Last Name Cancelinha

The last name Cancelinha is of Portuguese origin. It is likely derived from a place name or geographical feature in Portugal. The prefix "Cance-" may refer to a specific town, village, or region, while the suffix "-linha" could indicate a small or diminutive size. Overall, the surname Cancelinha likely originated from a specific location in Portugal or described a small area within a larger geographic region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cancelinha

The meaning and origin of the last name Cancelinha

Cancelinha is a Portuguese surname that is believed to have originated from the country's northern region. The name is derived from the word "cancela," which means gate or barrier in Portuguese, suggesting that the original bearers of the surname may have been associated with the management or ownership of gates or barriers. Alternatively, it could also refer to someone who lived near a gate or barrier. The name may have been adopted as a surname during the Middle Ages when surnames became more common in Portugal. Over time, the name Cancelinha may have been passed down through generations, becoming a distinctive family name. Today, individuals with the surname Cancelinha can be found in various parts of Portugal and other countries where Portuguese immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cancelinha

Cancelinha is a relatively rare last name, primarily found in Portugal. The majority of individuals with this surname are concentrated in the central and southern regions of the country, with particularly high numbers in the districts of Lisbon, Santarem, and Setubal. There are also smaller populations of Cancelinha families in the Azores and Madeira islands. Outside of Portugal, the name is seldom found, with a few scattered instances in other Lusophone countries such as Brazil and Angola. The origins of the Cancelinha surname are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated from a place name or may have been derived from a personal characteristic of an ancestor. Overall, the geographical distribution of the name Cancelinha remains relatively localized to Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cancelinha

Cancelinha, Cancelhina, Canselinha, Canselina, Cansilhina, Cansilinha, Cansinelha, Cansinlha, Kancelinha, Kanselinha, Kancelina, Kancelina, Kancelhina, Kanselina, Kanselina, Kanselhina, Kansilina, Kansilina, Kansilhina, Kansinelha, Kansinlha are some of the variations and spellings of the last name Cancelinha. The name Cancelinha may have originated from Portugal or have Portuguese roots, as it is a common surname in Portuguese-speaking countries. The variations in spelling could be due to different regions pronouncing or writing the name differently, as well as errors in transcription or translation over time. Regardless of the spelling, these variations all likely refer back to a common ancestral origin and represent different branches of the same family tree.

Famous people with the last name Cancelinha

There are no famous people with the last name Cancelinha that are widely known in mainstream media or popular culture. The Cancelinha surname may belong to individuals who are not public figures or celebrities. It is possible that there are individuals with the last name Cancelinha who have achieved success in their fields or made significant contributions to society, but they are not widely recognized outside of their respective circles. As a result, the Cancelinha name may not be associated with any well-known personalities or notable figures in the public eye.

Genealogical research on the last name Cancelinha

The last name Cancelinha has its origins in Portugal and is believed to be of Portuguese or Galician descent. The name is thought to have originally been a topographic surname, referring to someone who lived near a small, sparse wood or grove. It is possible that the name Cancelinha was derived from the Portuguese word "cancela," meaning gate or small wooden barrier. The Cancelinha family may have initially been landowners or farmers in the region. Throughout history, members of the Cancelinha family may have migrated to different parts of Portugal or even to other countries, spreading the surname to new regions. Further genealogical research on the Cancelinha surname could reveal more about the family's specific origins, migrations, and connections to other families with similar surnames.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cancelinha"
• 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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