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Last Name Ferreira-de-araujo

What is the origin of the last name Ferreira-de-araujo?

The surname Ferreira-de-Araújo is of Portuguese origin. The name Ferreira is a common Portuguese patronymic surname derived from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker (ferreiro in Portuguese). The addition "-de" indicates noble status, and Araújo is a topographic name indicating that the original bearer lived near an oak tree or grove (árvore in Portuguese), or it could be a habitational name from any of several places named Araújo, such as Araújo e Vale de Alhos in the district of Braga.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ferreira-de-araujo

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferreira-de-araujo

The surname Ferreira-de-Araújo is a Portuguese composite name derived from two separate elements: Ferreira and de Araújo.

The name Ferreira originates from the occupational or geographical name for someone who worked as a blacksmith (ferreiro in Portuguese) or lived near a ferreira, a place where iron was smelted. The surname Ferreira is also common in Spain and its Spanish-speaking territories.

The suffix de indicates a noble lineage or connection to a specific place, while Araújo is a toponymic name derived from the town of Arouca in Portugal. Over time, these two components were combined to form the surname Ferreira-de-Araújo, representing a fusion of occupational and geographical origins.

As Portuguese explorers and colonizers ventured across Africa, Asia, and South America during the Age of Discoveries (15th to 18th centuries), many Portuguese families took their surnames with them, and Ferreira-de-Araújo can now be found among the Brazilian population, particularly in regions settled by Portuguese colonists.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferreira-de-araujo

The surname Ferreira-de-Araújo has its roots in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is primarily concentrated in the northern regions, particularly in Minho, Douro, and Trás-os-Montes, due to the historical migration of families from these areas. In Brazil, the name is most prevalent in the states of Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, reflecting the Portuguese influence during the colonial period when many immigrants settled in these regions. The name Ferreira-de-Araújo also occurs in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola and Mozambique, as a result of migration from Portugal and Brazil. Overall, this surname demonstrates a strong connection to the Iberian Peninsula and Brazil, with smaller dispersals in other Portuguese-speaking nations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferreira-de-araujo

The surname Ferreira-de-Araújo has several variations and spelling alternatives due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include: Ferreira de Araujo, Ferreira da Araujo, Ferreira De Araujo, Ferreira de Araujo, Ferreira Da Araujo, Ferreira-d'Araujo, and Ferreira Araujo. These variations may occur due to differences in capitalization, the inclusion or omission of diacritical marks such as the tilde (~) over the 'i', or the use of hyphens. In Portuguese, the name is pronounced [fẽˈʁejɾɐ dʒɛ ɐˈɾawжу], and it translates to "Ferreira of Araújo". The name Ferreira refers to a blacksmith, while Araújo is a common surname derived from the place name Arouca.

Famous people with the last name Ferreira-de-araujo

Notable individuals sharing the surname Ferreira-de-Araújo include:

1. Ana Paula Ferreira de Araújo, a Brazilian actress who is best known for her roles in telenovelas such as "Malhação" and "Terra Nossa."
2. Carlos Alberto Ferreira de Araújo, a former Brazilian diplomat who served as the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau from 2014 to 2019.
3. Júlio César Ferreira de Araújo, a Brazilian footballer who played professionally as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Flamengo and Atlético Mineiro.
4. João Ferreira de Araújo, a Portuguese mathematician, engineer, and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1836 to 1837 during the Monarchy Restoration period.
5. Luís Carlos Ferreira de Araújo, a Brazilian retired footballer who played as a central defender for teams such as Cruzeiro and São Paulo. He won the FIFA World Cup with the Brazil national team in 2002.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferreira-de-araujo

The Ferreira-de-Araújo surname is of Portuguese origin, with roots traced back to the medieval period. The name Ferreira is derived from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker, while de Araújo indicates a nobleman from Araújo, a place in Portugal.

The Ferreira family's history can be traced back to the region of Minho, in northern Portugal. Over time, various branches of the Ferreira family emerged, with some migrating to other regions of Portugal and abroad. One prominent branch, the Araújos, are believed to have originated from the town of Araújo in the district of Viseu, in central Portugal.

Throughout history, members of the Ferreira-de-Araújo family have made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, military, arts, and sciences. Notable figures include Antonio de Araújo e Azevedo, a 16th-century Portuguese explorer, and Joaquim António de Aguiar Ferreira de Araújo, a Brazilian politician who served as the President of the Province of São Paulo in the late 19th century.

Today, the Ferreira-de-Araújo surname can be found among Portuguese and Brazilian descendants worldwide, reflecting the global diaspora of this esteemed lineage.

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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