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Last Name Ferreira-azevedo

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

The surname Ferreira-Azevedo is of Portuguese origin. "Ferreira" is a common Portuguese patronymic surname derived from the occupational name for a blacksmith, from Old Portuguese "ferreiro," meaning "blacksmith." "Azevedo" is another Portuguese surname that originally referred to someone who lived near or belonged to an alves, a type of enclosure or clearing in the forest. The compound surname Ferreira-Azevedo results from combining these two surnames, indicating that the individual likely had both family connections and residences associated with blacksmithing and an alves.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferreira-azevedo

The surname Ferreira-Azevedo is a Portuguese composite name, formed by combining two distinct names: Ferreira and Azevedo. The component "Ferreira" derives from the occupation of a blacksmith or iron worker, as it originates from the Latin word "ferrum," meaning iron. This surname was common among individuals who worked with iron in medieval Iberia. On the other hand, "Azevedo" is an occupational name for someone who cultivated and managed vineyards, derived from the Latin "vitis," meaning vine. Both Ferreira and Azevedo have been found in Portugal since at least the Middle Ages, with the former appearing as early as the 12th century. The combination of these two surnames suggests a family history rooted in both ironworking and viticulture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferreira-azevedo

The surname Ferreira-Azevedo is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking regions, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it originates from the Azevedo clan, which hails from the Minho region, specifically in the district of Braga and Vila Real. In Brazil, it's one of the most common surnames in the northeastern states like Bahia, Pernambuco, and Alagoas, where Portuguese settlers initially concentrated during the colonization period. The name Ferreira-Azevedo is also present in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, due to historical migrations. It's worth noting that variations in spelling can be found, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and transcription practices.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferreira-azevedo

The surname Ferreira-Azevedo has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical changes. Some common variations include:

1. Ferreira Azevedo
2. Ferreira-Azevedo
3. Ferreiraaezedo
4. Ferreira Azeido
5. Ferreira Aziedo
6. Ferreira de Azevedo
7. Azevedo Ferreira
8. Ferreira dos Azevedos
9. Ferreiraaazevedo
10. Ferreiras Azevedo
11. Ferreira Azevedo Jr. (when referring to a junior family member)

These variations may arise from factors such as different orthographic norms, phonetic transcription errors, or family members adopting slightly modified versions of their surnames. Despite these differences, they all share the common root of Ferreira and Azevedo, which are both Portuguese surnames.

Famous people with the last name Ferreira-azevedo

Ferreira-Azevedo is a Portuguese surname that has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent figures is Isabel Ferreira Azevedo, a Brazilian physician and academic who was the first woman to graduate in medicine from the Federal University of Minas Gerais in 1938. In Portugal, José Pedro Ferreira Azevedo, also known as Zé Pedro, is a renowned journalist and television presenter, best recognized for his work on RTP's news program "Jornal da Tarde." Lastly, there's António Ferreira dos Santos Ferreira-Azevedo, better known as Antonio Lobo Antunes, a Portuguese writer who won the Camões Prize in 1996 for his work in literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferreira-azevedo

The surname Ferreira-Azevedo originates from Portugal, where it is composed of two distinct Portuguese patronymic surnames: Ferreira and Azevedo. The root surname "Ferreira" derives from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker, as "ferreiro" means "blacksmith" in Portuguese. On the other hand, "Azevedo" is an occupational name that refers to someone who was a caretaker of an aviary (a place where birds are kept), as "azeleira" means "orchard" or "aviary". The combined surname Ferreira-Azevedo likely emerged when two individuals with these surnames were connected through marriage, creating a unique family lineage. The surname has since been carried by descendants and migrated to various regions, including Brazil, due to historical Portuguese colonization efforts.

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 : 30 July 2025

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