Last Name Assado

The surname Assado is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the occupational name for a butcher or meat dealer, from the Latin word "asinus" meaning donkey, and the medieval Spanish term "azada" which refers to a butcher's cleaver. In Portugal, it may have also been a nickname for someone with a strong or tough personality, as "assado" means roasted or grilled in Portuguese. It is important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and meanings, and the specific history of each individual family may vary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Assado

The meaning and origin of the last name Assado

The surname Assado has its origins in Portugal, specifically in the regions of Minho and Douro. It is derived from the occupational name "Asada", which refers to a butcher or meat seller. The word "Assador" in Portuguese means roast-master or griller, indicating that the original bearer of this surname was likely involved in the meat trade. Over time, due to migration and assimilation, variations of this name have emerged in other regions, such as Assad in Brazil, and Asado in Spain, where it may carry different meanings related to local customs or history. In some cases, it can also be a variant of the Spanish surname Aznar, which comes from the Aragon region and means "son of Ansar".

Geographical distribution of the last name Assado

The surname Assado has its origins primarily in Portugal and Spain, with significant concentrations found in these two countries. In Portugal, it's most prevalent in the northern regions such as Minho, Douro, and Aveiro, reflecting the historical migration patterns from these areas. In Spain, the name is more commonly found in Galicia and Castile-León, regions with strong cultural ties to Portugal. The name has also spread to other parts of the world due to Portuguese and Spanish immigration, particularly to South America, specifically Brazil, where it ranks as one of the top 50,000 surnames. In the United States, Assado can be found in cities with a high concentration of Hispanic population, such as Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. It's also present in other parts of the world like Angola, due to Portuguese colonization and immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Assado

The surname Assado has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration from other languages or regional dialects. Some common versions of this name include:

* Asado
* Azado
* Azaodo
* Assatou
* Assadou
* Assadao
* Assadão
* Assadoa
* Assatao
* Assade

These variations may originate from different countries, cultures or languages, making it essential to consider the context in which they are used when trying to trace their origins or connections. It's also possible that some of these variants have distinct meanings or historical significance within specific communities.

Famous people with the last name Assado

Notable individuals with the surname Assad include:

1. Bashar al-Assad: The current President of Syria since 2000, Bashar Assad is a prominent world figure due to his controversial leadership during the Syrian Civil War. He succeeded his father, Hafez al-Assad, as president in 2000.

2. Rifaat al-Assad: A former military and political leader in Syria, Rifaat al-Assad was a brother of the late President Hafez al-Assad. He played a significant role in Syrian politics during the 1980s, but later went into exile due to disputes with his family.

3. Hafez al-Assad: Hafez al-Assad was the president of Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000. He is credited with unifying Syria and maintaining its leadership for nearly three decades.

These individuals have shaped Syrian politics and foreign relations, particularly during times of conflict and political change.

Genealogical research on the last name Assado

The surname Assado originates from Portugal and Spain, with its earliest recorded occurrences dating back to the late Middle Ages. In Portugal, it is a variant of the more common surnames Azevedo or Afonso, derived from the personal names Azo or Afonso, both meaning "defender of the clan" in Old Portuguese. In Spain, Assado could be a regional variation of the surname Aznar, which comes from the Visigothic name Asinari, meaning "the one who owns donkeys." The name may have also originated as a locative surname for someone who lived near an assador or butcher shop. Notable individuals with the last name Assado include Portuguese composer José Assis Correia de Castro and Spanish painter Manuel Assad y García.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "assado"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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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