Last Name Dos-Anjos

The surname Dos-Anjos is Portuguese in origin. It translates to "of the Angels" and it is composed of two parts: "Dos," meaning "of," and "Anjos," which means "angels." This surname may have been given to someone who was born near a place named Anjo, a town in Portugal, or to someone who was particularly associated with angels for some reason. As with many Portuguese surnames, it is possible that the original bearer of this name came from the region of Portugal called Alentejo, where the naming pattern of adding "de" or "do" before a place-name is common.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dos-Anjos

The meaning and origin of the last name Dos-Anjos

The surname Dos-Anjos is a Brazilian name, rooted in Portuguese language and culture. "Dos" is a prefix meaning "of," and "Anjos" translates to "angels." Therefore, the name Dos-Anjos can be interpreted as "of angels." This surname likely originated from a place named Anjo or from a family who held a significant connection with an individual or group called Anjos. The patronymic system of giving surnames based on an ancestor's occupation, physical attributes, or place of origin was not prevalent in Brazil until the 19th century. Instead, early Brazilians often adopted surnames like Dos-Anjos that represented religious affiliations or symbolized noble ideas, reflecting the predominantly Roman Catholic population and colonial past.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dos-Anjos

The last name Dos-Anjos is predominantly distributed across Brazil, particularly in the southeastern region. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states are the two most significant concentrations. This surname, which translates to "two angels" in Portuguese, has a historical association with the Jesuit missionaries who arrived in Brazil during the 16th century. The name's frequency is also noticeable among Brazilians of African descent due to its Afro-Brazilian origins. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the Dos-Anjos surname in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, reflecting the name's Portuguese roots. Furthermore, you may find individuals with this last name in other parts of the world where Brazilian or Portuguese immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dos-Anjos

The surname Dos-Anjos, of Portuguese origin, has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include:

1. dos Anjos - most commonly used, with a space between 'dos' and 'Anjos'.
2. dosAnjos - without a space between 'dos' and 'Anjos'.
3. Dos-Anjou - anglicized spelling, with 'j' instead of the Portuguese 'j' (zh).
4. Dosanjos - a phonetic transcription of the Portuguese pronunciation, though not common in English.
5. Do Sanjos - an alternative spelling with 'o' replaced by 'o' and a space added between 'Do' and 'Sanjos'.
6. DoSánjos - another variant where the 'o' is replaced with an accentuated 'ó' and no space separates the elements of the name.
7. Dossanjos - yet another phonetic transcription, this time using a double 's'.

The above variations represent common ways in which the surname Dos-Anjos might be spelled, but it is essential to note that each person may choose their preferred spelling and that the correct spelling is ultimately determined by the individual bearing the name.

Famous people with the last name Dos-Anjos

Rafael dos Anjos, a Brazilian mixed martial artist, is one of the most renowned individuals sharing the last name Dos-Anjos. Born on November 9, 1982, in Rio de Janeiro, he competes in the UFC's lightweight division. He held the UFC Lightweight Championship from March to December 2016 and has been a perennial top contender since his debut in 2012. Rafael's impressive fighting style earned him the nickname "Sapo" ("Frog" in Portuguese) due to his agility and adaptability inside the octagon. Another notable figure with the same surname is Patricia dos Anjos, a Brazilian model who gained international recognition for appearing in various fashion magazines and campaigns, including Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She was also crowned Miss Earth Brazil 2016, representing the state of Rio de Janeiro. Both Rafael and Patricia demonstrate outstanding success within their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Dos-Anjos

The surname Dos-Anjos is primarily found in Portugal and Brazil. Originating from Portugal, the name derives from the old Portuguese phrase "do santo anjo," meaning "of the holy angel." This indicates that the original bearer was perhaps born near a church or shrine dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of the Portuguese military, among others.

In Brazil, the surname Dos-Anjos is common, particularly in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Paraná. It is believed that many individuals with this name emigrated from Portugal to Brazil during the Portuguese colonization period, starting in the 16th century. Notable individuals with the surname Dos-Anjos include Pedro Dos Santos dos Anjos, a Brazilian poet and linguist, and Joaquim Dos Santos dos Anjos, a prominent Brazilian lawyer and politician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dos-Anjos"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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