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Last Name Cintra

What is the origin of the last name Cintra?

The last name "Cintra" is of Portuguese origin. It is a toponymic surname, meaning that it originated from a place name. In this case, "Cintra" likely refers to the town of Sintra in Portugal, which is known for its picturesque landscape and historic architecture. People with the last name "Cintra" may have ancestral ties to this region or have adopted the name as a way to signify their connection to the town of Sintra.

origin of the last name Cintra

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cintra

The meaning and origin of the last name Cintra

The surname Cintra is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the word "cintura," which means "waist" or "belt" in Portuguese. It is believed that the surname may have originally been a nickname given to someone with a small waist or who worked as a beltmaker. The name Cintra can be traced back to the early medieval period in Portugal and has been found in records dating as far back as the 12th century. Over time, the surname Cintra has spread to other countries, particularly Brazil, where Portuguese influence is strong. Today, individuals with the surname Cintra can be found around the world, representing a connection to their Portuguese heritage and the origins of their family name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cintra

The surname Cintra has its origins in Portugal and is primarily found in the southern regions of the country, particularly in Lisbon and the surrounding areas. It is a relatively rare surname, with a small population compared to more common surnames in Portugal. However, there are also smaller concentrations of individuals with the surname Cintra in Brazil and other former Portuguese colonies, due to historical migration patterns and colonial ties. In Brazil, the surname is especially common in the northern regions of the country, where there are significant Portuguese communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Cintra is relatively limited to Portuguese-speaking regions, reflecting its close ties to Portuguese culture and history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cintra

The last name Cintra has several variations and spellings, including Cyntre, Cintrah, Cintré, Centra, Centrão, and Sintra. These variations may have originated from different regions or dialects, resulting in slight phonetic differences or adaptations. The surname Cintra is common in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Brazil and Portugal. It is believed to have derived from the Latin word "Cinctus", meaning belt or girdle, and may have been used to refer to someone who lived near a belt of land or had some association with a belt-making trade. The various spellings of Cintra reflect the diverse linguistic influences and historical developments that have shaped the evolution of surnames over time. Despite the different versions of the surname, they all share a common ancestry and cultural heritage.

Famous people with the last name Cintra

One famous person with the last name Cintra is Marina Sturdza Cintras, a Romanian-born Canadian journalist and television personality. She is known for her work as a news anchor and reporter for various media outlets, including CTV News and CBC News. Another well-known individual with the last name Cintra is Ana Cintra, a Brazilian actress and model who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. Additionally, Paulo Cintra is a Brazilian artist known for his unique and abstract paintings that have been exhibited in galleries around the world. These individuals with the last name Cintra have made significant contributions to the fields of journalism, entertainment, and art, leaving a lasting impact on their respective industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Cintra

The surname Cintra has roots in Portugal, specifically in the region of Serra da Cintra. The name is of toponymic origin, derived from the place name Cintra. The Cintra family can trace its ancestry back to the early medieval period, with records showing individuals bearing the surname as early as the 12th century. The family likely held land and properties in the Cintra region, and over time, branches of the family spread to other parts of Portugal and beyond. The name Cintra is relatively rare and has maintained its distinctiveness over the centuries. Through genealogical research, it is possible to uncover the various branches of the Cintra family tree and their connections to other noble families in Portugal. Today, individuals bearing the surname Cintra can be found in various parts of the world, with many still holding on to their Portuguese heritage.

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