Surname Caldera - Meaning and Origin
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Caldera: What does the surname Caldera mean?
The surname Caldera is of Spanish origin and typically originates from a topographical landscape. It translates to "cauldron" in English, specifically referring to a large kettle or a large, bowl-shaped volcanic depression. This name might have been initially given to individuals living in regions with volcanic features or near a hollow-like terrain. Thus, it was likely used to indicate someone's geographic location, forming part of a broader historical tradition where surnames would often be chosen based on a person's occupation, geography, or personal characteristics. People with the Caldera surname can be found mainly in Spain, Italy, and Latin American countries, especially Chile, due to Spanish and Italian colonization. Notable figures with this surname include Rafael Caldera, who served as the President of Venezuela twice. Caldera is also a common name in the Italian regions of Calabria and Sicily. It is interesting to note that despite the potential negative connotation associated with a volcanic reference, the holders of this surname have marked significant paths in politics, arts, sports, and science, among other fields.
Order DNA origin analysisCaldera: Where does the name Caldera come from?
The surname Caldera is of Spanish origin and primarily refers to someone who lived near a caldera - an open cauldron or a hollow. It is derived from the Spanish word ‘caldera’ meaning 'cauldron', implying a volcanic crater. The name dates back to 13th Century Spain, during the period of Reconquista, more specifically, it first originated in Andalusia, a region in southern Spain.
Today, the surname Caldera is most prevalent in Mexico, followed by Venezuela and the United States. In Spain, it's most common in the Southern and Western regions like Andalusia, Extremadura, and Murcia. This surname is also quite widespread in several other Latin-American countries such as Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Argentina. In fact, a variety of this last name, 'Caldere', is found in Catalonia region of Spain. Caldera is not a very common surname in English-speaking countries, however, it can be found among Hispanic-American communities.
Variations of the surname Caldera
The surname Caldera primarily originates from Spain and Italy. Variations and alternates in spelling can include Calderon, Calderone, Calderaro, Caldeira and Kayder. The surnames are believed to have occupational origins, describing someone who was a cauldron maker or an individual who lived near a cauldron-like depression in the landscape.
In some cases, Caldera could have been topographically bestowed, meaning it was given to someone who lived by a physical geographical feature, such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree.
Further possible variations could also exist within different regional dialects or have been anglicized during immigration processes, leading to variations like Colder or Coldron.
Adoption of the surname can also differ based upon cultural naming tradition. In Spanish cultures, for example, it's common to utilize both the mother's and father's surnames, leading to double-barreled surnames.
The wider Caldera family may also have branches where the surname has been modified or ended up evolving into a completely different name due to changes in language, culture and locations where the family migrated to.
It might also be related via marriage to other prominent families. Thus leading to the creation of variants and further expanding the linguistically related surnames.
Famous people with the name Caldera
- Bill Caldera: He is a renowned American Animation Director and storyboard artist known for his work on "The Simpsons."
- Rafael Angel Caldera: A lawyer, sociologist, and politician from Venezuela, he served as the President of Venezuela from 1969-1974 and again from 1994-1999.
- Gerry Calderon Caldera: He is a Chilean journalist and political scientist who is a specialist in international relations.
- Jose Caldera: An artist known for his surrealistic paintings.
- Pedro Calderon de la Barca: A famous poet and playwright from Spain's Golden Age, arguably the best after Lope de Vega.
- Carlos Caldera: A well-known Venezuelan surgeon and professor of anatomy at the Central University of Venezuela.
- Margot Caldera: She is a prominent Venezuelan actress known for her work in tele-novellas.
- Felipe Calderón: He was the President of Mexico from 2006-2012.
- Maria Caldera: Maria Caldera, based in Spain, is a popular contemporary artist who works in several mediums, including sculpture and painting.
- Cindy Calderón: Recognized worldwide for advocating immigrants' rights, Cindy Calderón is a Honduran social activist. Please note that the spelling of some names varies due to dialect or individual preference.