Correa

Correa is a Spanish surname that is a form of Correia. It ultimately derives from the Portuguese word correia, meaning "leather strap" or "belt," denoting an occupational name for a person who worked with leather products, such as a girdlemaker or a leatherworker.

Etymology

The surname Correa originated as a Spanish variant of the Portuguese surname Correia. The root word correia itself comes from Latin corrigia, meaning "leather strap" or "belt." This occupational name was common in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in regions where leatherworking was a significant trade.

Geographic Distribution

Correa is widespread in the Spanish-speaking world, notably in Spain and Latin American countries. According to the 2010 United States Census, it ranks as the 905th most common surname in the U.S., with a strong prevalence among Hispanic/Latino individuals (85.39%) and a smaller percentage among White individuals (10.37%). In Brazil, the spelling Correa is also common, functioning as a variant of Correia.

Notable Bearers

Several known individuals bear the surname Correa, including Rafael Correa, the former President of Ecuador, and a number of athletes and artists.

Related Names

Variants of the surname include Correia in Portuguese and potentially other local adaptations.

• Meaning: Leather worker, belt maker
• Origin: Spanish, Portuguese
• Type: Occupational surname
• Usage regions: Spain, Latin America, Brazil, United States