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Last Name Afonso-moreira-tonon

What is the origin of the last name Afonso-moreira-tonon?

The surname Afonso-Moreira-Tonon is a composite name that consists of three separate Portuguese patronymic and toponymic surnames. 1. Afonso - This surname has various possible origins, but it typically indicates a person who was the son of someone named Alfonso. Alfonso is a personal name of German origin, composed of the elements alf ("elf") and sona ("son"), meaning "son of elves." 2. Moreira - This surname likely originated from the town of Moreira in Portugal or Spain. In Portuguese, "moreira" means "mulberry tree." The surname would have been given to someone who lived near a mulberry tree or came from the town with that name. 3. Tonon - This surname is of Italian origin and refers to an individual who was either from Tona, a comune in northern Italy, or comes from the Occitan word "ton," meaning "tun" or "vat." It could have been given to someone who worked with barrels or lived near a large container. Therefore, the surname Afonso-Moreira-Tonon likely originated from an individual who was the son of someone named Alfonso (Afonso), came from or lived near a town called Moreira (Moreira), and had Italian ancestry or connections (Tonon). However, it's important to note that the specific origins for each component of this surname can vary depending on the family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Afonso-moreira-tonon

The meaning and origin of the last name Afonso-moreira-tonon

The surname Afonso-Moreira-Tonon is a composite name formed by combining three distinct Portuguese elements: Afonso, Moreira, and Tonon.

The name Afonso originates from the medieval Iberian given name Alfonsus, which means noble and ready. This name was common among the royal family of the Kingdom of Portugal, with several kings named Afonso throughout history.

Moreira is a toponymic surname, originating from the region of Moreira in northern Portugal. It was often given as a nickname or surname to individuals who were born, lived, or had property there.

Tonon is an Italian-origin name, potentially derived from various Italian localities named Tonone or from the personal name Tone. Its presence in the Portuguese surname suggests possible Italian ancestry or connection.

The combination of these three elements creates a unique and complex surname that reflects a blend of Portuguese and potential Italian origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Afonso-moreira-tonon

The surname Afonso-Moreira-Tonon is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, with a significant concentration in Portugal and Brazil due to historical migrations. The combination of Afonso, Moreira, and Tonon suggests potential origins in both Portugal and Italy, as Afonso and Moreira are common Portuguese surnames, while Tonon is an Italian surname. In Portugal, the name can be found mainly in the northern regions, such as Porto and Braga, and in Brazil, it is more prevalent in the southern states like Rio Grande do Sul, where there's a large Portuguese immigrant population from the same regions in Portugal. However, its distribution can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries due to global migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Afonso-moreira-tonon

The surname Afonso-Moreira-Tonon has three distinct parts: Afonso, Moreira, and Tonon. Each part may have slight variations due to different transliteration methods or regional spelling differences.

1. Afonso can be spelled as Aфонсу (Russian), Áfonzo (Basque), Αφόνσου (Greek), Aafonso (Portuguese), Afunso (Spanish), Afonsu (Haitian Creole).

2. Moreira can be spelled as Moryira (Galician), Moriera (Old French), Moraïra (Breton), Möhriera (Basque), Moreyera (Aragonese), Muhriya (Asturian), Muoriya (Catalan).

3. Tonon can be spelled as Tónon (Valencian), Tonoñ (Asturian), Tōnōn (Occitan), Tonião (Portuguese), Tonion (Spanish), Toniun (Basque).

However, it is important to note that these variations are rare and the most common spelling of the surname Afonso-Moreira-Tonon remains Portuguese in origin: Afonso, Moreira, and Tonon.

Famous people with the last name Afonso-moreira-tonon

The Afonso-Moreira-Tonon family has produced notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned members is Jorge Afonso Moreira Tonon (b. 1964), a Brazilian businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of Tonon Group, one of the largest textile companies in South America. His philanthropic efforts extend to education, health, culture, and sports initiatives. In the realm of politics, there is João Afonso Moreira Tonon (1879-1964), a Brazilian diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1929 to 1930 under President Washington Luís. Notably, he was one of the architects of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Brazil and Paraguay in 1933. In sports, Marcelo Afonso Moreira Tonon (b. 1985), better known as Marcelo Moreno or Tony, is a professional footballer who has played for various clubs around the world, including the Brazilian national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Afonso-moreira-tonon

The surname Afonso-Moreira-Tonon originates from a blend of Portuguese and Italian lineages. The Portuguese component is traced back to the Afonsos, a prominent noble family in Portugal, with roots dating back to the 12th century. The Moreira branch emerged during the Middle Ages as an offshoot of the Afonsos, and their name is derived from the town of Moreira do Tajo.

The Italian lineage can be linked to the Tonon family, which originated in the region of Lombardy. The Tonons were traders who migrated to Portugal during the Age of Discoveries, contributing to the maritime explorations and trade between Europe and the New World. The combination of Afonso-Moreira and Tonon likely occurred when a Portuguese Moreira married an Italian Tonon, creating the surname Afonso-Moreira-Tonon.

This unique blend of Portuguese and Italian lineages resulted in the formation of a diverse family with roots in both Europe and the maritime world. The family's history is marked by their contributions to Portugal's exploration, trade, and social evolution throughout the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

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