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Last Name Cavalcante

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What is the origin of the last name Cavalcante?

The surname Cavalcante is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the medieval occupation or nickname for a knight or a mounted soldier, which comes from the Latin "caballus" meaning horse, and "cantalus" meaning carrier. Hence, Cavalcante is interpreted as 'knight who carries' or 'horseman'. Over time, this name was brought to other countries by Portuguese explorers and colonizers, such as Brazil.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cavalcante

The meaning and origin of the last name Cavalcante

The surname Cavalcante is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old Portuguese word "cavaleiro," which means knight. It was often given as a surname to individuals who had served as knights or to those whose family had a distinguished history of knighthood. The surname subsequently spread to Brazil, where it remains common due to Portuguese colonization. In its plural form, Cavalcantes, it signifies multiple descendants of such knightly families. Today, the name is borne by people in both Portugal and Brazil, as well as other countries with Portuguese-speaking populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cavalcante

The last name Cavalcante is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil, due to its origin from the Portuguese language. This surname is also distributed among Brazilians living abroad, especially in other Latin American nations and Portugal itself. Beyond Portuguese-speaking regions, there are communities of Brazilians with the surname Cavalcante in the United States, Canada, Spain, and some African countries. Its frequency within these populations reflects historical migrations, cultural exchanges, and global Brazilian diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cavalcante

The surname Cavalcante has various spelling variations across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include Cavacante, Cavallcante, Cavallcant, Cavallcante, Cavallkante, Cavlcante, Cavlcante, Cavlkante, and Calvacante. These variations are often due to differences in spelling conventions, transliteration from other languages, or errors during transcription. The name is derived from the Portuguese word "cavaleiro," meaning knight, and was likely taken as a surname by individuals who served as knights or had some association with knighthood.

Famous people with the last name Cavalcante

Notable individuals with the surname Cavalcante include:

1. Anderson Silva (b. 1975), a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former UFC Middleweight Champion, known for his striking skills and dominance in the sport.
2. Felipe Cavalcante (b. 1983), a Brazilian professional jiu-jitsu practitioner and black belt under Fabio Gurgel, who has won numerous championships including four IBJJF World Championships and the ADCC Absolute Championship in 2015.
3. Paulo Cavalcante (b. 1967), a Brazilian composer and arranger who has worked extensively in the MPB (Popular Brazilian Music) genre, collaborating with artists such as Ivete Sangalo, Djavan, and Chitãozinho & Xororó.
4. Marcos Cavalcante (b. 1980), a Brazilian professional wrestler who performs under the ring name 'Lince Dorado' in WWE, where he is a two-time Cruiserweight Champion.
5. Bruno Cavalcante (b. 1974), a retired Brazilian footballer who played as a defensive midfielder for clubs such as Fluminense, Atlético Mineiro, and Santos, as well as the Brazil national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Cavalcante

The surname Cavalcante originates from Portugal and Spain, derived from the medieval occupation name "caballero" or "caballante," meaning horseman or knight. In Portugal, the spelling is often Cavaleiro or Cavaleiro de Oliveira, while in Spain it's Caballero. The family name Cavalcante spread to Brazil during the colonial period, as many Portuguese settlers migrated there. Notable individuals with this surname include Joaquim Francisco Cavalcanti (1763-1811), a Brazilian political figure and intellectual; and Carlos Cavalcante (b. 1950), a renowned Brazilian conductor. The Cavalcante clan also has a significant presence in Goa, India, as a result of Portuguese colonization. The name's variation in spelling reflects the evolution over time and differences in regional pronunciation and orthography.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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