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Last Name Ferreira-anzen

What is the origin of the last name Ferreira-anzen?

The surname Ferreira-Anzen is a combination of two distinct Portuguese and German surnames. The Portuguese surname "Ferreira" originally referred to someone who was an ironworker or smith, derived from the word "ferreiro", meaning "iron smith" in Portuguese. This name became common during the Middle Ages when many people took occupational names as a form of identification. On the other hand, the surname "Anzen" is of German origin and it is associated with different meanings depending on its regional variant, some possible interpretations being "from Anzbach", "one who lives near the ash tree", or "from the place where eagles live". Like many German names, it likely originated from a specific place name. The combination of these two surnames could indicate that at some point in history, an individual with Portuguese origins adopted a German surname, possibly due to marriage or migration, resulting in the formation of the double-barrelled surname Ferreira-Anzen. However, it's important to note that specific details about the origin and history of each individual bearing this name may vary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ferreira-anzen

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferreira-anzen

The surname Ferreira-Anzen is a composite Portuguese and German name. The Portuguese part, "Ferreira", is derived from the occupation of a blacksmith (ferreiro) or someone who lived near a blacksmith's forge. This surname was commonly found in regions of Portugal such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Beira Alta. The German part, "Anzen", likely originates from the geographical name Anzén or a similar variation, which was originally a place name in Germany. The combination of these two surnames suggests a possible historical intermarriage between individuals of Portuguese and German descent. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation may have been altered due to various factors such as language assimilation, immigration, and record-keeping changes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferreira-anzen

The surname Ferreira-Anzen is primarily of Portuguese and German origin, reflecting its composite nature. In Portugal, the surname Ferreira is among the most common, particularly in regions such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Beira Alta, due to historical migration patterns. The addition of Anzen suggests a possible German influence, and while it's less common in Germany itself, variations like Anzen or Anzenberger are found in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria regions. In terms of diaspora, Portuguese immigrants bearing the name Ferreira can be found across South America, particularly in Brazil, where it ranks among the top 100 surnames. The hyphenated form Ferreira-Anzen may also be present among individuals of mixed Portuguese-German heritage, particularly in countries with a significant presence of both populations such as Canada and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferreira-anzen

The surname Ferreira-Anzen has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Here are some common variations:

1. Ferreira-Ansen - This variation replaces the 'a' in Anzen with an 'e' or 'æ'.
2. Ferreira-Anssen - Another alternative spelling for Anzen, this one using two 's' instead of one.
3. Ferreira-Ansson - A less common variant that uses 'sson' instead of 'sen' or 'son'.
4. Ferreira Anzen - This variation drops the hyphen, which may occur in some informal settings.
5. De Ferreira-Anzen - In some cultures and languages, it is customary to use a title such as "de" before the surname.
6. Ferreira Anazen - A possible typographical error or misspelling of the original name.
7. Van Ferreira Anzen - In cases where a family has adopted a Dutch-style surname, it may appear as "van" followed by the surname.

Famous people with the last name Ferreira-anzen

The Ferreira-Anzens are a notable family with multiple members making significant contributions across various fields. One prominent figure is Isabel Ferreira-Anzizu, a renowned British neuroscientist and professor at University College London. Her research focuses on the neural basis of language and cognitive development. In music, Mariza, born Maria da Graça Ferreira-Anzes, is a celebrated Portuguese fado singer who has gained international acclaim for her emotive performances. Lastly, in sports, José Ferreira-Anzures is a Mexican former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Cruz Azul and Atlético Madrid. He represented Mexico in multiple World Cups and won the CONCACAF Gold Cup twice. These individuals highlight the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Ferreira-Anzen family.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferreira-anzen

The surname Ferreira-Anzen is believed to have origins in Portugal and Brazil. The name Ferreira originates from the occupation of a blacksmith or iron worker, derived from the word "ferreiro" in Portuguese. The surname Anzen is thought to be of German origin, meaning "from the ash tree field."

The combination of these two names likely occurred through intermarriage between families of Portuguese and German descent, possibly during Brazil's colonization by Portugal or subsequent migration from Portugal to Brazil. The Ferreira family has a significant presence in various regions of Portugal, with concentrations in the north, such as Minho and Trás-os-Montes, and in the south, particularly in the Algarve region.

In Brazil, the Ferreira surname is common throughout the country due to Portuguese immigration. The combination of Ferreira-Anzen may be more specific to certain regions or cities with a larger German immigrant population, such as Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul states in southern Brazil. Further research would be necessary to trace the specific family lines and locations of the Ferreira-Anzen surname.

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 : 27 July 2025

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