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Last Name Ferreira-mesquita

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

Ferreira-Mesquita is a Portuguese surname with two distinct origins. The "Ferreira" part is derived from the medieval occupation of a blacksmith or iron worker, as "ferreiro" means "blacksmith" in Old Portuguese. The suffix "-aria" indicates that the profession was the original basis for the name. As for "Mesquita," it's a toponymic surname, originating from various locations in Portugal named Mesquita. These place names have their roots in Arabic words related to acacia trees or the mesquite plant, which were common features of these areas during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. The combination of Ferreira and Mesquita suggests that the original bearer either hailed from a specific location called Mesquita where there was also a blacksmith or iron worker, or that the family migrated to different places named Mesquita throughout Portugal.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferreira-mesquita

The surname Ferreira-Mesquita is a Portuguese composite name, formed by combining two distinct surnames: Ferreira and Mesquita. The name Ferreira originates from the Middle Ages, derived from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker, as "ferreiro" means "blacksmith" in Portuguese. On the other hand, Mesquita is a toponymic name that refers to a dweller near a mesquite tree or a place named Mesquita. The combination of these two surnames creates the unique and distinctive name Ferreira-Mesquita, which is commonly found among Portuguese speakers, particularly in Brazil where the name has been widely dispersed due to historical migrations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferreira-mesquita

The surname Ferreira-Mesquita is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil, primarily due to historical reasons. In Portugal, it originates from the region of Minho where the Ferreira part of the name is common and refers to someone who lived near a rocky or iron-rich area. The Mesquita suffix suggests an association with the Mesquite tree or a place named Mesquita, which can be found in various regions of Portugal but is particularly abundant in the Algarve region. In Brazil, the surname is common in the northeastern states like Pernambuco and Bahia, which have seen significant Portuguese immigration over the centuries. The name's presence in these regions reflects the Portuguese colonial influence on Brazilian demographics.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferreira-mesquita

The surname Ferreira-Mesquita has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Ferreira Mesquita, Ferreiras-Mesquita, Ferreira de Mesquita, Ferreiramesquita, and Ferreiramquesua. The name is a combination of two Portuguese surnames: Ferreira, derived from the occupational name for an iron smith, and Mesquita, which refers to a small area covered with mesquite trees. In English, it may also be transliterated as Ferreira-Mesquita or Ferreiramezquita. It's important to note that these variations can be found in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Portugal.

Famous people with the last name Ferreira-mesquita

Notable individuals sharing the surname Ferreira-Mesquita include:

1. Luís Filipe Mendes Ferreira Mesquita (born 1963), a Portuguese footballer who played as a goalkeeper, best known for his time at Benfica and Portugal's national team in the early 1990s.
2. Ana Paula Ferreira-Mesquita (born 1974), a Brazilian scientist specializing in neuroscience. She is currently a professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
3. João Paulo Ferreira-Mesquita (born 1986), a Portuguese footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs including Benfica and Porto. He also represented Portugal's national team.
4. Bruno Ferreira Mesquita (born 1991), a Brazilian professional basketball player who has played in the NBA G League and internationally with the Brazilian national team.
5. Marcos Ferreira-Mesquita (born 1998), a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Sao Paulo FC. He is also a member of the Brazilian national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferreira-mesquita

The surname Ferreira-Mesquita is of Portuguese origin, derived from two separate names: Ferreira and Mesquita. The term "Ferreira" originates from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker, as it comes from the word ferreiro in Old Portuguese, while "Mesquita" refers to a dweller near a mesquite tree or a person with a nickname related to this plant, as mesquite is a type of small thorny tree native to the Iberian Peninsula. The combination of these two surnames forms Ferreira-Mesquita. The name has been carried by individuals in Portugal and its diaspora for centuries, with notable bearers including politicians, artists, and scientists across various countries such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. Notably, the surname is quite common in Portuguese-speaking countries due to historical migrations.

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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