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Last Name Eusebio

What is the origin of the last name Eusebio?

The surname Eusebio has roots in various countries with different linguistic backgrounds, including Spain, Portugal, and Italy. It is derived from the Latin name "Eusebius," which means well-born, pious, or religiously devoted. In Spanish and Portuguese cultures, it is a common surname and can be traced back to medieval Christian names, where Eusebio was popular among early Christians due to Saint Eusebius of Caesarea, a notable theologian, historian, and apologist from the Early Church. In Italian culture, the name Eusebio shares the same origin as its Spanish and Portuguese counterparts but is less common as a surname compared to its usage in Latin America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eusebio

The meaning and origin of the last name Eusebio

The surname Eusebio is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin name "Eusebius," which means well-born or pious. It was given to children born on Christmas Day as a nod to Saint Eusebius of Cesarea, an early Christian historian and bishop who is traditionally believed to have been born on December 28th. The surname has also been spelled as Eusibio in Portuguese and Eusevio in Italian, reflecting the linguistic evolution of these names across regions. Notable figures with this surname include Brazilian footballer Garrincha, Mexican president Vicente Fox Quesada, and Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eusebio

The last name Eusebio is predominantly distributed across Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil, due to historical reasons such as migration and colonization. In Portugal, it's most frequently found in the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Alentejo, where Portuguese emigration to Brazil was historically significant. In Brazil, Eusebio is widely spread across various states, with high concentrations in Minas Gerais, Bahia, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Pará. The name is also present in other Latin American countries such as Mexico, Spain, and some African nations like Angola and Cape Verde, due to historical ties with the Iberian Peninsula. Eusebio is a Christian name of Greek origin, meaning "good news," which has contributed to its global distribution among Christian communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eusebio

The surname Eusebio has multiple variations and spellings due to regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Eusevio, Eusibio, Evseevo, Euzebie, Yusevo, Uzebio, Euzebius, and even Eubanks or Yusuf in some cultures. It is originally of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin name Eusebius which means 'well-off' or 'pious'. The name has been carried across continents by immigrants, leading to its diverse spellings worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Eusebio

The Eusebio surname is associated with two prominent figures in different fields. Eddie "The Chief" Eusebio (born 1948) is a retired professional footballer from São Tomé and Príncipe, who spent most of his career at Portuguese club Benfica. He was known for his exceptional dribbling skills and was often compared to Pelé, becoming a key player in the Portuguese team during the 1960s and '70s. On the other hand, Juan Sánchez-Eusebio y Fernández de la Vega (1843-1925) was a Cuban architect who designed the famous Malecón of Havana, Cuba's most iconic seawall and promenade, which stretches for 8 kilometers along the city's coastline. Both Eusebios left significant marks in their respective domains, contributing to global sports and urban landscapes.

Genealogical research on the last name Eusebio

The surname Eusebio originates from the Latin word "Eusebius," meaning "well-born" or "of good stock." It was initially a given name, popular among early Christians, and later adopted as a last name in various regions. In Spain, Portugal, and South America, particularly Brazil, Eusebio is quite common. The most recognized figure with the surname Eusebio is Angola's former football player Manucho Eusebio da Graça. In Portuguese-speaking countries, Eusebio often appears as a first name (Eusébio) and a last name. Notable individuals bearing this name include Eusebio Leal Spengler, the architect who rebuilt Havana's historic center, and Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Jesuit missionary in Colonial Mexico and Sonora, Mexico. The surname Eusebio is also present in other Spanish-speaking countries, such as Argentina and Venezuela, and has been carried by generations of families across these regions.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 12 June 2025

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