Surname Cunha - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Cunha: What does the surname Cunha mean?
The last name Cunha originates from the Germanic/Gothic word "kun" meaning "kin, family, clan, or race". This surname became established in the Portuguese language as "Cunha" after the Germanic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. It is believed the earliest form of the name was "de Cunha", with "de" representing the Portuguese for "of".
Cunha may be an occupational name for an amanuensis, a person employed to record and keep a record of important documents and transactions. It is thought the term possibly originated from the Latin "cuneus" meaning a wedge or wedge-shaped objects. Other sources suggest the name stems from a geographic location, such as a slightly-rounded hill or a wedge-shaped valley.
The spelling Cunha is also associated with several different regionalisms, namely in Portugal, Galicia, Brazil, and Macau. Over time, the variations of the surname include Cunhas, Cunheiro, Cunhado, Cunhal, Cunhais, and Cunhoz.
Cunha is a distinctive and ancient surname that is often found in both Portuguese-speaking countries and those with a strong Portuguese influence. People who bear this name may find comfort in knowing that Cunha's prominence has endured since before the Middle Ages.
Order DNA origin analysisCunha: Where does the name Cunha come from?
The last name Cunha is common today in many Portuguese-speaking countries, primarily in Portugal and Brazil. The first recorded use of the surname dates back to 13th century Portugal, likely derived from the Portuguese word for "crag" or "irregular rocky place" which was used to describe the landscape of the regions where it was popular. It is believed to have originated from the northern region of Portugal, spreading quickly throughout the rest of the country. Over time, it spread with Portuguese emigration, particularly to Brazil, Canada, the United States, and India.
In Brazil, Cunha is frequently found in the south and southeast of the country, primarily in Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, São Paulo, Paraná, and Mato Grosso do Sul. Its current prevalence in this region is likely due to the colony of Portuguese settlers who made the region their home in the 16th century. In the countries of Portugal and Canada, the name can be found in various large cities including Lisbon, Porto, Montreal, and Toronto. In the United States, Cunha is especially common in the Portuguese enclaves of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Today, the last name Cunha is one of the most common Portuguese surnames, representing approximately 1 percent of the Portuguese population. As such, it constitutes an important reminder of the enduring presence of Portugal’s culture and language in various parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Cunha
The surname Cunha has several variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. In Portuguese, the singular surname Cunha is often seen in a variety of its other forms in both singular and plural form. The singular forms are Cunho, Conha, Coenha, Cões, and Cunos, while the plural forms are Cunhas, Conhas, Cenhas, Conhãs, Cõeses, and Cunos. Other variations in spelling can also be found, such as Conhe, Coenhe, Conehe, Cunhe, Conehes, and Cunhes.
In Spain, the surname Cunha is also found in its singular form, but also in the long form Cuña. The plural form for this Spanish surname is Cuñas. Variations in spelling include Cúna, Cuñe, Cuñes, Cúnes, and Cuños.
Another version of the surname Cunha can be found in Germany, where its forms are Kunha and Künha. The plurals forms for this surname are Kunhas, Kuhnas, Kühnas, and Künhas, families that often trace their origin to the Cunhas family from Portugal or Spain.
Lastly, the surname Cunha can also be found in Italy and France. The singular forms for both of these countries are Cunha and Conha, while the plural forms are Cunhas and Conhas. Variations in spelling for Italian and French individuals with the surname Cunha include Cugna, Cugne, Cunya, Congna, Congne, Conya, and Conyas.
Famous people with the name Cunha
- Paulo Cunha: Portuguese priest and Cardinal who was the Patriarch of Lisbon and President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference.
- Raul Cunha: Portuguese film director renowned for his films about art, friendship, and urban life during the 1980s.
- Conrado Engel Cunha: Brazilian playwright who is considered one of the founders of modern Brazilian theater.
- Severino Cunha: Portuguese ex-footballer who won several awards throughout his career, including the Portuguese Cup and Portuguese League titles.
- Joice Hasselmann Cunha: Brazilian political columnist, commentator, television host, and politician.
- Augusto Cunha: Portuguese singer-songwriter who is renowned for his ability to combine traditional Portuguese folk music with African and Latin-American rhythms.
- Claudio Cunha: Portuguese football analyst, commentator, and former coach.
- Maite Criado Cunha: Spanish painter and illustrator who deals with themes relating to culture, gender, and motherhood.
- Fátima Cunha: Portuguese actress who is best known for her roles in films such as Catarina and the others (Catarina e os Outros), as well as on the television series Mr. Plummer and the Sea.
- Gordon Cunha: Brazilian singer and songwriter who has released several hit singles and albums in both Portuguese and English.