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Last Name Conceicao-rocha

What is the origin of the last name Conceicao-rocha?

The surname "Conceição-Rocha" is a Portuguese composite surname, consisting of two distinct elements: Conceição and Rocha. The surname Conceição is derived from the Latin word "conceptio," which means "conception." In Portugal, it was originally given as a baptismal name to children born out of wedlock, as a way to indicate their illegitimate birth. Over time, it became a hereditary surname. The surname Rocha is also of Portuguese origin and comes from the word "rocha," which means "rock" or "stone." It was often given to individuals who lived near rocky areas or had a profession related to stonework. Like Conceição, it eventually became a hereditary surname. Therefore, the composite surname Conceição-Rocha likely originated from two separate families, one with the ancestral name Conceição and the other with the ancestral name Rocha, who later combined their names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Conceicao-rocha

The meaning and origin of the last name Conceicao-rocha

The surname Conceição-Rocha is a combination of two Portuguese patronymics, reflecting a common naming tradition in Portuguese-speaking countries. "Conceição" derives from the Latin name Conceptionis, meaning 'conception' or 'dedication to the Virgin Mary at the time of her Immaculate Conception.' This surname was given to children born around the feast day of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. "Rocha," on the other hand, is a topographic name from the word rocha, meaning 'rock' in Portuguese. It was often used to identify someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or worked with stone. The surname Conceição-Rocha thus indicates an individual who may have been born around the feast of the Immaculate Conception and had some connection to a rocky area.

Geographical distribution of the last name Conceicao-rocha

The surname Conceição-Rocha is primarily distributed across Portugal and Brazil, reflecting its Portuguese origins. In Portugal, it is predominantly found in the northern regions, particularly in districts such as Porto, Braga, Vila Real, and Aveiro, due to historical migration patterns from the Minho and Douro provinces. In Brazil, it is most common in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo, where Portuguese immigrants settled during colonial times and the 19th century. The name has also spread to other countries with significant Portuguese or Brazilian diasporas, such as Angola, Mozambique, and the United States, among others.

Variants and spellings of the last name Conceicao-rocha

The surname Conceição-Rocha has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional pronunciation, and personal preference. Some common variations include:

1. Conceicao Rocha
2. Conceicao-Rocha
3. Conceição Rocha
4. Conceição-Rocha
5. Conceiçao Rocha
6. Conceiçaō Rocha (Portuguese diacritical marks omitted)
7. Conceicao da Rocha
8. Conceicao do Rocha
9. Conceição da Rocha
10. Conceição do Rocha

These variations result from differences in the placement and usage of diacritical marks, articles, and prepositions in Portuguese, as well as individual preferences for how to write their names in English.

Famous people with the last name Conceicao-rocha

Notable individuals bearing the surname Conceição-Rocha include:

1. José Maria de Almeida Conceição Rocha (born 1946), a Portuguese economist and former Minister of Finance of Portugal, known for his role in Portugal's transition to the Eurozone.
2. Joaquim Silvério Conceição Rocha (1867-1953), a Brazilian politician who served as the 6th Governor of the Federal District and the 8th President of Brazil from 1946 to 1947.
3. Ana Conceição Rocha, a Portuguese basketball player who represented Portugal in multiple international competitions, including the European Championship and Olympic Games.
4. Paulo Jorge Sampaio Conceição Rocha (born 1954), a Portuguese football coach who has managed several top-tier clubs, such as Sporting CP and Benfica, and was also the head coach of the Portugal national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, economics, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Conceicao-rocha

The surname Conceição-Rocha is of Portuguese origin, with two distinct elements: "Conceição" and "Rocha."

"Conceição" is a female given name that translates to 'Enlightenment' or 'Illumination.' It gained popularity in Portugal following the 16th century and was often bestowed as a tribute to the Virgin Mary, who is known as Our Lady of Conception. The name "Rocha," meaning 'rock,' is commonly found in Portuguese-speaking countries and is among the most frequent surnames there.

The combination of Conceição and Rocha may have originated from various regions in Portugal but gained significant presence in Brazil due to the Portuguese colonial period, as many Portuguese families emigrated to the country during this time. The name has since spread globally through diasporic movements, including immigration waves to countries like Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and the United States.

Overall, the Conceição-Rocha surname is a testament to Portuguese heritage, particularly its association with both religious devotion and Portuguese explorations during the colonial era.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 29 July 2025

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