Last Name Azevedo

The surname "Azevedo" is primarily of Portuguese origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from Azevedo, a parish in the municipality of Braga, located in northern Portugal. The name "Azevedo" is said to come from the Galician-Portuguese word "azevedo/azebedo," which refers to a type of shrub or tree named "holm oak" in English. Over time, individuals from Azevedo and its surrounding areas adopted the surname to identify themselves or their families. Today, the surname "Azevedo" is relatively common in Portugal and among Portuguese descendants worldwide.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Azevedo

The meaning and origin of the last name Azevedo

The surname Azevedo is of Portuguese origin and has several possible meanings. One interpretation is that it is a locational name, derived from the Portuguese words "azeitão" or "azevedo," which refer to a type of olive grove or olive tree. Therefore, the surname may have initially indicated someone who lived near or worked in an olive grove. Another possibility is that Azevedo originated from the medieval given name Avezedo, which is derived from the Latin word "avicida," meaning "bird killer." This name may have been bestowed upon a skilled bird hunter or a falconer. The prominence of the surname Azevedo suggests it was common in Portugal, and many families bearing this name went on to establish themselves in other countries through migration. Today, individuals with the surname Azevedo can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil.

Geographical distribution of the last name Azevedo

The last name Azevedo is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting the historical and cultural ties between the two countries. In Portugal, Azevedo is a relatively common surname, primarily concentrated in the northern regions such as Porto, Braga, and Vila Real. These areas are believed to be the ancestral homes of the Azevedo family, with many individuals still residing there today.

In Brazil, Azevedo is also a fairly common last name, particularly in the southeastern and northeastern regions. This can be attributed to the significant Portuguese migration to Brazil throughout history. São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Bahia are known to have a higher concentration of individuals with the surname Azevedo.

Outside of Portugal and Brazil, the distribution of the last name Azevedo is less pronounced, with scattered occurrences found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde due to Portuguese colonization. It is also possible to come across individuals with the last name Azevedo in countries with Portuguese diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, and France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Azevedo

The last name Azevedo is a Portuguese surname with various variations and spellings. Common variations include Azeveda, Azebedo, Azevédo, Acebedo, Aceveda, and Acevédo. These different spellings have emerged over time due to geographical and historical factors. For instance, the spelling Azeveda is often found in Brazil, where the Portuguese influence is prominent. Similarly, the variation Aceveda or Acevedo is more frequently encountered in Spanish-speaking countries. The name Azevedo itself can be traced back to its medieval origins, originating from the Galician and Portuguese regions. Over the years, families carrying this name have migrated to different parts of the world, often adapting the spelling to reflect the language of their new home. Despite the variations, all these spellings still represent the noble heritage and history behind the Azevedo surname.

Famous people with the last name Azevedo

There have been several notable individuals with the surname Azevedo who have made significant contributions in various fields. In the world of sports, one prominent figure is João Azevedo, a Portuguese professional cyclist who has represented his country in numerous international competitions. Moving into the realm of academia, Maria Azevedo stands out as a renowned Portuguese physicist specializing in the study of cosmic rays and space weather. Additionally, in the field of literature, José Luís Azevedo captivates readers with his mesmerizing storytelling abilities evident in his acclaimed novels and short stories. In the realm of visual arts, Liz Azevedo enthralls audiences with her unique and thought-provoking paintings and installations that explore themes of identity and memory. These individuals with the last name Azevedo have not only left an indelible mark in their respective fields but have also contributed to the enrichment of culture and knowledge worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Azevedo

The last name Azevedo originates from Portugal and is commonly found among the Portuguese diaspora. Genealogical research reveals that the name Azevedo is of toponymic origin, derived from the place name Azevedo, a small village in the northern region of Portugal. This suggests that the first individuals to bear the surname Azevedo were most likely descendants of families originally from this village. As the name became established, Azevedo families spread throughout Portugal and eventually migrated to various countries, such as Brazil, the United States, and Canada, among others. This dispersion led to the growth and diversification of the Azevedo surname across different regions, resulting in numerous branches and variations of the name. Genealogists often trace the Azevedo lineage by examining historical records such as birth, baptism, marriage, and death certificates, as well as census data, immigration records, and oral family traditions to construct comprehensive family trees and uncover the rich history of the Azevedo name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Azevedo"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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