Brazilian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Surnames

Looking for a unique and meaningful Brazilian last name? This comprehensive list delves into the origins and meanings of common Brazilian surnames. From Portuguese roots to indigenous influences, explore the rich history and cultural significance behind these captivating names.
1. **Alves:** Derived from the Portuguese word "alvo," meaning "white" or "bright."
2. **Andrade:** A place name originating from a Spanish town known for its olive trees.
3. **Azevedo:** Meaning "olive grove" in Portuguese, derived from the Latin "olivetum."
4. **Barbosa:** A toponymic surname derived from the Portuguese town of Barbosa.
5. **Bezerra:** A common surname in northeastern Brazil, likely derived from the Portuguese word "bezerro" meaning "calf."
6. **Campos:** Meaning "fields" or "plains" in Portuguese, referencing the landscape of many Brazilian regions.
7. **Carvalho:** Derived from the Portuguese word "carvalho," meaning "oak tree," referencing the abundant oak forests in Portugal.
8. **Costa:** Meaning "coast" or "shore" in Portuguese, reflecting the country's vast coastline.
9. **Dias:** Meaning "days" or "day" in Portuguese, often associated with a patron saint.
10. **Fernandes:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Fernando."
11. **Ferreira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "ferreiro," meaning "blacksmith."
12. **Figueiredo:** Meaning "fig tree" in Portuguese, referencing the abundant fig trees in Portugal.
13. **Fonseca:** Derived from the Portuguese word "fonte," meaning "spring" or "fountain."
14. **Gomes:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Gomes."
15. **Gonçalves:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Gonçalo."
16. **Lima:** A place name originating from the Portuguese city of Lima.
17. **Lopes:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lourenço."
18. **Machado:** Meaning "axe" in Portuguese, potentially referencing a profession or a coat of arms.
19. **Magalhães:** A toponymic surname derived from the Portuguese city of Magalhães.
20. **Marques:** Meaning "merchant" or "marker" in Portuguese, referencing a profession or a title.
21. **Martins:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin."
22. **Melo:** Derived from the Portuguese word "melo," meaning "melon."
23. **Mendes:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Mendo."
24. **Morais:** A toponymic surname derived from the Portuguese town of Morais.
25. **Moreira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "moreira," meaning "mulberry tree."
26. **Nascimento:** Meaning "birth" or "nativity" in Portuguese, often referencing a patron saint.
27. **Oliveira:** Meaning "olive tree" in Portuguese, referencing the abundant olive groves in Portugal.
28. **Pereira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "pereira," meaning "pear tree."
29. **Pinto:** Meaning "painted" or "spotted" in Portuguese, possibly referencing a coat of arms or a physical characteristic.
30. **Queiroz:** Derived from the Portuguese word "queiró," meaning "kite."
31. **Reis:** Meaning "kings" or "king" in Portuguese, potentially referencing a royal lineage or a patron saint.
32. **Ribeiro:** Derived from the Portuguese word "ribeiro," meaning "brook" or "stream."
33. **Rodrigues:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Rodrigo."
34. **Santos:** Meaning "saints" or "saint" in Portuguese, often referencing a patron saint.
35. **Silva:** Meaning "forest" or "woodland" in Portuguese, reflecting the abundant forests of Portugal and Brazil.
36. **Souza:** Derived from the Portuguese word "souza," meaning "sod" or "turf."
37. **Teixeira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "teixeira," meaning "weaver."
38. **Torres:** Meaning "towers" or "tower" in Portuguese, potentially referencing a place or a coat of arms.
39. **Vieira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "vieira," meaning "scallop."
40. **Vitorino:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Victor."