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Last Name Ferreira-quinteiro

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

The surname Ferreira-Quinteiro is a Portuguese patronymic surname, derived from two separate names that were originally given names. "Ferreira" is a common Portuguese surname and is a occupational name for a blacksmith, deriving from the Latin "ferriarius". The suffix "-aria" in this case denotes the trade or profession of the original bearer. "Quinteiro", also a common Portuguese surname, is likely derived from the place name Quinta, meaning "estate" or "farm". The addition of "-eiro" to the end of a place name would have originally denoted someone who lived or worked at that place. The combination of the two names Ferreira-Quinteiro would therefore suggest an individual who either lived on or worked at a blacksmith's estate, or perhaps a blacksmith who originated from Quinta. The exact historical circumstances of the first person to bear this name are not known.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferreira-quinteiro

The surname Ferreira-Quinteiro is a Portuguese compound name, originating from two separate Portuguese patronymic surnames: Ferreira and Quinteiro.

The name Ferreira is derived from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker, with its roots in the Latin "ferrum," meaning iron. The name Quinteiro is also occupational, stemming from the Latin word for fifth, "quintus," and related to the Old French term "quincier" or "quinçon," meaning a craftsman who worked on the fifth pair of a set of bellows in a fulling mill.

Over time, these two surnames were combined to create the Portuguese compound name Ferreira-Quinteiro, indicating that an individual's ancestors held both professions or belonged to different branches of the same family. The combination of Ferreira and Quinteiro signifies a heritage rich in craftsmanship and skilled labor, reflecting the historical occupational structure of rural Portugal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferreira-quinteiro

The surname Ferreira-Quinteiro is primarily distributed across Portugal and Brazil, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Portugal, it originates from the Minho region, particularly in the districts of Braga, Viana do Castelo, and Porto. The name has been passed down through generations since medieval times, often associated with the occupation of blacksmiths or ironworkers due to its etymological roots. In Brazil, many individuals with this surname have Portuguese ancestry, as a result of Portuguese colonization and immigration. Ferreira-Quinteiro is also found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, reflecting the diaspora of Portuguese people over centuries. In addition, there are smaller populations of this surname in other parts of the world where Portuguese immigrants have settled, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferreira-quinteiro

The surname Ferreira-Quinteiro has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Ferreira Quintiero, Ferreira-Quintero (in English-speaking countries), Ferreira de Quinteiro, and Ferreirae-Quinteiro (with an 'ae' instead of 'a'). Additionally, there may be regional differences in the spelling, such as Ferreira-Quintier or Ferreira-Quintyre. It is important to note that these variations are not necessarily interchangeable and may have different origins or meanings depending on their specific historical context.

Famous people with the last name Ferreira-quinteiro

Ferreira-Quinteiro is a Portuguese surname that has been associated with several notable individuals in various fields. In literature, José Saramago, a celebrated author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998, bears this name. In sports, Renato Sanches, a professional footballer who played for Bayern Munich and the Portuguese national team, is also known as Ferreira Quinteiro. Lastly, Ana Paula Ferreira-Quinteiro, a renowned Portuguese neuroscientist, has made significant contributions to the understanding of the human brain's neural networks. These are some of the most famous individuals bearing the surname Ferreira-Quinteiro.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferreira-quinteiro

The Ferreira-Quinteiro surname is of Portuguese origin, comprising two distinct elements: "Ferreira" and "Quinteiro." "Ferreira" is a common patronymic derived from the occupation of a blacksmith or ironworker, with "ferreiro" meaning 'blacksmith' in Portuguese. The root of the surname can be traced back to the medieval Iberian Kingdoms, primarily in northern Portugal, where many blacksmiths settled and formed families during the Middle Ages.

The addition of "Quinteiro" indicates a geographical origin, as it is often associated with Quintela, a region within the district of Vila Real in Portugal. The name's evolution throughout history suggests that either an individual or a family bearing the Ferreira surname relocated to this specific area, adopting the regional identifier "Quinteiro" to distinguish themselves further. However, comprehensive genealogical research is necessary for a more precise understanding of the Ferreira-Quinteiro lineage and its specific connections to different Portuguese regions throughout history.

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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 : 25 July 2025

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