What is the origin of the last name Catira-dos-santos?

The surname Catira-dos-Santos is a Portuguese surname that consists of three elements. 1. "Catira" - This part of the surname may be of indigenous Tupi origin, as it's derived from the word "katira," which means "beautiful." In Brazil, many indigenous names have been adopted and incorporated into Portuguese surnames. 2. "-dos-" is a common element in Portuguese surnames that comes from the Latin word "de," meaning "of" or "from." In this context, it's used to indicate a connection to a particular place. 3. "Santos" - This is a very common Portuguese and Brazilian surname which originates from the word "Saint" in Latin. During the Christianization of Portugal and Brazil, many individuals were given names associated with saints, often as baptismal names. Over time, these became permanent family names. So, the surname Catira-dos-Santos likely evolved over time with the first name "Catira" being adopted from Tupi indigenous roots and the second and third parts indicating a connection to a specific location and a Christian saint, respectively.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Catira-dos-santos

The meaning and origin of the last name Catira-dos-santos

The surname Catira dos Santos is of Portuguese origin, derived from two separate components: "Catira" and "dos Santos."

"Catira" is believed to be a place name or a nickname originating from the Portuguese language. It may refer to a specific location in Portugal or Brazil that is no longer in existence, or it could have been used as a diminutive form of various female given names ending in "-catiria."

"Dos Santos," on the other hand, translates to "of the saints" in Portuguese. It is a common surname in Portugal and Brazil, typically being a patronymic name for someone named Santo or Santiago (Saint).

Therefore, the full surname Catira dos Santos would originally identify an individual with roots from a specific location, associated with the saints. Over time, the exact origin of the "Catira" component might have been lost or forgotten among various generations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Catira-dos-santos

The surname Catira-dos-Santos is predominantly found in Brazil, given the Portuguese origin of the name "dos Santos," which translates to "of the Saints." Catira is believed to be an indigenous Tupi term meaning "great" or "noble." The combination of these elements suggests that the surname may have origins among individuals with both Portuguese and indigenous heritage in Brazil. While it's challenging to pinpoint specific regions due to the vast geographical spread of the name within the country, certain states like Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Bahia are known for having a significant number of people bearing this surname. However, further research may be necessary to determine more precise regional distributions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Catira-dos-santos

The surname Catira-dos-Santos has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some possible variations include Catirados Santos, Catora-dos-Santos, Catira dos Santos, and Catoradossantos. These variations arise from alterations in the use of hyphens, the placement of accents, or the spelling of the first name "Catira." It is essential to note that this surname originates from Brazil, where Portuguese is the official language, and it reflects the unique naming conventions commonly found in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Famous people with the last name Catira-dos-santos

Notable individuals sharing the surname Catira dos Santos include:

1. Daniela Catira dos Santos: A Brazilian model who won the Miss Brazil Universe title in 2007 and represented Brazil at the Miss Universe pageant the same year.

2. Rafael Catira dos Santos: A professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Portuguese club Boavista and the Portugal national team. He began his career with Porto, where he won three Primeira Liga titles.

3. Marcos Aurélio da Silva Catira dos Santos: Known professionally as Marquinhos Chiquinho, he is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a right back for Palmeiras and the Brazil national team. He is known for his versatility in playing both defensively and offensively.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impressions in Brazilian and international sports and beauty pageants.

Genealogical research on the last name Catira-dos-santos

The Catira-dos-Santos surname appears to have Portuguese origins, with components derived from two separate Portuguese words: "Catira" and "dos Santos".

The name "Catira" is believed to be a regional variant or misspelling of the more common Portuguese name "Catarina", which means pure or innocent. The surname "dos Santos," literally translates to "of the Saints." This combination suggests that an individual named Catarina or Catherine may have taken on the additional surname dos Santos at some point in her family history, possibly as a sign of religious devotion or affiliation.

While there is no extensive public genealogical record available for the specific Catira-dos-Santos lineage, it's worth noting that the Portuguese diaspora spans multiple centuries and continents. As such, individuals with this surname may have ancestors who emigrated from Portugal to various parts of the world, including South America, Africa, and North America. A more detailed family history would likely require research into specific family trees, birth records, census data, immigration records, and other primary sources.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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