Cravalho

Cravalho is a surname of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "capellanus," meaning "chaplain." The name is most commonly found in Spain and Latin America.

Historically, the name Cravalho was associated with a family of Spanish nobles who served as chaplains to the royal court of Castile during the Middle Ages. Over time, the name became diluted and was adopted by various families throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

In modern times, Cravalho is primarily found in the Philippines, where it is a common surname among people of Spanish and indigenous descent. Many Filipinos with the surname Cravalho have ancestors who were either Spanish colonizers or mestizos (people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry).

In the United States, Cravalho is also found among people of Filipino descent, particularly those living in areas with significant Filipino-American communities such as Hawaii and California.

Throughout its history, the surname Cravalho has undergone various changes in spelling and pronunciation, reflecting the linguistic and cultural influences of its bearers. While the original meaning of the name remains tied to the concept of chaplaincy, the surname Cravalho has become more closely associated with the distinct cultural and geographical identities of its bearers.

Today, the surname Cravalho continues to be commonly found in the Philippines, the United States, and other countries with significant Filipino populations. Its history and evolution serve as a testament to the complex and multifaceted nature of human migration and cultural identity.