cochero

Cochero is a Spanish term with multiple related meanings that vary by region and historical period. It most commonly denotes a driver of a coach or carriage, particularly one drawn by horses. In traditional contexts, a cochero was responsible for guiding the coach, managing the horses, attending to harness and reins, and ensuring passenger safety during travel. The role existed in many Spanish-speaking countries during the era of horse-drawn transportation and often formed part of a larger staff that included grooms and coachmen.

In modern urban usage, cochero can refer to a parking attendant or valet, especially in settings where a “cochera” means a parking lot or garage. In this sense, a cochero is the person who parks and retrieves customers’ vehicles, sometimes for a fee. The term’s applicability and formality vary by country, with some places favoring synonyms such as conductor, chauffeur, or valet for similar duties.

Cochero can also appear as a surname in some Spanish-speaking communities. Like many occupational terms that became family names, it may be encountered in historical records and contemporary biographies in various regions.