 for Spain. He also made three more voyages to the Caribbean, and to South and Central America during the early 16th century.
- Nicole Columbus: An American actress and writer, she is well known for her role in the film "The Other Sister" (1999).
- Frankie Columbus: A film and television editor, he has worked on numerous productions such as "Slums of Beverly Hills," "The Ten," and "Friends With Kids."
- Jesse Columbus: An American singer-songwriter, Jesse is also a founding member of the band "The War On Drugs."
- Aldo Columbus: An Italian film composer, he was active in the 1960s and won numerous awards. He wrote music for over forty films such as Fellini's classic film "8 ½."
- Carla Columbus: An American model and actress, she started appearing in television commercials at the age of 13 and has since appeared in numerous films.
- Claudio Columbus: An Italian actor, he has starred in films such as "Goodbye," "Young Sailors" and "The Right to Love."
- Enrique Columbus: An American film director, his best-known works include "Greetings from Earth" and "Red Flags in Flight."
- José Columbus: A Belgian actor, he is best known for his roles in "The Scorpion King" and "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets." 10.Frank Columbus: An American painter, writer, and poet, he has exhibited his work across the United States, including in galleries such as the Smith College Museum of Art and the San Antonio Museum of Art.