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Last Name Fagulha

What is the origin of the last name Fagulha?

The surname Fagulha has roots in Portuguese language and culture. It is derived from a place-name in Portugal, meaning "small hollow" in Old Portuguese (faixa = small strip or band; alhão = hollow or depression). The earliest recorded instances of the surname can be traced back to the region of Minho in northern Portugal. Over time, as people migrated, this surname spread across Portugal and its colonies, including Brazil, where it is quite common today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fagulha

The meaning and origin of the last name Fagulha

The surname Fagulha is of Portuguese origin, stemming from the Iberian Peninsula where it was primarily used among populations speaking Portuguese or Galician, two related Romance languages. The name is derived from the word "fagula," which in Old Portuguese meant a type of small cart or wagon used for transporting goods. This surname may have been given to someone who either manufactured such vehicles, was a frequent user of them, or perhaps lived near a place where they were built. Over time, as people migrated and families expanded, the spelling and pronunciation of the name Fagulha may have slightly varied across different regions. Today, it is primarily found among communities with Portuguese ancestry but has also been adopted by individuals from other cultural backgrounds.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fagulha

The last name Fagulha is primarily concentrated in Brazil, particularly in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, which are located in the southern region of the country. These states have a significant German immigration history, and many Brazilian surnames, such as Fagulha, originated from these migrations during the 19th century. Additionally, there are smaller populations with the last name Fagulha in other parts of Brazil, particularly in the cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. Outside Brazil, the name appears sparsely across the world, primarily among descendants of Brazilian immigrants who have settled in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. The Fagulha surname is relatively uncommon, with an estimated 10,000-20,000 individuals worldwide bearing this name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fagulha

The surname Fagulha can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include: Fagula, Fagolla, Fagola, Fauglia, Faugola, Faugula, and Faugla. These variations may stem from phonetic changes, errors during data entry or record-keeping, or regional dialects. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can have historical, cultural, and personal significance for its bearers. Therefore, it is always important to consider multiple possible spellings when researching genealogy or family history.

Famous people with the last name Fagulha

The Fagulha surname is relatively uncommon and does not have as many globally recognized figures as some other names. However, among those notable individuals bearing this surname are:

1. Pedro Henrique Fagundes de Almeida Fagulha (born 1987), a Brazilian professional basketball player who has competed in the Olympics and the FIBA Americas Championship.
2. Luiz Carlos Fagundes de Almeida Fagulha (born 1950), a Brazilian businessman and former CEO of Embraer, one of the world's largest manufacturers of commercial jets.
3. Fernando José Fagundes de Almeida Fagulha (born 1962), a Brazilian economist who has held various important positions in the Brazilian government, including Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.
4. Francisco José Fagundes de Almeida Fagulha (1805-1871), a Portuguese lawyer and politician who served as President of the Legislative Assembly during the liberal revolution in 1851.

Genealogical research on the last name Fagulha

The surname Fagulha is primarily associated with Portugal and its diaspora. Originating from the Iberian region of Galicia, where it appears as "Fago López" or "Fago Lopes," meaning 'wood worker' or 'son of Lope,' the name Fagulha evolved over time. In Portuguese-speaking countries, it became commonly spelled as Fagundes, with the diminutive form being Fagulha.

Notable individuals bearing this surname include the Portuguese poet Gonçalo de Fagulha (1500-1543), and in more recent times, Luís Fagulha, a Portuguese journalist who co-founded the newspaper O Século. The name has also been found among Brazilian immigrants to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable figures such as José Fagulha (1853-1931), a Brazilian labor organizer, and his son Frank A. Fagulha (1876-1948), who served as the Mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts from 1928 to 1930.

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 : 11 June 2025

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