What is the origin of the last name De-lima-dantas?
The surname "de Limas Dantas" is a Portuguese name that has roots in Portugal and Brazil. It consists of two elements: "de Limas," which likely refers to a place named Limas (there are several places with this name in Portugal), and "Dantas," which is an old Portuguese surname of uncertain origin, believed to have been a nickname or an occupational name for a leather-worker. In Brazil, the name became popular among families who immigrated from the northern region of Portugal in the 16th century.
Learn more about the origin of the last name De-lima-dantas
The meaning and origin of the last name De-lima-dantas
The surname De Lima Dantas is a Portuguese-Brazilian name composed of two distinct elements: "De Lima" and "Dantas."
"De Lima" originates from the medieval practice of using topographic or occupational names to identify individuals, in this case, possibly referring to someone who lived near a lime grove or who was involved in the lime trade. The name "Lima" is derived from the Portuguese word for lime, "lima."
As for "Dantas," it is a common surname in Portugal and Brazil, originating from the medieval town of Dão in central Portugal. It's believed that the surname may have been associated with landowners or nobles from this region who migrated to other parts of the Iberian Peninsula and later to Brazil during colonial times.
The combination of these two surnames, De Lima Dantas, is a common Portuguese-Brazilian name that signifies either a family with roots in both the lime trade or the town of Dão, or one with origins in both places.
Geographical distribution of the last name De-lima-dantas
The surname De Lima Dantas is predominantly found in Brazil, particularly in the northeastern states such as Pernambuco, Bahia, and Ceará. This name has its roots in Portuguese, with "De Limas" referring to a person from Limas, a village in Portugal, and "Dantas" being an aristocratic surname of ancient Moorish origin. The name's geographical concentration in Brazil can be attributed to the historical Portuguese colonization of the country, as many settlers brought their names with them. Over time, the name has spread throughout Brazil, but it remains most prevalent in its original regions due to the persistent settlement patterns and cultural preservation.
Variants and spellings of the last name De-lima-dantas
The surname De Lima Dantas has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and local phonetics. Some of these variations include:
1. De Lima Dantas: This is the most common spelling, following standard Portuguese naming conventions with a space between the surnames.
2. Delimadantas: An alternative English-language spelling, with no space between the surnames and a slight modification of the first name.
3. De Lima D'Antas: Another variation, where 'D' is replaced with 'D' followed by an acute accent (d' or d') to represent the Portuguese "de," although this usage is less common.
4. De Lima da Costa Dantas: A variant that includes an additional surname, usually added when a person inherits their mother's family name as well.
5. De Limadantas: An incorrect spelling where the first name has been combined with the second surname.
6. Delimadantas Delima: Incorrect spelling with a reversal of the given and family names.
7. Da Costa De Lima Dantas: Another variant that includes an additional surname at the beginning, which may indicate a change in the region where the individual resides or was born.
It is important to note that the correct spelling of a name can depend on factors such as personal preference and regional variations in Portuguese orthography.
Famous people with the last name De-lima-dantas
The de Limas Dantas family is prominent in Brazilian history and society, known for their contributions across various fields. Carlos Lacerda de Lima Dantas was a politician who served as Governor of Rio de Janeiro state from 1947 to 1951. He is remembered for his modernization efforts during his tenure. In the literary world, Jorge de Lima Dantas is noteworthy. A Brazilian writer and diplomat, he was a prominent figure in the Modernist movement of the early 20th century. His works are considered essential reading for understanding Brazil's cultural development during that period. Lastly, Maria Helena de Freitas Braga de Lima Dantas, also known as Márcia, is a renowned Brazilian actress and television presenter. She has won several awards in her career spanning over four decades, making significant contributions to Brazilian entertainment.
Genealogical research on the last name De-lima-dantas
The surname De Lima Dantas originates from Portugal and is composed of two distinct elements: "De Lima" and "Dantas."
The Portuguese surname "De Lima" derives from the Latin word "lima," meaning 'lime,' which was a common occupation name for those who worked with lime. The prefix "de" indicates nobility or lineage.
On the other hand, the surname "Dantas" is of Moorish origin and signifies "son of Daniel." The name Daniel is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'God is my judge.' In Portugal, it was adopted by converts from Judaism during the Christian Reconquista.
Combined, the surname De Lima Dantas reflects a Portuguese family with possible Moorish or Jewish ancestry who may have worked with lime or were of noble descent, as suggested by the "de" prefix. The name has been documented in Portugal since the Middle Ages and can be found today in Brazil, where many Portuguese immigrants settled during the colonization era.
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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