Last Name Duarte

The surname Duarte is of Portuguese and Spanish origin. It derives from the given name "Duarte," which was borne by several notable figures in the history of both Portugal and Spain, including Duarte I (1391-1438), also known as Duarte the Conqueror, who was the King of Portugal from 1433 to 1438. The name "Duarte" means "dark" or "swarthy" in Old High German and Old Norse. It is believed that it was originally a nickname given to someone with dark hair or complexion, but it later became a hereditary surname in the Iberian Peninsula.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Duarte

The meaning and origin of the last name Duarte

The surname Duarte originates from Portugal, where it is derived from the male given name "Duarte," meaning "dark" or "dusky." It first appeared as a personal name during the High Middle Ages and became widely used after Duarte I (1391-1438), also known as Duarte of Portugal, the fourth King of Portugal from 1433 until his death in 1438. The popularity of the name grew significantly due to his rule, leading to an increase in its usage as a surname. Over time, the Duarte family became one of the most prominent and influential Portuguese noble families, with several notable members contributing to Portugal's history. The Duarte surname is now found across the world, particularly within Portuguese-speaking communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Duarte

The surname Duarte is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames, reflecting its deep historical roots. In Brazil, it is also quite prevalent due to the large number of Portuguese immigrants during the colonial period. Beyond these two countries, Duarte can be found in other Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide, such as Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India). Furthermore, the name has been carried by migrants to various parts of the world, leading to its presence in countries with significant Portuguese diasporas, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Duarte

The surname Duarte has several spelling variants due to transcribing and transliteration differences over time and across regions. Here are some common versions: 1. Duarte - This is the most common form, originating from Portugal and Spain. It is pronounced as /dwɐˈɾta(ʊ)/ in Portuguese or /du'ɑːrtə/ in Spanish. 2. Duarte (Anglicized) - When spelled this way, it is typically found among individuals of Portuguese or Spanish descent who have adopted the Anglicized form for easier pronunciation in English-speaking countries. 3. de Duarte - In Portugal and Spain, some families add "de" at the beginning of their surnames, making the name "de Duarte." The presence of "de" is not usually indicative of a particular nobility title, but rather a regional preference. 4. Da Duarte - Another variant found in Portuguese-speaking regions, where "da" is used instead of "de" at the beginning of the surname. Like "de Duarte," this is not typically indicative of a specific title. 5. Do Duarte - A less common variant also found in Portugal, using "do" instead of "de" or "da." 6. Duarté - In some regions, the name may be spelled with an acute accent over the final 'e,' as Duarté. This is to indicate a stress on the final syllable in pronunciation. 7. du Arte - An older, more archaic version of the surname that can still occasionally be found among Portuguese families. It literally means "of art" or "the artist," derived from the Old Occitan "d'Art."

Famous people with the last name Duarte

The Duarte family has produced several notable figures across various fields and regions. One of the most recognized is Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2019. He was instrumental in ending the country's civil war and shaping Angola's post-independence development. In Portugal, António de Oliveira Salazar, also known as Duarte Pacheco, served as Prime Minister for nearly five decades until 1968, presiding over a period of rapid economic growth but also political repression. Mariano Duarte, born in Brazil, was a key figure in the Brazilian independence movement and served as President from 1831 to 1835. In the realm of sports, Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, commonly known as Eusébio or "the Black Panther," was one of the greatest soccer players of all time, representing Portugal in three World Cups and scoring over 700 career goals. These individuals reflect the diverse achievements and impacts of those with the last name Duarte.

Genealogical research on the last name Duarte

The surname Duarte is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old French "d'Orau" and Latin "de orbe," both meaning "of the gold." It first emerged as a noble family name during the Middle Ages in the region of Porto and Northern Portugal. Notable members of this lineage include Pedro Duarte, who was appointed Governor of Ceuta by King John I of Portugal in 1394, and Jean de la Bouteille, better known as João de Santarém or Juan de la Barriga, a legendary figure who led the conquest of the Canary Islands for Castile in the late 15th century. In addition, the Duarte family also produced several kings of Portugal, including King Duarte I and his son King Afonso V. The name has since spread globally due to Portuguese colonialism and migration, with variations such as Duarte, de Almeida e Duarte, and Duartes being found in various countries today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Duarte"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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