Last Name Da-graça

Learn more about the origin of the last name Da-graça

The meaning and origin of the last name Da-graça

The surname da Graça is a Portuguese patronymic name derived from the personal name Gracia, which means grace, favor, or kindness in Latin. The surname originated as a means to identify individuals who had ancestors named Gracius, a Roman family name. Over time, the name evolved into its current form, da Graça, with "da" being a common Portuguese prefix used to denote noble lineage or affiliation. The addition of "da" to personal names was a medieval practice that became widespread in Portugal and other regions of Iberia during the Middle Ages. Today, da Graça is a relatively uncommon surname found primarily in Portugal, Brazil, and other countries with Portuguese-speaking populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Da-graça

The surname da-Graça is predominantly found in Portugal, reflecting its origin from the country. A significant number of individuals carrying this name reside primarily in regions such as Lisbon and Algarve, where the Portuguese language and cultural heritage are strongly preserved. Beyond Portugal, the diaspora has resulted in a presence of da-Graça surname holders in various Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, and Mozambique due to historical migration patterns associated with colonialism and economic factors. Additionally, there is a smaller distribution of the name among the Portuguese diaspora in other parts of the world, such as North America, South America, Europe, and Africa, where Portuguese immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Da-graça

The surname Da Graça exhibits various spellings and slight variations in different contexts and regions. The most common form is Da Graça, which is Portuguese and means "of grace." Other variations include Da Graca, Dagraça, and Da Graça de Sousa.

In Brazil, a country with a large Portuguese-speaking population, some individuals may spell it as De Graça or De Graça Filho/Filha to indicate familial relationships, such as son or daughter. In the English language, the surname might be anglicized as DaGrace, Dagrac, or Daygrace.

In addition, there could be regional variations within Portugal and Brazil that may further alter the spelling of this name, as the Portuguese language is spoken differently in various regions and by different communities. It's essential to note that these alternative spellings and forms should not be misconstrued as a result of poor spelling or grammar but rather reflect regional dialects and cultural influences.

Famous people with the last name Da-graça

Notable individuals with the surname da Graça include:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo da Silva, commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Manchester United and captains the Portugal national team. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

2. Luís Filipe Madeira da Graça, known professionally as Nuno da Graça Moura, is a Portuguese film director, screenwriter, and producer. His critically acclaimed films include "The Strange Case of Angelica" and "Le Livre d'image."

3. João da Graça was a Portuguese poet and essayist who played a significant role in the modernist movement in Portuguese literature during the early 20th century. His works are noted for their lyricism and exploration of themes such as love, death, and identity.

4. José da Graça, also known by his nickname "Zé do Grogue," was a Brazilian musician and composer who is considered one of the most important figures in samba music. He is best known for composing the classic song "Pelo Telefone."

Genealogical research on the last name Da-graça

The da-Graca lineage originates from Portugal, with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. The surname "da-Graca" is a noble and ancient Portuguese name, derived from the word "graciosus," meaning gracious or pleasant in Latin. The earliest recorded instance of this name can be found in the 12th century, among the nobility of the Kingdom of Portugal. Over the centuries, members of the da-Graca family held significant positions in Portuguese society, serving as knights, magistrates, and politicians. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Manuel da Gracas, a prominent 16th-century poet, and João da Gracas, a 17th-century historian. The da-Graca family has also spread across the globe due to migrations, establishing branches in countries such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "da-graça"
• 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 : 27 July 2025