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Last Name Ferreira-da-costa

What is the origin of the last name Ferreira-da-costa?

The surname Ferreira da Costa has Portuguese origins. The name "Ferreira" comes from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker, derived from the word "ferreiro" in Portuguese. The addition of "da Costa" is a toponymic surname indicating that the original bearer lived near a place where costas (coastal lands) were found, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone who lived by the sea or was associated with fishing. In Portugal, the name Ferreira da Costa can be found in regions such as Minho and Trás-os-Montes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ferreira-da-costa

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferreira-da-costa

The surname Ferreira da Costa is of Portuguese origin, derived from two distinct elements: Ferreira, which means "blacksmith" or "ironworker," and da Costa, meaning "of the coast." The combination suggests that an individual with this surname may have originated from a coastal region where there was a prominent blacksmith. Over time, the name has been adopted by people of various ethnicities due to historical events such as colonization, migration, and intermarriage. In Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal itself, it remains a common surname among those with ancestry from the Iberian Peninsula.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferreira-da-costa

The surname Ferreira-da-Costa is primarily concentrated in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, due to its Portuguese origin. In Portugal, it's most commonly found in the northern regions such as Minho, Douro, and Trás-os-Montes, where the name Ferreira is prevalent, possibly indicating a common ancestry. The da Costa part of the surname suggests nobility or relation to the coastal areas, given that "da Costa" means "of the coast" in Portuguese. In Brazil, Ferreira-da-Costa is widely distributed across various states, reflecting the migration patterns of Portuguese settlers during the colonization era. Smaller populations can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, as a result of historical connections with Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferreira-da-costa

The surname Ferreira da Costa exhibits various spelling and pronunciation variations, primarily due to differences in regional dialects and historical transcription practices. Some common variants include Ferreira de Costa, FerreiradaCosta, Ferreyra da Costa, Ferreria da Costa, and Ferreiradacosta. The name is composed of two Portuguese elements: "Ferreira," derived from the occupational name for a blacksmith (ferreiro), and "da Costa," which translates to 'of the coast,' possibly indicating an origin from a coastal region or a family with coastal property. In English, these names can also be found as Ferreira of the Coast, Ferreiracosta, Ferreyracosta, and similar variations. These variants may have evolved over time due to factors such as dialectal differences, transcription errors, and cultural assimilation.

Famous people with the last name Ferreira-da-costa

Notable individuals with the surname Ferreira-da-Costa include:

1. Jorge Ferreira da Silva Ferreira-da-Costa (born 1943), also known as Bonga, a renowned Angolan musician and singer who is considered one of the founding fathers of Semba music.

2. José Eduardo dos Santos Ferreira da Silva Ferreira-da-Costa (born 1942), a prominent Angolan politician who served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2017.

3. Raquel Ferreira-da-Silva, a Portuguese actress and model, best known for her role in the soap opera "Morangos com Açúcar."

4. Pedro Alexandre da Silva Ferreira-da-Costa (born 1985), a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Sporting Clube de Portugal and the Angola national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, including music, politics, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferreira-da-costa

The surname Ferreira-da-Costa originates from Portugal and is composed of two distinct elements: Ferreira, meaning "blacksmith" or "ironworker," and da Costa, indicating a person from a region with abundant schist rock formations. The name Ferreira itself has roots in the medieval Iberian occupation, while da Costa emerged during the Age of Discoveries (15th to 16th centuries) as explorers and colonizers adopted surnames to differentiate themselves. The combined name Ferreira-da-Costa likely arose during this period or in its aftermath, as Portuguese settlers migrated to various regions, including Africa, South America, and Asia. Notable figures with this surname include Portuguese writer António Ferreira da Costa (1874-1926) and the Angolan politician José Eduardo dos Santos Ferreira da Costa (born 1942).

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 : 31 July 2025

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