The surname D'Almeida is a Portuguese and Galician name derived from the place name Almieda, which is located in the district of Viseu in Portugal and Lugo in Galicia, Spain. The name of the place is believed to originate from the Arabic words "al-medina" meaning "the city." Over time, the name evolved into D'Almeida as it was adopted by Portuguese and Galician families who either lived or were from the area. It is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and has been carried to other parts of the world by immigrants.
Learn more about the origin of the last name D-almeida
The meaning and origin of the last name D-almeida
The surname D'Almeida is of Portuguese origin, derived from the medieval toponymic name Almieda, which translates to "the great almond tree" in Old Portuguese. It originally referred to someone who lived near such a prominent almond tree or originated from a place named Almieda. In Portugal, the surname Almeida is common and is often spelled with an acute accent (Alméida) in written form. Over time, the name spread to other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, where it remains a popular surname. Variations of the name, such as Almedia, Almeda, or D'Almeida, may appear due to phonetic and spelling differences between dialects and regions.
Geographical distribution of the last name D-almeida
The surname D-Almeida is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil, due to its origin from the Iberian Peninsula. It is a variant of the more common Almeida, which is among the most frequent surnames in Portugal. In Brazil, D-Almeida is also prevalent as a result of immigration from Portugal during the colonization period and later waves of migration. The name can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking African countries, such as Angola and Mozambique, due to historical ties with Portugal. Furthermore, there are communities of D-Almeidas in Goa (India), where Portuguese influences persist from colonial times.
In English-speaking countries, the name D-Almeida can be found among Portuguese immigrants or their descendants. In North America, there are significant populations of D-Almeidas in Canada and the United States, particularly in urban centers with large Portuguese communities. The diaspora has also spread the name to other parts of the world, including Australia and South Africa.
Variants and spellings of the last name D-almeida
The surname D'Almeida presents several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in translation and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include: Almeida, D'Almeyda, Dalmeida, De Almeida, D'Almieda, Dal Mieda, D'Alemida, and D'Alemaida. These variations can be found across Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Cape Verde. Additionally, the name may also appear as de Almeyda or da Almeida in some Spanish-speaking regions, as a result of Portuguese influence during the colonial era. It's essential to note that while these variations exist, the original spelling remains D'Almeida, which is derived from the medieval Latin form "de Almaydia" and means "from Almayda," a place name of uncertain origin in Portugal.
Famous people with the last name D-almeida
Notable individuals with the surname D'Almeida include:
1. Jose Eduardo Almeida, a Portuguese footballer who played as a defender for Sporting CP and the Portugal national team. Known for his strong tackling and leadership skills, he won several domestic titles and the UEFA Europa League with Sporting.
2. Ana D'Almeida, a Brazilian-born British operatic soprano. She has performed extensively in Europe, including at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the Salzburg Festival. Her repertoire includes roles such as Violetta in La Traviata and Mimi in La Bohème.
3. Joaquim D'Almeida, a Portuguese-born American actor known for his roles in movies like Clear and Present Danger, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and The Day After Tomorrow. He has also appeared on television shows such as 24 and Narcos.
4. Bruno Miguel dos Santos Almeida, a Portuguese footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Chelsea and the Portugal national team. Known for his athleticism and shot-stopping ability, he won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021.
These figures have made significant contributions to their respective fields, whether it's sports or arts.
Genealogical research on the last name D-almeida
The surname D'Almeida is of Portuguese origin and has been traced back to the medieval period. It derives from the locality Almieda in the district of Coimbra, Portugal. The name is often associated with the noble Almieda family, who played significant roles in the politics and history of medieval Portugal. The name spread beyond Portugal due to migration, particularly during the Age of Discoveries when many Portuguese explorers ventured overseas. In Brazil, for instance, D'Almeida is one of the most common surnames, reflecting the Portuguese influence during the colonial era. Notable figures with this surname include Afonso de Albuquerque, a prominent Portuguese military and political leader, and Pedro Álvares Cabral, credited as the first European to reach Brazil in 1500.
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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