What is the origin of the last name Da-fonseca-figueira?
The surname "da-Fonseca-Figueira" is a Portuguese composite surname, formed by combining two separate patronymic and locative surnames.
The first part, "da-Fonseca", originates from the medieval Iberian practice of adding "de" or "da" (meaning "of" or "from") before a place name to create a surname. In this case, "Fonseca" likely refers to someone who was originally from Fonseca, a municipality in Portugal.
The second part, "Figueira", is a common locative surname in Portugal that refers to someone from Figueira (a common place name in Portugal). It can also refer to someone associated with the holm oak tree (figueiro in Portuguese), as "figueira" translates to "holm oak" in English.
Therefore, "da-Fonseca-Figueira" would be the surname of someone who either originated from Fonseca and lived in Figueira, or was associated with both places.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Da-fonseca-figueira
The meaning and origin of the last name Da-fonseca-figueira
The surname Da-Fonseca-Figueira is a Portuguese compound name consisting of two distinct parts: Fonseca and Figueira.
The surname Fonseca originates from the medieval town of Fonsaes, located in the region of Trás-os-Montes in northern Portugal. The name is believed to have derived from the Latin word "fons" meaning "source" or "spring." The earliest records of the Fonseca family date back to the 12th century.
The surname Figueira, on the other hand, stems from the Old Portuguese word for fig tree, "figueiro." Fig trees are abundant in the Algarve region of Portugal, where many families with this surname reside. The name Figueira is also a common toponym, referring to places named after a fig tree.
The combination of these two surnames, Da-Fonseca-Figueira, likely occurred when two individuals from different families with the surnames Fonseca and Figueira married. The "da" in this compound name is a particle that signifies nobility or descent and is used to link two surnames together.
Today, the surname Da-Fonseca-Figueira can be found across Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking communities around the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Da-fonseca-figueira
The surname Da-Fonseca-Figueira has its roots in Portugal, with a significant concentration in regions such as Minho, Lisbon, and Algarve. Migrations over the centuries have led to the spread of this name in other countries with Portuguese-speaking communities, particularly Brazil, where it is quite prevalent, especially in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. In Europe, there are also sizable Da-Fonseca-Figueira populations in countries like Angola and Mozambique due to historical Portuguese colonization. The name's presence can also be found in other parts of the world as a result of Portuguese diaspora, with smaller communities in former colonies such as Goa (India) and Macau (China).
Variants and spellings of the last name Da-fonseca-figueira
The surname Da-Fonseca-Figuera has multiple variations due to differences in transliteration and regional spelling conventions. Some common versions include:
* Da Fonseca Figueira (Portuguese)
* Da Fonseca Figuera (Spanish)
* De Fonseca Figueira (English, with the apostrophe added to conform to English naming convention)
* Da Fonseca Figuiera (alternate Portuguese spelling)
* Da Fonseca Figuera (alternate Spanish spelling)
* De Fonseca Figueria (alternate English spelling)
These variations arise due to differences in the use of diacritical marks, spacing, and apostrophes. It is important to note that the surname originates from Portugal or Brazil, and its correct spelling can depend on the individual's regional heritage and personal preference.
Famous people with the last name Da-fonseca-figueira
Notable individuals with the combined surname Da-Fonseca-Figueira include:
1. João de Deus II da Fonseca Figueira (1842–1936), Prime Minister of Portugal in 1917, during the First Portuguese Republic.
2. José de Freitas Branco da Fonseca Figueira (born 1951), a Portuguese judge who served as President of the Constitutional Court of Portugal from 2008 to 2016.
3. Rui Da Silva da Fonseca Figueira (1894–1975), a Portuguese general, Minister of War, and President of the Council of Ministers during the Estado Novo regime.
These individuals have made significant contributions to Portuguese politics and law throughout the 20th century.
Genealogical research on the last name Da-fonseca-figueira
The da-Fonseca-Figueira surname is of Portuguese origin, derived from two distinct lineages that merged over time. The "da Fonseca" part of the name is a noble title that dates back to the Middle Ages in Portugal, indicating ancestry from the town of Fonseca. The "Figueira," on the other hand, is a common Portuguese toponymic surname, derived from the word for 'fig tree' and often indicating an origin from a place named Figueira. The fusion of these two lineages likely occurred in the colonial period, as both families may have emigrated from Portugal to territories under Portuguese control, such as Brazil or Africa, where intermarriage was common among colonists. Notable individuals with this surname include João da Fonseca Figueira (1759-1823), a prominent military officer in the Portuguese Empire and Governor of Macau.
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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