Most Common Last Name in Brazil: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common last name in Brazil? This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed list of the most frequent surnames in Brazil, along with their origins and meanings. Discover the rich history and cultural tapestry woven into the fabric of Brazilian names. From Portuguese roots to indigenous influences, this exploration will unveil the diverse heritage of Brazil's population.
1. **Silva:** From the Latin "silva," meaning "forest" or "wood," this name symbolizes a connection to nature and its abundance.
2. **Santos:** Meaning "saints" in Portuguese, this name reflects the strong Catholic influence in Brazil, often indicating a family's connection to a specific saint or parish.
3. **Oliveira:** Derived from the Portuguese word for "olive tree," this name signifies peace, prosperity, and fertility.
4. **Souza:** With roots in the Basque language, this name signifies a place name, likely referring to a location near a "south" direction.
5. **Pereira:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "pear tree," suggesting a connection to fruitfulness and abundance.
6. **Rodrigues:** A patronymic surname, this name means "son of Rodrigo," a common name of Germanic origin.
7. **Alves:** Derived from the Germanic name "Albus," meaning "white," this name suggests purity and light.
8. **Fernandes:** A patronymic surname, this name means "son of Fernando," a name of Germanic origin meaning "bold traveler."
9. **Gomes:** Originating from the Germanic name "Gomo," meaning "man," this name is a common patronymic surname signifying a "son of Gomo."
10. **Costa:** Meaning "coast" in Portuguese, this name often reflects a family's connection to the sea or a coastal region.
11. **Martins:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," this name has Latin roots and signifies "warlike" or "belonging to Mars."
12. **Ferreira:** Derived from the Portuguese word for "blacksmith," this name suggests a family's historical connection to ironworking.
13. **Carvalho:** Meaning "oak tree" in Portuguese, this name symbolizes strength, resilience, and longevity.
14. **Mendes:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Mendes," this name has Germanic roots and signifies "protector" or "defender."
15. **Gonçalves:** A patronymic surname, this name means "son of Gonçalo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "battle-eager."
16. **Lopes:** A patronymic surname, this name means "son of Lopo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "wolf."
17. **Nascimento:** This name means "birth" in Portuguese, reflecting the family's origin or a significant event.
18. **Ribeiro:** Originating from the Portuguese word for "riverbank," this name signifies a connection to water and its abundance.
19. **Ramos:** Meaning "branches" in Portuguese, this name symbolizes growth, connection, and a family's lineage.
20. **Moreira:** Derived from the Portuguese word for "mulberry tree," this name signifies strength, resilience, and a connection to nature.
21. **Teixeira:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "elder tree," suggesting a family's historical connection to a specific location or occupation.
22. **Barbosa:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "beard," possibly referencing a family member known for their beard or representing a specific ancestor.
23. **Lima:** This name comes from the Portuguese word for "lime," suggesting a connection to a specific fruit or location.
24. **Dias:** Meaning "days" in Portuguese, this name could be a reference to a family's lineage or a specific ancestor.
25. **Vieira:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "old man," possibly referring to an ancestor or a historical figure.
26. **Campos:** Meaning "fields" in Portuguese, this name signifies a connection to the land and its fertility.
27. **Reis:** Meaning "kings" in Portuguese, this name signifies power, authority, and a connection to royal lineage.
28. **Santos:** Meaning "saints" in Portuguese, this name reflects the strong Catholic influence in Brazil, often indicating a family's connection to a specific saint or parish.
29. **Pinto:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "painted," possibly referencing a family member known for their artistic talents or a specific ancestor.
30. **Rodrigues:** A patronymic surname, this name means "son of Rodrigo," a common name of Germanic origin.
31. **Miranda:** This name has Latin roots and signifies "looking out at the world," possibly reflecting a family's connection to a specific location or outlook on life.
32. **Silveira:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "willow tree," suggesting a family's connection to a specific location or a specific ancestor.
33. **Almeida:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "almond tree," signifying strength, resilience, and a connection to nature.
34. **Moura:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "moor," possibly referencing a family's connection to a specific region or a specific ancestor.
35. **Correia:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "leather," possibly referencing a family member known for their craft or a specific ancestor.
36. **Andrade:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "a place where the river narrows," possibly reflecting a family's connection to a specific location or a specific ancestor.
37. **Monteiro:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "mountain climber," possibly referencing a family member known for their adventurous spirit or a specific ancestor.
38. **Freitas:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "friars," possibly referencing a family member connected to a religious order or a specific ancestor.
39. **Nunes:** A patronymic surname, this name means "son of Nuno," a name of Germanic origin meaning "courageous" or "bold."
40. **Azevedo:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "olive grove," signifying peace, prosperity, and fertility.
41. **Silva:** From the Latin "silva," meaning "forest" or "wood," this name symbolizes a connection to nature and its abundance.
42. **Souza:** With roots in the Basque language, this name signifies a place name, likely referring to a location near a "south" direction.
43. **Pereira:** This name originates from the Portuguese word for "pear tree," suggesting a connection to fruitfulness and abundance.
44. **Costa:** Meaning "coast" in Portuguese, this name often reflects a family's connection to the sea or a coastal region.
45. **Martins:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," this name has Latin roots and signifies "warlike" or "belonging to Mars."
46. **Ferreira:** Derived from the Portuguese word for "blacksmith," this name suggests a family's historical connection to ironworking.
47. **Carvalho:** Meaning "oak tree" in Portuguese, this name symbolizes strength, resilience, and longevity.
48. **Nascimento:** This name means "birth" in Portuguese, reflecting the family's origin or a significant event.
49. **Ribeiro:** Originating from the Portuguese word for "riverbank," this name signifies a connection to water and its abundance.
50. **Ramos:** Meaning "branches" in Portuguese, this name symbolizes growth, connection, and a family's lineage.