Last Name Facerias

The surname "Facerias" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from a professional occupation related to the visual arts, specifically a master craftsman who specialized in carving and sculpting, known as a facinorista or facão-de-cortar (a type of stone cutter). The name can also be found in Galician, another closely related language spoken in northwestern Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Facerias

The meaning and origin of the last name Facerias

The surname Facerias is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. It is derived from the occupation of a "facero," meaning "maker" or "builder" in Spanish, indicating that an individual with this surname may have once been engaged in construction or craftsmanship. Over time, families bearing this name spread across the Iberian Peninsula and beyond, as migration due to economic, religious, and political reasons was common throughout history. The name Facerias has variants such as Facera, Facier, Faciera, among others, which reflect different regional pronunciation and spelling conventions. As with many surnames, the specific origin of each bearer may have unique variations or explanations based on individual family histories.

Geographical distribution of the last name Facerias

The surname Facerias is primarily distributed in Portugal and its territories, reflecting its origins from that country. A significant number of individuals with this last name can be found in the northwestern region of Porto, as well as in Lisbon, the capital city. The diaspora of Portuguese immigrants over the centuries has also led to the presence of Facerias families in other countries such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, former Portuguese colonies. Smaller communities of people with this surname can be found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, due to migration waves from Portugal during the 20th century. In Europe, there are also pockets of Facerias families in Spain and France, possibly representing historical links or migration patterns between neighboring countries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Facerias is centered in Portugal and its territories, with notable dispersals to Portuguese-speaking nations and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Facerias

The surname Facerias has several variations and spellings. These include Facereas, Faceria, Facerras, Faciras, and Faceras. It is a Portuguese surname that originates from the word "fáceira" which means a woman who makes or mends faces or masks. The name may also have origins in other regions, as it could be of Galician or Castilian descent due to its similarity with Spanish or Galician names such as Faciero, Facieros, and Faciario. Additionally, the surname may have different spellings based on regional dialects, phonetic variations, or historical changes in transcription. It is essential to consider these factors when researching family history or genealogy, as multiple spelling variations of a single name are common.

Famous people with the last name Facerias

Notable individuals with the surname Facerías include:

1. **Álvaro Facerías Sainz de Rozas** (born 1948), a Spanish lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs from 2008 to 2011 in the government of Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.

2. **Joaquim Facerías i Vila** (1932–1976), a Catalan painter known for his figurative and surrealistic works, particularly his series "The Circus."

3. **Rubén Facérias** (born 1985), a Spanish footballer who plays as a defender for CE Sabadell FC in the Spanish Segunda División.

4. **Francisco de Facerías y Llamosa** (1702–1763), a Spanish naval officer and explorer, best known for his expeditions to the Pacific Coast of North America during the 18th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Facerias

The surname Facerias is predominantly found in Portugal and Spanish-speaking regions, particularly Galicia, indicating its potential origin from these locations. The name may derive from the occupation of a face maker or a person who crafted masks, as "facia" in Portuguese means "face," and "facernir" in Old Spanish meant "to make."

The earliest known record of the Facerias family in Portugal dates back to the 16th century. Records show that João Facerias was a resident of Lisbon during this period. The family appears to have spread across several regions in Portugal, with branches found in Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Alentejo.

In Spain, there are records of the Facerias family in Galicia dating back to the 17th century. In Galician genealogies, Facerias is often connected to other occupational surnames such as Ferrero (blacksmith) or Dos Santos (of the saints), further suggesting a potential craft-oriented origin of the name.

Overall, while the exact origin of the Facerias surname remains unclear, it appears to be a name with roots in Portugal and Spain, possibly linked to a face-related occupation. Genealogical research continues to trace the various branches of this family across these two countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Facerias"
• 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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