Family names offer a profound link to our heritage. Numerous surnames have traversed the globe through migration and colonization, and Portuguese last names are a prime illustration. Similar to their Spanish counterparts, these names can be found not only within Portugal but also across North and South America, and parts of Asia. They are even prevalent among Indian communities and Sephardi Jews, showcasing their widespread influence.
Here’s a selection of captivating Portuguese surnames along with their meanings. Check to see if your surname is included!
- Gonçalves: Meaning “Son of Gonçalo.”
- Albuquerque: Translates to “White oak.”
- Ribeiro: Signifies “Small creek” or “by the river.”
- Oliveira: Means “Olive tree.”
- Guerra: Represents “War.”
- Braga: Indicates “From Braga” or “of the Bracari tribe.”
- Martines: Meaning “Son of Martin.”
- Ferreira: Translates to “Blacksmith.”
- Silva: Means “Forest” or “woodland.”
- Henriques: Signifies “Son of Henry.”
- Pinto: Means “Dark in complexion.”
- Gama: Represents “Deer” or “doe.”
- Marques: Meaning “Son of Marcus.”
- Cavaco: Refers to “Log.”
- Fonseca: Means “Dry well.”
- Moniz: Signifies “Son of Munio.”
- Luz: Translates to “Light.”
- Barreto: Means “Hat maker.”
- Sousa: Indicates “Stones” or someone living near the River Sousa.
- Pacheco: Represents “Noble one.”
- Alves: Meaning “Son of Alvaro.”
- Carvalho: Refers to “Oak.”
- Mendes: Indicates “Son of Mendo.”
- Carreira: Translates to “Carter.”
- Pereira: Means “Pear tree.”
- Queiros: Signifies “Stronger” or “stone.”
- Esteves: Indicates “Son of Stephen.”
- Amaral: Represents “From Amaral” or someone residing on a grape plantation.
- Noronha: Means “From Noreña.”
- Candido: Indicates “Innocent” or “white.”
- Amorim: Refers to a location in Portugal.
- D’Sousa: Means “A person from various locales named Sousa.”
- Cardoso/Cardozo: A surname associated with Sephardi Jews.
- Barbosa: Represents a southwestern Galician surname.
- Araujo: Derived from an autonomous region in Galicia.
- Martins: Indicates “Of Mars” or “warlike.”
- Rodrigues: Meaning “Son of Rodrigo.”
- Afonso: Portuguese/Old German origin meaning “noble and ready.”
- Almada: Refers to anyone living in Almada, derived from Arabic meaning “ore mine.”
- Abreu: Indicates someone from the locale of Abreu in Minho, common among Sephardi Jews.
- Alto: Means “Tall” in Portuguese.
- Madeira: Translates to “Wood” or “timber,” referring to a carpenter.
- Magro: Means “Thin” or “lean.”
- Mata: Represents “Woods” or “forest.”
- Nazario: Signifies “Someone from Nazareth.”
- Lopes: Means “Wolf.”
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In summary, these Portuguese surnames not only carry historical significance but also reveal the beauty of a culture that has extended its reach across continents. Their meanings often reflect nature, occupations, and family lineage, making them a fascinating study for anyone interested in genealogy and heritage.