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Last Name Batalha

What is the origin of the last name Batalha?

The surname Batalha has Portuguese origins. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a battleground, fortress, or other strategic military location. In Portuguese, "batalha" means "battle". This name could have been given to someone living near such a place or to someone who distinguished themselves in battle. The Batalha family is particularly prominent in the regions of Portugal and Brazil, where many Portuguese immigrants settled in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Batalha

The meaning and origin of the last name Batalha

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Geographical distribution of the last name Batalha

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Variants and spellings of the last name Batalha

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Famous people with the last name Batalha

The Batalha surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is José Manuel Durão Barroso, a Portuguese politician who served as the President of the European Commission from 2004 to 2014. In sports, Cristiano Ronaldo's half-brother Hugo Batalha, a former professional footballer, and his twin sister Katia Aveiro are also associated with the name. On the artistic side, Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes is known for her vibrant and intricate paper collages. Lastly, in the world of academia, Maria Isabel Barroso Batalha, a professor at the University of Lisbon, specializes in the study of public policies related to aging and social exclusion. These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments that bearers of the Batalha surname have achieved globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Batalha

The surname Batalha originates from Portugal, specifically in the regions of Beja and Évora. Its earliest known bearer was Lopo Gomes Batalha, born around 1435 in the Portuguese Alentejo region. He served as an officer under King John II of Portugal during the conquest of the Kingdom of Fez in North Africa. The name is thought to be derived from the occupation of batelão or batalla (boatman), likely indicating a maritime background. The Batalha family expanded throughout Portugal, with notable branches settling in the Azores, Madeira, and Minas Gerais, Brazil, as a result of colonial expansion during the 16th century. In the Americas, they became prominent figures in politics, commerce, and the military.

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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 : 15 June 2025

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