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Last Name Camara

What is the origin of the last name Camara?

The surname Camara has multiple origins, depending on the specific geographical region it is found. 1. Portugal: The name Camara originates from the Portuguese word for "chamber" or "council chamber," and was often given as a nickname to someone who worked in a castle's chamber or council. It can also be a habitational name from various places named with this word, such as in Viseu, Portugal. 2. Spain: In Spain, the surname Camara may have an identical origin due to historical connections between Iberian cultures. The name can also be derived from a variety of place names or geographical features in Spain, including mountains, valleys, and streams named "camar" (meaning 'cave' in Arabic). 3. Africa: In some African countries, such as Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau, the surname Camara may have origins from the Mande language, where it translates to "hunter." It can also be a variant of the name Kamara or Qamar, which means 'moon' in Arabic. 4. Brazil: In Brazil, the surname Camara is often associated with the Portuguese colonizers due to immigration waves from Portugal. However, it can also have indigenous or African origins in some cases.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Camara

The meaning and origin of the last name Camara

The surname Camara, variant spellings include Camerá, Camara, Cámara, and Camerón, has Spanish and Portuguese origins. It derives from the Old French "chambre" or Latin "camera," which means 'room' or 'chamber.' Initially, it functioned as a professional name for someone who was in charge of the king's private chambers or stewards, hence the meaning of "keeper of the chamber." In Portuguese-speaking countries, it might have also been given to those who occupied rooms adjoining a church. The surname has spread worldwide due to historical events such as the colonization of South America by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. Notable figures with this surname include Portuguese fado singer Camané, and Brazilian footballer Dani Alves.

Geographical distribution of the last name Camara

The surname Camara has a significant presence across several regions, particularly in Portugal and Spanish-speaking countries, due to its origins from both nations. In Portugal, it is most common in the northern regions such as Minho, Braga, and Porto. In Spain, Galicia and the Canary Islands are areas where the name Camara is frequently found. Beyond Europe, there are sizeable populations of individuals with the last name Camara in African countries like Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Angola, and Mozambique, due to historical colonial ties between these regions and Portugal. In addition, Camara is also present in Brazil as a result of Portuguese migration during the colonization era. The diaspora has further spread the name to other parts of the world, particularly North America and parts of Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Camara

The surname Camara has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional phonetic interpretations. Here are some common variations:

1. Camara: This is the most common spelling, originating from the Portuguese language. It is used in countries like Portugal and Brazil.
2. Kamará: This variation is found in Hungarian culture, reflecting the adaptation of names from other languages into the Hungarian phonetic system.
3. Kamera: In some cases, particularly in English-speaking countries, the surname Camara might be misspelled as Kamera due to the similarity between 'a' and 'a with an acute accent'.
4. Cámara: This is the Spanish form of the name, which may be used in Spanish-speaking regions or by individuals with Hispanic heritage.
5. Camerá: The Czech language adaptation of Camara is Camerá, reflecting the differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions.
6. Kamer: In some cases, the surname might be shortened to Kamer, particularly if it has been Anglicized or simplified over time.
7. Kamera (Russian): While the Russian language does not have a direct equivalent for 'a with an acute accent', the surname Camara may be transcribed as Камера in Cyrillic script.

Famous people with the last name Camara

The Camara surname is associated with notable figures across various fields, notably politics, music, and sports. In politics, Amilcar Cabral, a prominent Afro-Portuguese revolutionary, was a key figure in the decolonization movement in Africa. He led the struggle for independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde from Portuguese rule until his assassination in 1973. In music, Cesária Évora, nicknamed "The Barefoot Diva," was a popular Cape Verdean singer known for her mornas, coladeiras, and funaná music. She passed away in 2001 but left an indelible mark on the global music scene. Lastly, in sports, Luis Figo, a Portuguese former footballer, played as a winger for teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. He was part of the UEFA Euro 2004 winning team representing Portugal. These individuals are celebrated for their significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Camara

The surname Camara is of Portuguese origin and has a significant presence in various Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique, due to historical colonization and immigration. In Portugal, the name Camara is derived from "câmara," which means chamber or court, likely referring to a person who served in a royal court. The Camaras were an important noble family in medieval Portugal, with several members holding key political positions. The surname's dissemination throughout the Portuguese Empire may be attributed to these early Camaras and subsequent migration waves. In Brazil, the name is particularly common in the states of Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro, reflecting the region's historical ties with Portugal. Today, individuals with the last name Camara can be found worldwide, reflecting the global reach of Portuguese influence throughout history.

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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 : 23 July 2025

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