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Last Name Almida

What is the origin of the last name Almida?

The surname Almida is of Portuguese and Spanish origin. It comes from the medieval Iberian given name "Almodis," which was derived from the Germanic elements "alah" (all) and "mud" (grace, honor). Over time, it underwent various phonetic changes, leading to the modern forms of the surname Almida in Portuguese and Spanish.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Almida

The meaning and origin of the last name Almida

The surname Almida is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the female given name Almudena, which is thought to be of Arabic origin. The name Almudena means "the one who belongs to Allah" or "protected by Allah." In Arabic, 'Al-Mu'minah' translates to 'Almudena', with 'Al-' meaning 'the' and '-mu'minah' meaning 'believer'. Over time, the name Almudena evolved into various forms in different regions, one of which is Almida. The surname Almida is now widely distributed across Spain, Portugal, and their diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Almida

The surname Almida is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil, with a significant number of its bearers residing in these two countries. In Portugal, it is primarily concentrated in the northern regions such as Minho, Aveiro, and Viseu, areas that historically have had strong connections to Galicia, Spain. The name also has a notable presence in the Azores archipelago.

In Brazil, the Almida surname is particularly common in the Northeast region, especially in states like Paraíba, Ceará, and Pernambuco, where there are large communities of Portuguese descendants. It's also found in other parts of the country, albeit less frequently, due to migrations from the Northeast to other regions over time.

A smaller number of people with the Almida surname can be found in other countries with significant Portuguese-speaking populations, such as Angola, Mozambique, and some Spanish-speaking countries like Spain and Equatorial Guinea, due to historical colonization and migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Almida

The surname Almida has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variations include: Almoda, Almidano, Almeda, Almeida, and Almide. These variations may result from regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or the influence of other languages. For instance, in Portugal, the name is commonly spelled as Almeida, while it can be spelled Almoda or Almide in Spain. It is also sometimes found as Almeda or Almide in Italy and other parts of Europe. In English-speaking countries, the spelling Almida might be used as well. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these variations are derived from the same root name.

Famous people with the last name Almida

Notable individuals with the surname Almida include:

1. José de Almada Negreiros (1893-1970), a Portuguese painter, engraver and sculptor, who was one of the founders of the Orpheu Group in Portugal.
2. Maria Almada (born 1962), a Spanish-Mexican actress known for her work in Mexican telenovelas such as "Marisol" and "Mujer, casos de la vida real."
3. Carlos Almida (born 1958), an Argentine football coach who played as a goalkeeper during his career, notably for River Plate. He also managed the Argentina national team from 2004 to 2006.
4. Pedro de Almída (16th century), a Portuguese Jesuit missionary who was one of the first Europeans to visit Japan in the 16th century and played a significant role in the early stages of Christianity in Japan.

Genealogical research on the last name Almida

The surname Almida originates from Portugal, specifically in the region of Minho. It is derived from the medieval given name "Almodis" or "Almudis," which was brought to Iberia by the Visigoths. Over time, it evolved into the various regional forms, including Almida. The family's earliest documented ancestor in Portugal is thought to be Pedro Almida, who lived during the 15th century in the town of Vila Verde. Many descendants have been traced throughout the region, with records showing the migration of some families to Brazil during colonial times. Notable figures bearing the name Almida include Ana Almida, a Portuguese writer and journalist, and Francisco Almida de Figueiredo, a prominent 18th-century military officer in Brazil. The Almida family tree is rich with diverse professions spanning multiple generations, including law, medicine, education, and the arts.

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 : 13 June 2025

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