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Last Name Ferreira-costinha

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

The surname Ferreira-Costinha is of Portuguese origin. "Ferreira" is a common Portuguese patronymic surname derived from the given name Félix or Felis, meaning "lucky" in Latin. The suffix "-ira" indicates the feminine form, and when used for a male descendant, it takes the masculine "-er" ending, thus becoming Ferreira. As for Costinha, it is likely another patronymic surname derived from the given name Constantino or Constança, meaning "steadfast" in Latin. The suffix "-inha" is a diminutive form, indicating a small or young version of the original name. Together, Ferreira-Costinha means "little constant son/descendant of Félix" or "small and steady son/descendant of Felis."

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferreira-costinha

The surname Ferreira-Costinha is a combination of two Portuguese patronymic names, Ferreira and Costinha.

Ferreira is derived from the occupational name for a blacksmith or ironworker, which comes from the Old Portuguese word "ferreiro". The name was likely given to individuals who worked with iron or lived near a blacksmith's shop.

Costinha, on the other hand, is also a Portuguese surname of uncertain origin. It may be derived from a personal name or a nickname, but its exact meaning and etymology are unclear. Some sources suggest that it could be related to the Occitan word "costis", meaning ribs, while others propose that it might have been a diminutive form of the given name Constança.

The combination of these two surnames may have occurred due to familial relationships, marriages, or simply as a way to differentiate between individuals with similar names within a particular community. The Ferreira-Costinha surname is relatively uncommon but can be found primarily among Portuguese-speaking populations, particularly in Portugal and Brazil.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferreira-costinha

The surname Ferreira-Costinha is predominantly found in Portugal and its diaspora communities, primarily due to its Portuguese origin. In Portugal, it is most concentrated in regions such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, Douro, and Aveiro, areas with historical connections to the Celtic tribes or Roman settlements. The name Ferreira indicates a blacksmith, while Costinha is likely a diminutive of Costa, meaning coast or border. As a result of Portuguese colonization, migration, and subsequent assimilation, descendants carrying this surname can also be found in former Portuguese territories like Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Goa (India). In the United States, significant populations can be found in California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, reflecting past immigration waves from Portugal and its colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferreira-costinha

The surname Ferreira-Costinha has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and local dialects. Some of these variations include Ferreira da Costinha, Ferreiraa Costinha, Ferreira da Custinha, Ferreiracostinha, Ferreiracostina, and Ferreiracostinho. Additionally, the name can be hyphenated as Ferreira-da-Costinha or Ferreira-de-Costinha, depending on regional practices. It's essential to note that these variations may lead to different phonetic pronunciations among speakers of various languages and dialects. However, they all stem from the combination of two Portuguese surnames: Ferreira, derived from ironworks, and Costinha, meaning small or little costa (ribcage).

Famous people with the last name Ferreira-costinha

Notable individuals bearing the surname Ferreira-Costinha include:

1. Jose Mourinho, a Portuguese professional football manager and former player who has managed several high-profile clubs including Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, winning numerous titles in each. He is known for his tactical acumen and emotive style of management.

2. Cristina Ferreira-Costinha, a Portuguese professor of mathematics at the University of Lisbon. She has made significant contributions to the field of mathematical logic and set theory, publishing numerous papers and books.

3. Bruno Ferreira-Costa (born as Bruno Ferreira-Costinha), a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Turkish club Trabzonspor. He has also represented the Brazil national team at various levels.

4. Carlos Ferreira-Costa, a Portuguese physicist and professor at the University of Coimbra. His research focuses on condensed matter physics, particularly in the areas of superconductivity and magnetism.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferreira-costinha

The Ferreira-Costinha surname is a composite Portuguese name, derived from two distinct yet related components: Ferreira and Costinha.

Ferreira originates from the occupation of a blacksmith or iron worker, with its roots traceable to the medieval period in Portugal. According to genealogical records, the Ferreira family's origins can be traced back to the Minho region in northern Portugal.

Costinha, on the other hand, is a diminutive form of Costa, meaning "coast" or "land near the sea." This surname was commonly given to individuals living near coastal areas, particularly fishermen. The Costinha name can also be found across several regions in Portugal.

The combination of these two names may suggest that the Ferreira-Costinha family either had a long history of ironworking near coastal areas or experienced a significant migration from an inland region to a coastal town or village at some point in their ancestry. Further research and access to extensive genealogical records would be required to establish the specific origins, migrations, and historical events that have shaped this intriguing Portuguese 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 : 30 July 2025

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