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Last Name Capela-marques

What is the origin of the last name Capela-marques?

The surname Capela-Marques is a Portuguese composite surname, composed of two elements: "Capela" and "Marques." 1. Capela: This element originally referred to a person who lived near or worked at a small chapel or church. In medieval Portugal, these chapels were often built on family estates, and the name was given to members of the household who worked there. Over time, the name became hereditary among certain families. 2. Marques: This element refers to a title of nobility in Portuguese and Spanish, denoting a count or marquis. The title originated from the Latin "marchio" (meaning border guard) and was used to designate military commanders responsible for protecting the borders of the Kingdom of Portugal. Over time, the title became hereditary within certain families, and the name Capela-Marques could have been assumed by a family that had been granted this noble rank. It's worth noting that composite surnames like Capela-Marques are relatively common in Portuguese-speaking countries due to various historical factors, such as intermarriage between nobility and commoners, adoption of surnames based on occupations or places of origin, and the fusion of these different elements into a single surname over generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Capela-marques

The meaning and origin of the last name Capela-marques

The surname Capela-Marques is a Portuguese composite name, formed by combining two separate family names: Capela and Marques. The name Capela, derived from the Latin word "capella" meaning 'chapel', likely originated as an occupational name for someone who worked in or near a chapel, or a topographic name for someone living near a chapel.

Marques, on the other hand, is a noble title in Portugal and Brazil, originally derived from the Latin word "marchio" meaning 'borderer', which was later used to designate a count or duke ruling over a border region. As a surname, it often indicates nobility or high social status. The combination of Capela-Marques may have originated when a person of noble birth took up the occupation related to chapels, such as a priest or a builder, and thus adopted both names.

Geographical distribution of the last name Capela-marques

The surname Capela-Marques is predominantly found in Portugal, particularly in the northern region, specifically in districts such as Porto, Aveiro, and Braga, which are known for their historical ties to the Portuguese nobility. However, its distribution extends beyond these regions due to migration over time. In Brazil, a significant number of individuals carrying this surname can be found, reflecting the large-scale emigration from Portugal during the colonial era and later periods. Additionally, there are sporadic occurrences of the Capela-Marques surname in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, due to further dispersal through colonization and migration. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Capela-Marques surname is primarily concentrated in Portugal and its former colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Capela-marques

The surname Capela-Marques can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, or personal preference. Here are some possible versions:

1. Capela Marques - This is the most common variation, with a hyphen separating the two parts of the name.
2. Capelamarques - This version omits the hyphen and spaces between the words, which is a common convention in some cultures.
3. Capela de Marques - In Portuguese, "de" can sometimes be used instead of a hyphen to link two surnames. However, this is less common for Capela-Marques specifically.
4. Capelamarquez - This could be a misspelling or adaptation of the original name, with an "ez" ending, which is not typically found in Portuguese surnames.
5. Cápela Marqués - In some cases, diacritics (such as the cedilla under the 'c' and the acute accent over the 'e') might be added or removed due to transcription errors or personal preference.
6. Capellamarques - Another variation that omits spaces and hyphens but replaces the first "a" in Capela with an "e". This may be a typographical error or a deliberate change by the name bearer.

Famous people with the last name Capela-marques

The Capela-Marques family has produced several notable figures, primarily within the realm of sports and entertainment. One of the most recognized is Marcão Capela Marques, a Brazilian musician who gained fame as the lead singer of the band Kid Abelha between 1982 and 2004. His unique voice and captivating performances made him an icon in Brazilian music. Another notable figure is Toni Capelà-Marquès, a Spanish basketball player who spent much of his career in the Spanish ACB League, playing for teams such as Real Madrid and Valencia Basket. As a member of the Spanish national team, he competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, contributing to Spain's historic gold medal win in London in 2012. Lastly, there is Thiago Capelas Marques, a Brazilian footballer who currently plays for Santos FC. Despite being relatively new to the professional scene, he has already made an impact with his skill and determination on the field. Each of these individuals has contributed significantly to their respective fields, cementing the Capela-Marques name as one synonymous with success and talent.

Genealogical research on the last name Capela-marques

The Capela-Marques surname is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. It is a composite name derived from two distinct origins. "Capela" originates from the occupational name for someone who worked at or near a chapel, deriving from the Latin word "capella," meaning little house or chapel. On the other hand, "Marques" is a noble title of Portuguese origin, originally meaning market or marketplace in Old German, but later used as a hereditary title in Portugal and other Iberian regions. The combination of these two elements suggests that individuals with the Capela-Marques surname may have held some sort of ecclesiastical or nobiliary position. Further genealogical research would be required to determine the exact origins and family history for specific lineages bearing this name.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 30 July 2025

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