The surname Favela is of Portuguese origin and is associated with a specific geographical location. The term "favela" originally referred to a type of Brazilian shantytown, which emerged in Rio de Janeiro in the late 19th century. These settlements were built by African slaves and their descendants on the outskirts of the city, often on lands considered unsuitable for agriculture or development. Over time, the name Favela came to be used as a surname among some Brazilian families who originated from these communities.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Favela
The surname Favela is predominantly associated with Brazil and has Portuguese origins. It derives from the word "favela," which refers to a type of urban settlement that emerged in Rio de Janeiro during the early 20th century. These communities were initially created by African immigrants as informal, self-built housing solutions due to economic and racial discrimination. Over time, the term "favela" evolved to denote such settlements across Brazil. As a surname, Favela may have been adopted by individuals from these neighborhoods or could have been given to descendants of residents as a way to identify their origins. It's important to note that the use of the name Favela as a surname doesn't necessarily indicate any negative connotations, but rather serves as a testament to the rich history and resilience of the communities from which it originates.
Geographical distribution of the last name Favela
The surname Favela has its roots in Brazil and is primarily distributed within the country. It originates from the Portuguese word "favela," which refers to a slum or shanty town, particularly those found in Rio de Janeiro. Due to historical migration patterns, a significant number of people with the last name Favela can be found predominantly in states like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where these settlements were initially established. However, as Brazilian immigrants have dispersed globally, the surname Favela has also appeared in other countries such as the United States, Portugal, and Japan, reflecting the diaspora of Brazilians over time.
Variants and spellings of the last name Favela
The surname Favela has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and local pronunciation, primarily within Portuguese-speaking countries. Some common variations include Favela, Fávela, Falvella, Favella, Favelle, and Fauvela. These variations are mainly due to the interchangeability of vowels and consonants in Portuguese. However, the most commonly used spelling in English, based on the Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation, is Favela. This surname is notable as it is associated with favelas, which are informal settlements in Brazil that originated as self-constructed tenements occupied by impoverished migrants from rural areas and Northeastern Brazil.
Famous people with the last name Favela
The Favela surname is relatively uncommon among well-known individuals worldwide. However, there are a few notable figures who share this last name, primarily from Brazil due to its Portuguese origins. One such person is Rafael Favela, a renowned Brazilian photographer known for his documentary work and his book "Os Serranos", which explores the life of people living in the mountains surrounding Rio de Janeiro. Another figure is Ana Paula Favela, a Brazilian politician who served as the Federal Deputy of Acre from 2015 to 2019. While less famous, Luciano Favela is an accomplished Brazilian musician, singer, and songwriter who has gained recognition for his contributions to samba music.
Genealogical research on the last name Favela
The surname Favela originates from Portugal and is a toponymic name derived from the place-name "Favelas," which referred to small rural hamlets or settlements in various regions of the country, particularly in the Algarve and Minho provinces. The first known records of this name date back to the 15th century, with early bearers including Gonçalo Pires de Favela (c. 1430) and Diogo Gomes de Favelas (c. 1470). The name migrated extensively from Portugal during the age of exploration, being carried by settlers to Brazil, Angola, and other Portuguese colonies in South America, where it remains a common surname. In Brazil, some notable figures with the surname Favela include musician Jorge Favela (1937-2004) and football player Bruno Favela (born 1984).
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