da Costa

Da Costa

Da Costa is a British surname of Portuguese and Spanish origin. It is derived from the Portuguese and Spanish words "da" meaning 'of' or 'from' and "Costa" meaning 'coast'. The name likely originated as a toponymic surname, denoting someone who lived by the coast or was from a place with "Costa" in its name.

This surname is most commonly found among families of Sephardic Jewish descent who settled in England after fleeing the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. The Sephardic Jews who adopted the surname Da Costa were known for their trading activities, particularly in the textiles and diamond industries.

Over time, the surname Da Costa has become more widespread and is now found among individuals of various cultural backgrounds across the United Kingdom. The name has evolved different spellings, including Dacosta and De Costa, depending on individual family preferences and historical variations.

Famous bearers of the surname Da Costa include British racing driver Antonio Felix da Costa and English painter Nina Murdoch Da Costa. Today, the surname Da Costa continues to have a presence in the British cultural landscape, reflecting the diverse heritage of the country.

There are approximately 2,644 people named da Costa in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,372nd most common surname in Britain. Around 41 in a million people in Britain are named da Costa.

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Portugal

Language of origin: Portugese