The surname "Caracinha" appears to be of Portuguese origin. It is a diminutive form of the name "Caracas", which may have been derived from various places in Portugal or Brazil. In Portugal, there are several localities named Caracas, such as Caracas in the district of Guarda and Caracas do Sal in the district of Leiria. The diminutive "-inha" is a common suffix in Portuguese names, indicating smallness, affection, or nickname. It's difficult to pinpoint an exact origin without more specific information, but it's likely that "Caracinha" originated from one of these places or as a pet name for someone originally named Caracas.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Caracinha
The meaning and origin of the last name Caracinha
The surname Caracinha is of Portuguese origin. It's derived from the diminutive form of the word "carácara," which refers to a type of bird known as the American White Stork or Black-necked Stork (Ciconia nigra). In Portugal, it was common for surnames to be based on occupations, physical characteristics, or objects. The use of bird names in Portuguese surnames is not uncommon and often denotes a person who was associated with the bird in some way, such as a bird trainer, seller, or simply someone who resembled the bird's characteristics. Over time, this unique surname has spread to other Portuguese-speaking countries and beyond, due to immigration and assimilation.
Geographical distribution of the last name Caracinha
The surname Caracinha is predominantly found in Portugal, specifically in the northern region, particularly in districts like Braga, Vila Real, and Porto. It also has a significant presence in the Azores archipelago. While it is primarily associated with Portugal, there are also instances of the name being carried by individuals from Brazil, especially those with Portuguese ancestry. This suggests that the Caracinha surname may have been brought to Brazil during the Portuguese colonial period or by immigrants in later years. The geographical distribution of the name reflects the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and its former colonies, particularly Brazil.
Variants and spellings of the last name Caracinha
The surname Caracinha has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in regional dialects and transcription conventions. Some common alterations include Carasquina, Carascina, Carassquina, Carasscina, Carazquina, Caraçonha, Caraçohna, Caracoinha, Caracuña, and Caraquina. These variations can be found among Portuguese-speaking individuals from Brazil or Portugal. In a broader context, it is also possible to encounter anglicized versions such as Carrasquena, Carasskina, Carazqueno, Caraçohnae, Caracoinhe, Caraquine, or Caraquena (in English). These variations should not be interpreted as indicating separate surnames but rather different ways of spelling and pronouncing the same name.
Famous people with the last name Caracinha
Maria Izabela Caracinha is a renowned Brazilian actress, best known for her roles in soap operas like "Caminho das Índias" and "A Favorita". She began her career on Rede Globo's children's program "Xou da Xuxa" and gained recognition for her role as the title character in the telenovela "Marisol". Caracinha has also made a name for herself in theater, winning several awards for her performances.
Renato Caracinha, another notable figure with the same last name, is a Brazilian lawyer and politician. He served as the Mayor of the city of Volta Redonda from 2013 to 2016, representing the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL). Known for his left-wing politics and strong stance on social issues, Caracinha was involved in several high-profile cases during his tenure as mayor.
Genealogical research on the last name Caracinha
The surname Caracinha is primarily found in Portugal and its origins can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula. According to Portuguese genealogical records, the name appears to have originated from the region of Minho in the northwest of the country. The earliest known ancestor with this surname is João Peres Caracinha, who lived during the 15th century and was documented in the city of Guimarães. The name Caracinha is believed to be a diminutive form of the given name Caraça, which means "small head" or "round face" in Portuguese. Over the centuries, the family spread across Portugal, with significant settlements in the cities of Porto and Lisbon. Today, there are numerous Caracinha families living in Portugal and its diaspora, particularly in Brazil and the United States.
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