The surname De-Souza is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the region of Portugal known as Goa (previously a Portuguese colony) or the state of Maharashtra in India. The name often indicates individuals of mixed Portuguese and Indian ancestry, with the "De" being a prefix indicating "of" or "from", and "Souza" being a common Portuguese surname derived from the place names São Vicente (St. Vincent) or Souza, which is located in northern Portugal. It's important to note that surnames can have various origins depending on specific family histories.
The surname De-Souza is a Portuguese variation originating from the Southern Iberian region, primarily associated with Portugal and Brazil. Historically, it was often used by people who were connected to the Souza family or their lands. The name Souza is derived from the Latin "saxum," meaning stone or rock, reflecting the original inhabitants of this area, which was characterized by rugged terrain. Over time, many members of the Souza family migrated to other regions, carrying their name with them. The prefix "de" in De-Souza is a common Portuguese indication of nobility or lineage, meaning "of." Thus, De-Souza translates roughly to "of the Souzas," signifying an individual's connection to the Souza family or their ancestral lands.
The last name De-Souza is predominantly found in South Asia, particularly in India and Sri Lanka, where it originates from the Goan region. A significant number of individuals with this surname can also be traced to Brazil, due to historical Portuguese influence and migration. Additionally, there are communities of De-Souzas in East Africa, specifically Kenya and Tanzania, as a result of Indian indentured laborers who were brought there during the colonial era. Smaller populations reside in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, primarily due to immigration over the last century.
The surname De-Souza has multiple variations and spellings. It originates from India, specifically the state of Goa, where it is often spelled as Desousa or D'Souza, with the 'D' being preceded by an apostrophe to indicate a possessive noun in Portuguese, reflecting the region's colonial history. Other spellings include De Souza and DeSouza, with or without an apostrophe. Over time, some individuals may also have Anglicized the name to Souza, De Souzaa, DeSouzah, DeSuza, Dezouza, or other variants due to assimilation or misinterpretation of the original spelling. It's important to note that there is no definitive "correct" spelling, as it often depends on individual preference or regional dialect.
The De Souza surname has been associated with notable individuals across various fields. Mira Nair, an Indian-American film director, is well-known for her movies such as "Monsoon Wedding" and "The Namesake." In the world of science, V. S. Ramachandran, a cognitive neuroscientist, is renowned for his work on phantom limb syndrome and visual illusions. Furthermore, in the realm of sports, Brazilian footballer Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar Jr., is one of the most famous soccer players globally. Lastly, Lakshmi Puri, a diplomat from India, has served as the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Chief of Staff in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs. These individuals reflect the diversity and accomplishments associated with the De Souza surname.
The surname De-Souza originates from Portugal and is predominantly found among the Goan population of India. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name "Sousa," which means "boar" or "wild pig" in Portuguese. The De-Souzas are believed to have migrated to India during the Portuguese colonial rule, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries, settling primarily in Goa. Over time, various branches of the De-Souza family established themselves across the Indian subcontinent. Notable members of the De-Souza family include Simon de Souza, a military officer and one of the founders of Madras (now Chennai); and Lt. General Arthur Richard de Souza, a decorated Indian Army officer. The De-Souzas are predominantly Roman Catholic and share cultural influences with their Portuguese ancestors. The name is also found in Brazil, where it has Latin American roots.
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