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Last Name Ferreira-dos-santos

What is the origin of the last name Ferreira-dos-santos?

The surname Ferreira-dos-Santos is of Portuguese origin. It consists of two separate parts, each indicating a different lineage or occupation. 1. "Ferreira" - This part of the surname comes from the Latin word "ferrum" meaning iron. In medieval times, it was often given as an occupational name to someone who worked with metals, particularly blacksmiths. 2. "dos Santos" - The suffix "de" (meaning 'of' in Portuguese) is often added to names of places or geographical features. In this case, "Santos" likely refers to a location named Santos that was the family's place of origin. In Portugal, there are several locations with the name Santos, but one of the most notable is Santos-o-Velho, in the region of Braga. The suffix "-es" or "-ez" was added later to these names to create a patronymic form and differentiate between multiple bearers of the same surname. Over time, the "-es" was dropped in Portuguese-speaking countries, resulting in the modern spelling "dos Santos". Together, Ferreira-dos-Santos would be the name of someone who originated from a place called Santos, and whose ancestors were ironworkers.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ferreira-dos-santos

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferreira-dos-santos

The surname Ferreira-dos-Santos is a Portuguese patronymic and toponymic name that is derived from two separate elements: "Ferreira" and "dos Santos."

"Ferreira," meaning "the iron smith's dwelling," is a common surname in Portugal, originating from the occupation of an iron smith or the location near an ironworking site. The suffix "-ira" in Portuguese often indicates feminine gender, but in this case, it has been added to form a patronymic name, referring to the son or descendant of someone named Ferreira.

"Dos Santos," meaning "of the saints," is also a common Portuguese surname. It was often given as a baptismal name, honoring Christian saints, and was later used as a patronymic name by naming children after their fathers' saintly names. The addition of "dos" before "Santos" in this case indicates possession or belonging to the Santos family.

The combination of Ferreira-dos-Santos, therefore, signifies a person who is either related to a specific Ferreira and belonged to the Santos family, or was named after the iron smith saint Saint Vitalis (also known as San Vito, whose name in Portuguese is Vitório, similar to Ferreira), and the patron saint of metalworkers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferreira-dos-santos

The surname Ferreira-dos-Santos is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most common in the northern regions such as Minho, Douro, and Trás-os-Montes, reflecting the historical migration patterns from these areas to other parts of the country. In Brazil, the surname is distributed throughout the country but is more prevalent in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Bahia, which have large Portuguese immigrant populations. Ferreira-dos-Santos can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde due to the historical connections between these nations and Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferreira-dos-santos

The surname Ferreira-dos-Santos has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Here are some common versions:

1. Ferreira dos Santos - This is the most standard form, where the hyphenated first name (Ferreira) is followed by the last name (dos Santos).
2. FerreiradosSantos - In some cases, the hyphens may be omitted for brevity or informal usage.
3. Ferreira de Santos - This variation separates the two parts of the surname with "de," which is a common Portuguese preposition meaning "of."
4. Ferraira dos Santos - Sometimes, the initial 'F' may be misspelled as 'F' (with only one 'r').
5. Ferreria dos Santos - An alternative spelling of the first name could result in variations like this one.
6. Ferreiradossantos - In a few cases, the hyphens may be replaced with spaces for simplicity or ease of pronunciation.
7. Ferreira Santos - The hyphen is not always used when referring to individuals who have only one last name (in Portugal, it's common for people to have just one surname).
8. Ferreira do Santos - A similar variation as "Ferreira de Santos," where the preposition 'de' is replaced with 'do.'

Famous people with the last name Ferreira-dos-santos

Notable individuals with the surname Ferreira-dos-Santos include:

1. José Manuel Ferreira dos Santos (born 1963), known professionally as Zé Maria, a Portuguese comedian and actor. He is best recognized for his collaborations with fellow Portuguese performer Rui Unas.

2. Bruno Miguel Ferreira dos Santos (born 1988), also known as Bruno Fernandes, a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester United and the Portugal national team.

3. Ana Paula Ferreira dos Santos (born 1964), a Brazilian actress, model, and television host. She is best known for her role in the telenovela "Xica da Silva."

4. Rodrigo Ferreira dos Santos (born 1983), commonly known as Rodrigo, a Brazilian footballer who plays as a centre-back for German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and the Brazil national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in entertainment, sports, and broadcasting.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferreira-dos-santos

The surname Ferreira-dos-Santos is a Portuguese composite name, derived from two separate ancestral names: Ferreira and dos Santos. Ferreira originates from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker, as it stems from the word "ferreiro" in Old Portuguese. The suffix "-dos" indicates possession, making Ferreira-dos referring to someone who owned land with a Ferreira as its former occupant. Santos, on the other hand, is a common patronymic name, derived from the Latin word "sanctus," meaning holy or saint. Although the specific origins of the Ferreira-dos-Santos family are not known, it is believed that they originated in Portugal and may have migrated to various Portuguese colonies and other countries due to historical events such as the Age of Discoveries.

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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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