Most Common Last Names in Brazil: A Comprehensive List

Are you curious about the most prevalent surnames in Brazil? This comprehensive list delves into the origins and meanings behind the most common last names found in this vibrant country. From Portuguese roots to Italian influences, uncover the fascinating stories behind these family names that have shaped the Brazilian identity.
1. **Silva:** From the Latin "silva," meaning "forest" or "wood." It's a common surname throughout Portugal and its former colonies, including Brazil.
2. **Santos:** Meaning "saints" in Portuguese, this surname originates from the Portuguese word "santos," which refers to the holy people of the Christian faith.
3. **Oliveira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "oliveira," meaning "olive tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to olive cultivation.
4. **Souza:** A common surname in Portugal and Brazil, Souza is believed to have originated from a toponym, a place name, likely referring to a location known for its sulfur springs.
5. **Pereira:** From the Portuguese word "pereira," meaning "pear tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to pear orchards.
6. **Rodrigues:** Meaning "son of Rodrigo," this surname is of Germanic origin, derived from the name "Rodrigo," meaning "famous ruler" or "renowned warrior."
7. **Almeida:** Derived from the Portuguese word "almeida," meaning "almond tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to almond groves.
8. **Costa:** Meaning "coast" in Portuguese, this surname is often associated with people who lived near the coast or worked in maritime industries.
9. **Ferreira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "ferreira," meaning "blacksmith," this surname often indicates a family's ancestral occupation.
10. **Alves:** Meaning "son of Álvares," this surname is of Germanic origin, derived from the name "Álvares," meaning "noble warrior" or "elf warrior."
11. **Gomes:** Meaning "son of Gomes," this surname is of Germanic origin, derived from the name "Gomes," meaning "home" or "protector."
12. **Carvalho:** Derived from the Portuguese word "carvalho," meaning "oak tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to oak forests.
13. **Martins:** Meaning "son of Martin," this surname is of Latin origin, derived from the name "Martinus," meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
14. **Ribeiro:** Derived from the Portuguese word "ribeiro," meaning "stream" or "river," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to waterways.
15. **Lima:** A common surname in Portugal and Brazil, Lima is believed to have originated from the name of a town in Portugal, known for its production of lemons.
16. **Pereira:** From the Portuguese word "pereira," meaning "pear tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to pear orchards.
17. **Ramos:** Meaning "branches" or "twigs" in Portuguese, this surname is often associated with trees and nature.
18. **Fernandes:** Meaning "son of Fernandes," this surname is of Germanic origin, derived from the name "Fernandes," meaning "traveler" or "journeyman."
19. **Dias:** Meaning "days" in Portuguese, this surname is often associated with time and the passage of years.
20. **Mendes:** Meaning "son of Mendes," this surname is of Germanic origin, derived from the name "Mendes," meaning "protector" or "defender."
21. **Figueiredo:** Derived from the Portuguese word "figueiredo," meaning "fig tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to fig orchards.
22. **Campos:** Meaning "fields" or "plains" in Portuguese, this surname is often associated with agriculture and rural life.
23. **Moura:** Derived from the Portuguese word "moura," meaning "Moorish woman," this surname often indicates a family's connection to the Moors, a Muslim people who ruled parts of Spain and Portugal.
24. **Cavalcante:** Derived from the Portuguese word "cavalcante," meaning "horse rider" or "knight," this surname often indicates a family's ancestral occupation or social status.
25. **Monteiro:** Derived from the Portuguese word "monteiro," meaning "hunter," this surname often indicates a family's ancestral occupation.
26. **Lopes:** Meaning "son of Lopes," this surname is of Germanic origin, derived from the name "Lopes," meaning "wolf" or "warrior."
27. **Barros:** A common surname in Portugal and Brazil, Barros is believed to have originated from the Portuguese word "barro," meaning "clay," possibly indicating a place of origin or a family's connection to clay-related industries.
28. **Machado:** Derived from the Portuguese word "machado," meaning "axe," this surname often indicates a family's ancestral occupation or a place of origin.
29. **Pinheiro:** Derived from the Portuguese word "pinheiro," meaning "pine tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to pine forests.
30. **Vieira:** From the Portuguese word "vieira," meaning "scallop," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to the sea or seafood industry.
31. **Sousa:** A common surname in Portugal and Brazil, Sousa is believed to have originated from a toponym, a place name, likely referring to a location known for its sulfur springs.
32. **Moreira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "moreira," meaning "mulberry tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to mulberry orchards.
33. **Teixeira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "teixeira," meaning "weaver," this surname often indicates a family's ancestral occupation.
34. **Araujo:** A common surname in Portugal and Brazil, Araujo is believed to have originated from a toponym, a place name, likely referring to a location known for its olive groves.
35. **Silva:** From the Latin "silva," meaning "forest" or "wood." It's a common surname throughout Portugal and its former colonies, including Brazil.
36. **Santos:** Meaning "saints" in Portuguese, this surname originates from the Portuguese word "santos," which refers to the holy people of the Christian faith.
37. **Oliveira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "oliveira," meaning "olive tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to olive cultivation.
38. **Souza:** A common surname in Portugal and Brazil, Souza is believed to have originated from a toponym, a place name, likely referring to a location known for its sulfur springs.
39. **Pereira:** From the Portuguese word "pereira," meaning "pear tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to pear orchards.
40. **Rodrigues:** Meaning "son of Rodrigo," this surname is of Germanic origin, derived from the name "Rodrigo," meaning "famous ruler" or "renowned warrior."
41. **Almeida:** Derived from the Portuguese word "almeida," meaning "almond tree," this surname often indicates a place of origin or a family's connection to almond groves.
42. **Costa:** Meaning "coast" in Portuguese, this surname is often associated with people who lived near the coast or worked in maritime industries.
43. **Ferreira:** Derived from the Portuguese word "ferreira," meaning "blacksmith," this surname often indicates a family's ancestral occupation.
44. **Alves:** Meaning "son of Álvares," this surname is of Germanic origin, derived from the name "Álvares," meaning "noble warrior" or "elf warrior."
45. **Gomes:** Meaning "son of Gomes," this surname is of Germanic origin, derived from the name "Gomes," meaning "home" or "protector."