Last Name Da-costa-leiras

Learn more about the origin of the last name Da-costa-leiras

The meaning and origin of the last name Da-costa-leiras

The surname Da Costa Leiras is of Portuguese origin, derived from two distinct elements that have been combined over time: Da Costa and Leiras.

Da Costa is a common Portuguese surname, originally indicating one's occupation or region of origin. "Da Costa" translates to "of the coast," possibly referring to someone who lived near a coastal area or had professional connections to the sea, such as fishermen or sailors.

Leiras, on the other hand, is believed to be associated with the town Leiria in central Portugal, where it was once the name of a noble family or a castle. The surname could have originated from a person from that region who took on the local name as their last name.

Overall, the surname Da Costa Leiras can be traced back to its roots in both maritime and aristocratic Portuguese history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Da-costa-leiras

The surname Da Costa Leiras is primarily found in Portugal and its diaspora communities around the world, particularly in Brazil due to historical Portuguese colonization. The name is a composite of two distinct elements: "Da Costa," which translates to 'of the coast' and is common among Portuguese speakers, and "Leiras," possibly derived from various places or personal names within Portugal. In recent times, the distribution of the surname has expanded globally due to migration patterns, with significant populations found in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia, where Portuguese immigrants have settled over the years.

Variants and spellings of the last name Da-costa-leiras

The surname Da Costa Leiras has several variations and spellings due to historical and regional differences. Here are some potential versions:

1. DaCostaLeiras - This is the most common modern spelling, combining the Portuguese surnames Da Costa (of Costa lineage) and Leiras (from a place named Leiras).
2. Dacosta Leiras - A variant of the above, but with the "a" in DaCosta shortened to an "o".
3. DaCosta de Leiras - Another variation that includes the preposition "de" before Leiras, which is common in Portuguese noble titles or when referring to a place of origin.
4. Dacosta De Leiras - Similar to the previous variant but with a shortened "a" in DaCosta and the preposition "de".
5. Costaleiras - This is a possible contraction of Da Costa Leiras, common in some regions where surnames are often shortened over time.
6. De Costa Leiras - Another variation that includes the preposition "de" before Costa, which can be found in some historical records but is less common than the other variations.
7. Costaleiras de - This is a possible contraction of Da Costa Leiras with the preposition added at the beginning.
8. D'Costa Leiras - A variant that replaces the "da" in Da Costa with an "d'" to mimic the French style of writing Portuguese names, although this is not standard.
9. Da Costaliras - A potential misspelling or transcription error, replacing the "e" in Leiras with an "i".
10. Dacostaleiras - A possible combination of two variations, but it's not a common spelling of the surname.

Famous people with the last name Da-costa-leiras

Notable individuals with the surname Da Costa Leiras include:

1. Alexandre da Costa Leiras (b. 1970), a Portuguese professional footballer who played as a defender for various clubs throughout his career, including Benfica, Porto, and Sporting CP.
2. João da Costa Leiras (1836-1905), a Portuguese historian and writer known for his works on medieval history, particularly "História de Portugal," a ten-volume historical work.
3. Ricardo da Costa Leiras (b. 1948), a Brazilian architect who has designed numerous buildings in Brazil and received several awards for his designs, including the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2005.
4. Tiago da Costa Leiras (b. 1993), a Portuguese footballer who plays as a defender for FC Vaduz of the Swiss Super League.
5. Victor Hugo da Costa Leiras (b. 1987), a Brazilian actor and model best known for his roles in telenovelas such as "Amor de Mãe" and "Tempo de Amar."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, ranging from sports, history, architecture, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Da-costa-leiras

The surname da Costa-Leiras originates from Portugal and is composed of two elements: "da Costa" and "Leiras". "Da Costa" is a common Portuguese patronymic surname, derived from the occupation of a costalier or someone who worked in the wine industry, while "Leiras" is a toponymic surname indicating an individual was from a place named Leiras.

The da Costa family originated in the Minho region of Portugal and is believed to have been present there since the Middle Ages. The name Leiras likely refers to several locations throughout Portugal, with one possible origin being the municipality of Leiria. Over time, the surname has spread across the globe due to Portuguese migration, notably to Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India), reflecting Portugal's colonial history.

The da Costa-Leiras family tree is vast and complex, with numerous branches and sub-branches that have developed over centuries. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover new connections and ancestors, providing insights into the rich cultural and historical background of this Portuguese lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "da-costa-leiras"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 30 July 2025