Last Name Cardoso

The surname "Cardoso" originated in Portugal. It is derived from the Portuguese word "cardo," which means thistle. Thistle is a flowering plant commonly found in temperate regions, and it may have been used as a topographic or locational surname to describe someone living near an area with thistles. Over time, this surname spread to other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cardoso

The meaning and origin of the last name Cardoso

The surname Cardoso is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the Latin word "quartosus," meaning "gloomy" or "melancholic." It is a locational surname, indicating that the original bearer hailed from a place called Cardoso or had a connection to a location with a similar name. Cardoso is a common place name in Portugal, particularly in the districts of Guarda and Beira Baixa. The name may have also been given to individuals with dark or gloomy characteristics, emphasizing their temperament or appearance.

The surname Cardoso is prevalent not only in Portugal but also among the Portuguese diaspora, particularly in Brazil, where many Portuguese settlers migrated during the colonial period. Over time, the name has spread to other parts of the world as Portuguese people have immigrated and settled in different countries. Today, the surname Cardoso can be found in various regions and is a testament to the rich history and heritage of the Portuguese people.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cardoso

The last name Cardoso has a distinct geographical distribution, predominantly concentrated in the Portuguese-speaking countries of Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is more prevalent in the central and southern regions, particularly in the districts of Lisbon, Setúbal, and Évora. The town of Cardoso, located in the municipality of Viseu, also stands out as a region with a higher concentration of individuals bearing this surname.

In Brazil, the surname Cardoso is widely spread throughout the country due to a significant Portuguese presence during colonization. It is particularly prominent in the Southeast and Northeast regions, with the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Bahia exhibiting the highest numbers of individuals bearing this last name. Additionally, cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador also have a notable concentration of individuals with the surname Cardoso.

As for the rest of the world, the geographical distribution of the last name Cardoso tends to be more sporadic, primarily influenced by migration patterns from Portugal and Brazil. It can be found in smaller numbers in countries with significant Portuguese communities, such as the United States, Canada, Angola, and Mozambique.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cardoso

The last name "Cardoso" is a Portuguese surname with several variations and spellings. Some of the common variations include: Cardozo, Cardoza, Cardos, and Cardosa. These variations may have originated from different regions or family branches over time. Additionally, regional accents and dialects may have contributed to different spellings. For example, in Brazil, the name might be spelled "Cardozo" or "Cardozo," while in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, "Cardoso" is the most commonly used spelling. However, it is important to note that these variations and spellings are not limited to any specific country or region, as the name may have been adopted or modified by individuals or families who migrated to different parts of the world. The diverse variations of the last name Cardoso reflect the dynamic nature of surnames and their propensity to evolve through historical and societal changes.

Famous people with the last name Cardoso

Cardoso is a popular surname with several notable figures associated with it. One such prominent individual is Fernando Henrique Cardoso, a renowned Brazilian sociologist, politician, and intellectual. He served as the President of Brazil from 1995 to 2002, playing a pivotal role in the country's economic stabilization and social reforms. Known for his intellectual prowess, Cardoso made significant contributions to sociological research, particularly in the field of dependency theory. His presidency saw the implementation of market-oriented policies, attracting foreign investment and helping Brazil emerge as a global economic power.

Another well-known figure with the surname Cardoso is Ana Cardoso, a Portuguese actress and television presenter. She gained fame through her appearances in popular TV shows in Portugal, showcasing her versatile acting skills and amiable personality.

The surname Cardoso has undoubtedly made its mark in various fields, contributing immensely to politics, sociology, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Cardoso

The last name Cardoso is a Portuguese surname with a rich history. The research on the Cardoso family reveals that the origin of the name can be traced back to medieval times in the region of Galicia, which is now part of modern-day Spain. Over time, many individuals bearing the surname migrated to Portugal, establishing themselves in various regions of the country. The Cardoso family tree includes notable figures who have made significant contributions in different fields. Descendants of the Cardoso family have excelled in professions including politics, art, literature, and academia. Moreover, the surname has spread beyond its Portuguese and Spanish origins, with individuals of Cardoso descent found in various parts of the world due to migration and globalization. As genealogical research continues, the Cardoso family’s history and its diverse branches continue to unfold, providing a deeper understanding of this distinguished surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cardoso"
• 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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