The surname D'Agua, which translates to "of water" in English, has its origins from various European countries, particularly Spain and Portugal. In these cultures, it was often given as a topographic name for someone who lived near a source of water or a stream, or an occupational name for someone who worked with or transported water, such as a miller or a water carrier.
In Spain, D'Agua is a variant of the more common surname Aguilar, which is derived from the Spanish word "aguilar," meaning "eagle stone" or "rock eagle." The name D'Agua may have evolved as a contraction of "de agua," which means "of water" in Spanish.
In Portugal, D'Agua can be found as a variant of the surname Águia, which has the same meaning as its Spanish counterpart: a reference to an eagle or a rocky outcrop near water.
It is also worth noting that similar-sounding names, such as De Agua, Daaga, and D'Agua, can be found in other European countries like France and the Netherlands, although their origins may differ slightly. In some cases, they may represent a habitational name for someone from a place named with a river or a stream, or they could have been adopted by immigrants as a way to anglicize their original surname when settling in English-speaking countries.
Learn more about the origin of the last name D-agua
The meaning and origin of the last name D-agua
The surname D'Agua is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word "água" which means water in Portuguese. This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a source of water, such as a river or a well, or who were involved in professions related to water, like fishermen or sailors. In some cases, it might have been used as a nickname for someone who was generous with water or whose appearance resembled that of water. Over time, the surname has been adapted in various ways across different regions and countries, such as D'Agua, da Agua, De Agua, or de la Agua.
Geographical distribution of the last name D-agua
The surname D'Agua is predominantly found in Portuguese and Brazilian communities, reflecting its origin from the Portuguese language, meaning "water" or "fountain." Historically, it has been most prevalent in Portugal, particularly in regions such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Lisbon. The name also appears frequently in Brazil, where it was introduced during the colonial period by Portuguese settlers. Beyond these two countries, smaller populations of D'Agua descendants can be found in other South American nations with significant Portuguese influences, such as Angola, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. Additionally, there are scattered instances of the name in North America and Europe, primarily among immigrants and their descendants from Portugal and Brazil.
Variants and spellings of the last name D-agua
The surname D'Agua, which is of Portuguese origin, has several variations and alternative spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common versions include Da Agua, De Agua, and D'Agua. In English, it can also be found as De Agua or D'Agua without the accent marks. Additionally, there may be variations based on geographical location, such as the Irish spelling of O'hEagha or the Welsh variant of Ap-Hywel which are phonetic translations from Portuguese to these languages, but they do not represent direct lineage from D'Agua. These variations and alternative spellings can often make it challenging to trace the family history, as records may be indexed differently in various genealogical databases.
Famous people with the last name D-agua
Notable individuals with the surname D'Agua (or da Agua) include:
1. José Aguiar de Menezes D'Agua, a Brazilian politician who served as the governor of the state of São Paulo from 1966 to 1970.
2. Manuel Dagua, a Peruvian journalist and television presenter who is known for his work on Noticias, the evening news program on América Televisión.
3. Juan Carlos de Agüero y Zavala, also known as John Charles de Agüero, was an Argentine businessman and politician who served as a senator from 1928 to 1930.
4. Jorge D'Agua, a Brazilian singer-songwriter who gained popularity in the 1970s with hits like "Amor Perdido" and "Saudade do Brasil."
5. Rafael da Silva Dias de Agua, better known as Rafael da Sila or simply Rafael, is a Brazilian actor and television presenter who has worked extensively in soap operas and telenovelas.
6. Luiz Carlos da Agüia, a Brazilian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Fluminense and Botafogo, and for the Brazil national team at the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
7. Antonio de Aguiar D'Agua, a Portuguese naval officer who participated in various expeditions during the Age of Discovery, including those led by Vasco da Gama to India and Pedro Álvares Cabral to Brazil.
Genealogical research on the last name D-agua
The surname D'Agua, meaning "of water" in Portuguese, is primarily associated with Iberian Peninsula, particularly Portugal and Spain. It is believed to have originated from a place named Agua or a similar designation, which could be found in both countries. In Portugal, the name is more common in regions such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Alentejo, while in Spain it can be found in areas like Galicia and Castile. Notable individuals with the last name D'Agua include Portuguese poet José Maria de Heredia (1803-1839) and Spanish painter Ignacio Pinazo Camarlench (1849-1912). The migration of people bearing this surname to other parts of the world, such as Brazil, the United States, and Argentina, can be traced back to colonial times.
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