Surname Capa - Meaning and Origin
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Capa: What does the surname Capa mean?
The last name Capa is a Spanish surname derived from the Old French word ‘capper’, meaning basket maker. The name was originally given to someone who made containers from wood, metal or leather. It is believed to have been used first in the early Middle Ages by persons who made such items.
Over time, it evolved into the modern spelling of Capa, and has since been adopted by many different countries around the world, particularly those with a Spanish-speaking background such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Peru.
The name Capa is also seen in several European countries, especially Italy, Portugal and Spain. In these countries, it may have been adopted from the Latin word ‘capa’, meaning cloak or coat, along the lines of the original basket maker's job.
The meaning of Capa conjures up an image of craftsmanship and creativity, someone who is able to construct things others can’t and has a great sense of style. It is also thought to symbolize one’s passionate spirit and a zest for life.
In terms of symbolism, the Capa family tree is seen as a resilient vine, that despite the ever-changing environment, does not waver, instead rising and adapting to whatever difficulties it may face. Those born with the name Capa carry with them an innate sense of self-sufficiency, as well as the values of hard work and ingenuity.
Order DNA origin analysisCapa: Where does the name Capa come from?
The surname Capa is; common in the Spanish-speaking world, particularly in countries such as Spain, Mexico and Costa Rica. Historically, it is thought to have originated from the Basque name “Gapa”, which means “shield”. It is most common in Madrid, the capital of Spain. It is not found as often in other regions of Spain, as its popularity is concentrated in this area, in particular, Castilla-La Mancha.
In Mexico, Capa has long been established as a surname, and is widely distributed throughout the country. It is particularly popular in the states of Chihuahua, Guanajuato and Jalisco, as well as the city of Mexico.
In Costa Rica, the name Capa is also established as a surname. It is a common name in the Central Valley, as well as in the province of Limon and along the Pacific Coast.
In the United States, there is an increasing population of individuals with the last name Capa, due to the large influx of immigrants from Latin American countries. It is found mainly in large cities with large Hispanic populations, such as Los Angeles, Miami and New York City.
Overall, the surname Capa is most common in the Spanish-speaking world. Though its popularity is concentrated in particular locations, it is certainly becoming increasingly widespread as a result of its popularity in Latin America.
Variations of the surname Capa
The surname Capa is of Spanish origin, McAlpin’s Probable (P 128) suggests that the surname is should be considered “of Basque and possibly Catalan origin”. Generally, the surname is found in the form of Caba, Capa, Capo, or Kaba. Other variant spellings and surnames of the same origin include Cabezas, Cabezón, Caparroyo, Caparrós, Capdequí, Capdevila, Capella, and Capdevila. The surnames Caballero and Cabrer are also derived from the same root.
Cabezas, which is derived from the Spanish word cabesa meaning head, alludes to the chief or leader of a group. The fact that is the most common variant of the surname Capa is derived from cabaza meaning noggin. This suggests that the name may have originated from a nickname and is an occupational surname for an individual who was preeminent in the community.
Caparroyo is derived from the Spanish word caparrosa which means dry head or bald head. Here again, the familial line may have originated with an individual who was known for his or her bald head. Similarly, Capdevila is derived from the word cabdella meaning pate or bald head.
The name Capella is a derivative of capella, which comes from the Latin academic term capella that was used to reference the library or learning center of a monastery. The name here suggests that someone from the family had a connection to a learning institution or was a scholar.
The surname Capo is a shortened version of Capa and is most commonly found in Sicily, where the original form of the surname may have been borne by someone of considerable power or rank. Finally, the name Cabrer is derived from cabbaler meaning knight. This indicates that many bearers of this surname held or associated with social or military rank in the past.
Famous people with the name Capa
- Robert Capa: One of the most renowned photojournalists of the 20th century, Robert Capa was born Endre Friedmann in Hungary but adopted the pseudonym after fleeing anti-semitic persecution. His images of the Spanish Civil War and World War II remain among the most iconic representations of the struggles of ordinary individuals in times of conflict.
- Cornell Capa: Older brother to Robert, Cornell Capa is among the most lauded photojournalists of the 20th century. After their brother’s death, Cornell took up the mantle of editor of the archive of images he captured during his life. He also founded the International Center of Photography in New York City.
- László Moholy-Nagy: Originally born László Weisz, the avant-garde artist and theoretician of modern design famously adopted the surname Capa after marrying Robert’s companion, Gerda Taro. While he is primarily remembered for his work in photography, he also produced influential writings on film and inspired the Bauhaus movement.
- Sandor (Alexander) Kepes: Sandor Kepes, the son of Eduard and brother of Robert, was a Hungarian typographer and book designer who adopted the surname Capa after his family escaped to France in 1938. His work incorporated elements of war photography, and he later taught Photoshop, typography and branding at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- Erich Kepes: Erich Kepes, brother of Robert, Cornell and Sandor, was an influential industrial designer who moved to Mexico in 1957. He worked as a book designer and later became a professor at the University of Guadalajara. Like his siblings, he adopted the surname Capa due to the anti-semitic persecution in Hungary.