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Last Name De-Brito

What is the origin of the last name De-Brito?

The surname "De-Brito" is of Portuguese origin. It translates to "of the Bright" in English, derived from the given name Brite or Brito. The name was often given to someone who lived near a bright place or had a light complexion. This name is particularly common in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking regions due to historical reasons such as colonization and immigration.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name De-Brito

The meaning and origin of the last name De-Brito

The surname De-Brito is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the region of Galicia, northwestern Spain, where it is often spelled as "de Brito" or "Brito." The name is composed of two elements: 'de' meaning 'of' or 'from' in Portuguese, and 'Brito,' derived from the Old Celtic personal name Brictius. This name likely means 'bright' or 'bristling with energy.' Over time, as Portuguese explorers and colonizers ventured to other regions, they carried their names with them, leading to the spread of the De-Brito surname across the globe, particularly in Brazil, Portugal's former colony. The surname is now found among diverse communities around the world, reflecting the historical mobility and influence of Portuguese explorers and settlers.

Geographical distribution of the last name De-Brito

The surname De-Brito is predominantly found within Portugal and its former colonies. A significant portion resides in Portugal itself, particularly in the northern regions such as Minho and Aveiro, where the name originates. Outside of Portugal, a large number of people with the surname De-Brito can be found in Brazil, due to historical Portuguese colonization. The name is also present in Angola and Mozambique, two other countries that were part of the Portuguese Empire. Additionally, there are De-Britos in Goa, India, a region that was under Portuguese rule until 1961. The distribution of this surname showcases the historical and cultural links between these geographical areas and Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name De-Brito

The surname De-Brito can have several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, or individual preferences. Some common variations include de Brito, Debritto, De Britos, and De Brito y Gil. The name is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the region of Braga in Portugal, and means "from Brito," with Brito being a place name derived from the Old Celtic word "brit" meaning "breeze" or "tumult." In some cases, you may also find the name DeBrito, which is a phonetic spelling used by English speakers to represent the original Portuguese pronunciation. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name De-Brito remains a distinctive and historically significant surname in both Portugal and its diaspora communities.

Famous people with the last name De-Brito

Notable individuals bearing the surname De-Brito include:

1. Adrienne Bailon-DeVoe (born 1983), an American actress, singer, and television personality, best known for her roles in "The Cheetah Girls" and "Real Talk".
2. Aracely Arambula De-Brito (born 1975), a Mexican-American model, actress, and former Miss USA California. She has appeared in various telenovelas such as "El Cuerpo del Deseo", "Carrusel de las Amor"s, and "Mundo de Fieras".
3. Carlos de Brito Pereira (1928-2016), a Brazilian businessman who was the former CEO of Petrobras, Brazil's state-owned petroleum corporation. He served as CEO from 1985 to 1988.
4. Felipe De Jesus de Brito Figueiredo (born 1976), a Brazilian retired footballer who played for teams such as Corinthians, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Real Madrid. He was part of the Brazilian national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 2002.
5. John de Brito (born 1984), a Canadian-British professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 136 in July 2011. He represented Great Britain at the Davis Cup and the Summer Olympics in 2012.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, ranging from entertainment and sports to business and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name De-Brito

The surname De-Brito is predominantly Portuguese in origin, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a composite name formed by the preposition "de" (meaning "of") and the occupational name "Brito," which was given to someone who worked with bronze or brass, derived from the Latin "brittum." The name spread across Europe during the Migration Period and later colonization. In Portugal, the name gained significant popularity, particularly in regions such as Minho and Trás-os-Montes. The De-Brito family may have migrated to other European countries or the Americas due to historical events like the Age of Discoveries, the expulsion of Jews from Spain, or simply for economic reasons. In the New World, the name has been found in Brazil and various Spanish-speaking countries, indicating possible migration during colonial times. Today, the De-Brito family can be found globally, with many descendants maintaining connections to their Portuguese heritage through language, culture, and traditional customs.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 13 June 2025

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