Last Name Fernandinho

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fernandinho

The meaning and origin of the last name Fernandinho

The surname "Fernandes" or its diminutive form "Fernandinho," derived from the given name Fernando, has Portuguese origins. Originally, it was a personal name that emerged during the Middle Ages and was given to boys born on a Saint Ferdinand's day, as he was a popular Christian saint and hero from medieval legends. In Portugal, the name became widely adopted due to the historical presence of the Moors, who introduced many Arabic elements into the Iberian Peninsula, including names such as Fernando. As people migrated, they brought their surnames with them, spreading the usage of "Fernandes" and "Fernandinho" across Europe and eventually to other parts of the world. Over time, the name has undergone various spelling adaptations in different languages while still retaining its original meaning: "brave traveller."

Geographical distribution of the last name Fernandinho

The surname Fernandinho is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil, where it is a common variant of the traditional Portuguese name Fernando. In Brazil, the name is concentrated in the southeastern states such as São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro, which are urbanized and industrialized regions with large populations. The surname Fernandinho also appears in Portugal, though less frequently than in Brazil. Outside of these two countries, small numbers of individuals with the name can be found in other Portuguese-speaking communities, such as Mozambique, Angola, and Cape Verde, due to historical migration patterns from Brazil or Portugal. In summary, Fernandinho is primarily a Brazilian and Portuguese surname, with concentrations in southeastern Brazil and urban areas of Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fernandinho

The surname Fernandinho possesses several variants and spellings due to regional dialects and historical influences. Here are some common versions:

1. Fernandes - One of the most common Portuguese surnames, meaning "son of Fernando".
2. Fernandez - A Spanish variant of Fernandes, also derived from the name Fernando.
3. Fernandinho - A diminutive form of Fernandes or Fernandez, often used in Brazilian and Portuguese culture. It can mean "little Fernandes" or "little Fernandez".
4. Ferreira de Lima Fernandes - This is a compound surname common in Portugal and Brazil, where two or more family names are combined through the use of prepositions such as "de" (of) or "dos" (of the).
5. DeFernandez, De Fernandes, De Fernandinho - The addition of 'De' at the beginning of the surname is common in some Portuguese-speaking regions and represents a noble title meaning 'of the house'.
6. Fernande - A shortened or anglicized version, though less common.
7. Fernandez-Verdejo, Fernandes-Verdão - These compound surnames include a second surname that denotes a geographical location or occupation. For example, Verdejo (Green) or Verdão (Green) may indicate a family originated from a green area or owned a green field.
8. Fernandez-Valdes, Fernandes-Vaz - These compound surnames often indicate a family's ancestral home or occupation. For example, Valdes (Valley) or Vaz (Path) may denote a location where the family lived or an activity they were engaged in.

Famous people with the last name Fernandinho

Notable individuals with the surname Fernandinho are predominantly of Brazilian origin and have achieved significant success in their respective fields. One of the most recognized is Fernandinho Souza, a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester City in the English Premier League. He has also represented the Brazilian national team, earning numerous accolades throughout his career. Another renowned figure is Fernandinho Carvalho de Freitas, a Brazilian comedian and television presenter, best known for his work on Rede Globo's programs "Domingão do Faustão" and "Custe o Que Custar". Lastly, Fernandinho Firmino is a professional volleyball player who has competed at the international level, winning several awards and medals. His notable achievements include gold medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2014 World Championship.

Genealogical research on the last name Fernandinho

The surname Fernandinho is primarily of Portuguese origin, derived from the given name Fernando and diminutive suffix '-inho'. The name Fernando comes from the Visigothic 'Fernando', itself derived from the Germanic elements 'ferd' (journey) and 'nanth' (dwarf), implying 'little traveler'.

In Portugal, the name Fernandes was commonly given to males born to a father named Fernando or a mother named Maria Fernanda. Over time, in certain regions like the Algarve, Azores, and Madeira islands, the surname was often shortened or altered to Fernandinho due to regional dialects and phonetic variations.

The first recorded instance of the surname Fernandinho can be traced back to the 16th century in Portugal. As Portuguese explorers and immigrants spread throughout the world, the name Fernandinho became increasingly common in regions such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India), where Portuguese colonization occurred during that time period.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Fernandinho can be found across the globe, with significant populations in Portugal, Brazil, and other countries with a Portuguese influence.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fernandinho"
• 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 : 11 June 2025