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Origin: Portuguese

Meaning: A person who lives near a hillock or fortified stronghold

Mota is a Spanish and Portuguese surname that can be used as a masculine first name. Derived from mot(t)a, which comes from the Old French motte, this topographic name was historically used for someone who lived near a fortified stronghold. In Catalan, a mota is a hillock, therefore making this a habitational name meaning “a person who lives near a hillock” or “a person who lives near a fortified stronghold.” It could also denote someone who lives in Girona, Valencia, Cuenca, and Valladolid in Spain. Mota is a name that rolls beautifully off the tongue and is a fitting choice whether you wish to connect baby to their Spanish and Portuguese roots or are simply inspired by the beauty and culture of these countries.