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Last Name Ferreira-magalhaes

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

The surname Ferreira-Magalhães is of Portuguese origin. Ferreira is a common Portuguese patronymic surname that derives from the occupation of a blacksmith or iron worker (ferreiro in Portuguese). The -ira ending indicates that it was originally a diminutive form. Magalhães, on the other hand, is also a Portuguese patronymic surname that originates from the given name Magalhães, which comes from Magalhaes, a medieval variant of the name Maguelone, which was originally a place name referring to towns in southern France. The Norman conquest of England brought the name to England as Magnaure, Magner and Magnus, and it was later introduced to Portugal by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. So, the surname Ferreira-Magalhães combines the occupational surname Ferreira with the surname derived from a given name of French origin, Magalhães.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferreira-magalhaes

The surname Ferreira-Magalhães is a Portuguese composite name, originating from two distinct elements: "Ferreira" and "Magalhães."

"Ferreira" derives from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker, as it was commonly associated with someone who lived near a forge or who worked with iron. The name is believed to have originated from the Latin term "ferriarius," meaning smith.

On the other hand, "Magalhães" is a topographic surname, indicating an individual who resided near a notable landmark, such as a hill or a cape. Magalhães can be traced back to the surname Maguelone or Maguelon, which was given to people from the city of Maguelone in France during the Middle Ages. In Portugal, it is also associated with the famous explorer Fernão de Magalhães, better known as Ferdinand Magellan.

When combined, Ferreira-Magalhães signifies that an individual either lived near a forge or was a blacksmith and resided near a prominent geographical feature, or possibly descended from two families with those specific surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferreira-magalhaes

The surname Ferreira-Magalhães is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil, primarily due to historical migration patterns. In Portugal, it is most common in regions such as Minho, Douro, and Alentejo, reflecting the historical settlement of the Ferreira and Magalhães families in those areas. In Brazil, the name is particularly prevalent in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Pernambuco, which have large Portuguese immigrant populations dating back to the colonial era. The combined form, Ferreira-Magalhães, likely emerged from family unions between individuals bearing these two distinct surnames. Overall, the distribution of this surname highlights the cultural and historical ties between Portugal and Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferreira-magalhaes

The surname Ferreira-Magalhães has multiple variations and spellings, primarily due to transliteration and regional differences. Some common variants include:

1. Ferreira Magalhães (official Portuguese spelling)
2. Ferreira Magalhaes (variant without the acute accent on 'á' and 'ê')
3. Ferreyra-Magalhães (with a 'y' instead of an 'i' in 'Ferreyra')
4. Ferreira de Magalhães (including 'de' which is often added before surnames to indicate nobility or ancestry)
5. Ferreria Magalhaes (common misspellings)
6. Ferreiramagalhaes (compact version without spaces)
7. Ferreyra Magalhães (with 'y' and no accent on 'á')
8. Ferreira-Magalhães, Sr./Jr./II etc. (additions to indicate generation or titles)
9. MacFerreria Magalhães (Anglicized form)
10. De Ferreira Magalhães (including 'de' at the beginning, as some families may have adopted it over time)

These variations showcase the adaptability and versatility of the surname in different contexts and languages.

Famous people with the last name Ferreira-magalhaes

Ferreira-Magalhães is a Portuguese surname that has been associated with several prominent individuals. One notable figure is José Eduardo dos Santos Ferreira de Almeida Ferreira-Magalhães, who served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2017. Under his leadership, Angola emerged from a civil war and experienced significant economic growth. Another famous person with this surname is Pedro Nunes Ferreira-Magalhães, a Portuguese mathematician who lived in the 16th century. He made important contributions to trigonometry and was one of the first Europeans to recognize the use of logarithms, which were developed by John Napier. Additionally, there is Maria do Céu Ferreira-Magalhães, a Brazilian politician who has held several positions in government, including Minister of Culture and Minister of Education. She is also an accomplished author and academic, with a focus on African studies and Afro-Brazilian culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferreira-magalhaes

The surname Ferreira-Magalhães originates from Portugal and is a combination of two distinct family names. "Ferreira" is a common Portuguese patronymic derived from the occupation of a blacksmith, while "Magalhães" is also a Portuguese surname, originally referring to someone from the town of Magalhães or its vicinity. The Ferreira-Magalhães lineage can be traced back to various regions in Portugal, with some early records dating back to the 16th century. Notable individuals bearing this name include Fernão de Magalhães, commonly known as Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The Ferreira-Magalhães family has spread globally through immigration waves, particularly to Brazil, the United States, Canada, and other former Portuguese colonies.

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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