Last names serve as a connection to our roots, and in a vibrant country like Brazil, family histories can be incredibly intricate. The predominant Brazilian surnames often highlight the Portuguese heritage stemming from the nation’s extensive colonial past. Additionally, many Brazilian families carry names with Spanish, Italian, and German influences.
Here’s a curated list of notable Brazilian surnames, their meanings, and their languages of origin. Dive in to see if your last name makes the cut!
- Silva
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Forest or woodlands. - Mota
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: One who resides near a fort. - Lima
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: One who lives by a river. - Ferreira
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Blacksmith. - Batista
Origin: Spanish/Portuguese
Meaning: Baptist. - Gomes
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Man. - Rocha
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Rock or boulder. - Alves
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Son of Alvaro. - Macedo
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Apple grove. - Schmidt
Origin: German
Meaning: Blacksmith. - Le PicBoisCorreia
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Leather belt-maker. - Ramos
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: One who resides near a forest. - Morais
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Blackberry. - Azevedo
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Holly. - Cavalcante
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Derived from the Latin word for ‘to ride,’ likely given to horse riders or trainers. - Moreira
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Mulberry tree. - Santos
Origin: Spanish/Portuguese
Meaning: Holy. - Melo
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: A person from Melo, Portugal. - Neves
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Snow. - Teixeira
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Yew tree. - Campos
Origin: Portuguese/Spanish
Meaning: Countryside. - Sousa
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Rocks or stones; named after the Sousa River in Portugal. - Oliveira
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Of the olive tree. - Pereira
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Pear tree. - Carvalho
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Oak. - Almeida
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Named after the city of Almeida in Portugal. - Costa
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Rib. - Ribeiro
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Small creek or by the river. - Fernandes
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Patronymic form of Fernando. - Montes
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Hills. - Noronha
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: From Noreña. - Lopes
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Wolf. - Esteves
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Son of Stephen. - Carreira
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Carter. - Barreto
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Hat maker. - Moniz
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Son of Munio. - Luz
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Light. - Marques
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Son of Marcus. - Cavaco
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Log. - Rodrigues
Origin: Portuguese/Spanish
Meaning: Son of Rodrigo. - Martins
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Of Mars or warlike. - Araujo
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Derived from a region in Galicia. - Barbosa
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: A surname from southwestern Galicia. - Cardoso/Cardozo
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: A Sephardi Jewish surname. - Maia
Origin: Spanish/Basque
Meaning: High meseta. - Madruga
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: To rise early. - Tupinambás
Origin: Indigenous Brazilian
Meaning: Named after the indigenous tribe along Brazil’s coast. - Bocaiúva
Origin: Indigenous Brazilian
Meaning: Named after a tribe in Minas Gerais. - Cuoto
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Topographic name meaning “enclosed pasture.” - Braga
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Named after a city in northern Portugal.
This compilation highlights the beautiful tapestry of Brazilian heritage, reflecting the rich multicultural influences that shape the nation. If you want to explore more about the Brazilian culture or dive deeper into family histories, check out this article on our blog. Additionally, for those interested in enhancing fertility, Make a Mom offers excellent resources. For insights into pregnancy and home insemination, don’t miss out on this Healthline guide.
Summary:
Brazilian surnames are a fascinating blend of cultural influences, primarily Portuguese, but also Spanish, Italian, and German. The meanings behind these names often offer a glimpse into the lifestyles or geographical features associated with them, creating a rich narrative of Brazil’s diverse heritage.
Keyphrase: Brazilian last names
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]