The surname "da-Costa-Vaz" is a combination of two Portuguese surnames: "da Costa" and "Vaz."
"Da Costa" is derived from the occupation of a costeiro or coastal dweller, a common profession in the coastal regions of Portugal. The name originated during the Middle Ages when occupational names became popular as a way to identify individuals in a community.
On the other hand, "Vaz" is a common Portuguese surname that originally meant "son of" in Old Portuguese. It was used as a patronymic name, denoting the son or descendant of an individual with the given name associated with the suffix "-es" or "-ez," which evolved into "-es" over time.
The combination of these two surnames, "da-Costa-Vaz," suggests that the bearer may have descended from a coastal dweller named Vaz who took on the da Costa surname at some point in their family history. However, without further historical context or genealogical research, it is difficult to determine the exact origin and circumstances surrounding this name combination.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Da-costa-vaz
The meaning and origin of the last name Da-costa-vaz
The surname Da Costa Vaz is a Portuguese composite name, formed by combining two distinct elements: Da Costa and Vaz. The suffix "da" is a nobiliary particle originating from Latin 'de' or 'das', indicating 'of' or 'from'. It was often used to indicate noble lineage or regional origin in medieval times. "Da Costa" translates to 'of the coast' and likely refers to someone who originally lived near the coast, possibly a fisherman or a merchant.
On the other hand, "Vaz" is a common Portuguese patronymic surname derived from the personal name 'Vasco', which was a popular male name in Portugal during the Middle Ages. It is believed that Vasco was a shortened form of various names like Vasconcelos, Vascopoulos, or even the Biblical Basil (Basilio). Over time, these two surnames merged to form Da Costa Vaz, reflecting a combination of coastal lineage and personal name heritage.
Geographical distribution of the last name Da-costa-vaz
The surname Da-Costa-Vaz is predominantly found in regions with significant Portuguese influence, particularly in Portugal itself and its former colonies. It's most prevalent in Brazil due to the large number of Portuguese immigrants during the colonial period. Other countries where the name can be found include Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Smaller populations also reside in Goa, India, due to the historical presence of the Portuguese there. In North America, Da-Costa-Vaz can be found among communities with Portuguese ancestry, particularly in Canada and the United States.
Variants and spellings of the last name Da-costa-vaz
The surname Da Costa Vaz exhibits several spelling variations due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include DaCostaVaz, D'AcostaVaz, DaCosta-Vaz, d'Acosta-Vaz, DaCostavaz, Dacosta Vaz, and Da Costavaz. These variations may be found in various countries as a result of immigration or assimilation. In Portuguese, the name translates to "of Costa" or "from Costa," with Costa being a place name. The additional "Vaz" suggests that the original bearer was from a specific location named Vaz within Costa. However, it is important to note that surnames did not always indicate a direct lineage to a specific place in earlier times. Therefore, it is possible that the name Da Costa Vaz does not necessarily mean the person originated from a village called Da Costa Vaz.
Famous people with the last name Da-costa-vaz
The da Costa Vaz family is known for its notable members who have made significant contributions across various fields. One prominent figure is Manuel da Costa Vaz, a Portuguese writer and journalist born in Angola. He has published several books on the topic of African history and culture. In the realm of sports, there's Joao da Costa Vaz, a Portuguese football player who played as a defender for FC Porto, among other teams. In academia, there is Maria da Gracia Vaz-Dias de Almeida, a Brazilian mathematician recognized for her work in algebraic topology. Lastly, in the music industry, we have Ana Moura, a Portuguese fado singer whose career has spanned over two decades and who has collaborated with artists such as Elton John and Sting. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements of people named da Costa Vaz.
Genealogical research on the last name Da-costa-vaz
The surname da-Costa-Vaz has Portuguese origins, with elements derived from both da Costa and da Vaz, two separate but interconnected family names. Da Costa, which means "of the coast," is a common Portuguese surname originating from the medieval period when it was used to identify individuals who lived near the coast. On the other hand, da Vaz, meaning "of the bush" or "of the pasture," was also commonly used in Portugal, especially among peasants and rural inhabitants. The combination of these two surnames, da-Costa-Vaz, may have occurred due to intermarriage between families bearing each name over time. Notable individuals with this surname include João da Costa Vaz, a Portuguese explorer who lived in the 16th century, and José da Costa Vaz, a Brazilian politician who served as the governor of the state of Piauí in the mid-20th century.
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