Last Name Carvalha

The surname Carvalho (in its Portuguese spelling) has roots in Old Portuguese and is derived from the word "carvalho" which means 'oak tree' or 'holly oak'. It is a common Portuguese and Brazilian surname. The use of surnames based on occupations, place names, or descriptive terms was widespread throughout medieval Europe. In this case, the name Carvalho may have been originally given to someone who lived near an oak tree or had a profession related to oaks, such as a carpenter or a forester. Over time, the name evolved from its original meaning into a hereditary surname that was passed down from generation to generation within families. The spelling "Carvalha" could potentially be a variant of the name found in other regions or languages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carvalha

The meaning and origin of the last name Carvalha

The surname Carvalho or Carvalha is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word "carvalho" which means 'oak tree' in Portuguese. This surname was often given to individuals who lived near an oak tree or whose family had a connection with one. Over time, variations of this name have emerged in different regions and countries due to spelling differences resulting from phonetic changes, transliteration, and errors during the recording of births, marriages, and deaths. The surname Carvalho is common among Portuguese-speaking populations, particularly in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and other former Portuguese colonies. It ranks among the most frequent surnames in Portugal and Brazil.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carvalha

The surname Carvalho, a variant spelling of Carvalha, is primarily distributed in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most prevalent in the northern regions, such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Aveiro, due to historical migrations from Galicia, Spain. In Brazil, it is common throughout the country but has a significant presence in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraná. The name also appears in small numbers in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and East Timor, due to historical colonization by Portugal. Outside of the Lusophone world, Carvalho is scarcely found, but it can be traced in some communities of Portuguese descent in North America, South Africa, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carvalha

The surname Carvalho, which originates from Portugal, has several variations and spelling formats due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Here are some of the common forms:

1. Carvalho - Standard Portuguese spelling for the name, which means "little walnut tree" in English.
2. Carvalhoa - A less common variant, often seen as a feminine form in some regions.
3. Karvahlo, Karvahlho, Kervalho - Some alternative spellings that may be found when dealing with non-Portuguese speakers or in translated documents.
4. Karvalho, Carvallo, Carvallho - Portuguese-speaking communities in Brazil or other countries might use these variations.
5. de Carvalho, Carvalho da Silva, etc. - These forms include additional elements such as a patronymic (de) or a matronymic (da/do), which identify the bearer's family origins.
6. Cavalo, Calvo, Cavalho - Some variations may arise due to phonetic differences or errors in transcription, although these forms do not share the same etymology as Carvalho.
7. Karvallyo (Finnish), Kervalla (Swedish), and other transliterations are examples of how foreign languages might render the name when translating it into their own orthography.

Famous people with the last name Carvalha

The Carvalho family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays for Manchester United and captains the Portugal national team. Born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. Another well-known Carvalho is A. C. Grayling, a British philosopher who was educated at New College, Oxford, and has written numerous books on philosophy, ethics, and culture. He is currently Master of the New College of the Humanities in London. Additionally, John Carvalho, also known as Johnny "Guitar" Watson, was an American guitarist, singer-songwriter, and bandleader. He was a significant figure in rhythm & blues, funk, and soul music in the mid to late 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Carvalha

The surname Carvalho, a variant spelling of Carvalha, is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the occupational name for a charcoal burner or a keeper of cattle, from the Old Portuguese word "carvão" meaning charcoal or coal, and "boi" meaning ox. The name has been widely distributed in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries due to historical migrations. In Portugal, it is most common in the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Alentejo. In Brazil, it is one of the most common surnames, with a significant concentration in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. Notable individuals bearing this name include Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil in 1500, and Brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Carvalha"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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