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Last Name Figueira

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What is the origin of the last name Figueira?

The surname Figueira is of Portuguese origin. It derives from the word "figueira," which means "fig tree" in Portuguese. This surname was often given to someone who lived near a fig tree or whose family had a tradition associated with this tree, such as having a fruit stand under it or using its wood for construction. Fig trees are significant in Portugal and other Mediterranean countries due to their abundance and the edible fruits they produce.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Figueira

The meaning and origin of the last name Figueira

The surname Figueira, also spelled as Figeira, is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word "figueiro" which means "fig tree" in Portuguese. It is a common surname in regions of Portugal where fig trees are abundant. The name is often associated with the occupation of a person who cultivated or tended to fig trees. As is common with many European surnames, it was originally a nickname, given to someone who was either known for having a fig tree near their home or for possessing some characteristic that was likened to a fig tree. The name has been carried over to the Portuguese diaspora and can be found among descendants of early Portuguese settlers in South America, Africa, and Asia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Figueira

The surname Figueira is predominantly found in Portugal, its origin being from the Portuguese word "figueira," meaning "fig tree." Historically, it has been most concentrated in regions such as Minho, Braga, and Aveiro, which are located in northern Portugal. The name has also been transported to other regions of the country due to internal migration over the centuries. Additionally, Figueira is a common surname among Portuguese descendants in Brazil, particularly in the states of Pernambuco, Alagoas, Paraíba, and Ceará, as well as in the United States, Canada, and other countries with significant Portuguese immigrant populations. The name Figueira can also be found in small numbers in other parts of Europe and South America, but it is most prevalent in Portugal and its diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Figueira

The surname Figueira has several variations and spellings, some of which include Figuera, Figueroa, Figuerola, Figueyra, Figeura, and Figuiera. These variations often stem from regional dialects, phonetic adaptations over time, or differences in the way names are transcribed from Portuguese to other languages. In some cases, certain letters might be omitted, swapped, or added due to mispronunciation or transcription errors. For instance, the name could change depending on whether it originates from Portugal, Spain (where it is commonly spelled Figueroa), or one of the Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa or South America. These variations highlight the rich cultural history and global dispersal of families sharing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Figueira

The Figueira surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of sports, Ana Paula Figueiredo, a Brazilian volleyball player, has made significant contributions to her nation's team, including winning gold medals at the Summer Olympics and World Championship events. From the world of literature, José Saramago, a Portuguese novelist of Figueira origin, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998 for his unique narrative style and exploration of human existence. Furthermore, Figueiredo Pharma is a successful pharmaceutical company founded by Henrique Figueiredo in Portugal, which has grown to become a leading player in the European generic medicines market. Lastly, in the tech industry, Pedro Figueiredo, a Portuguese entrepreneur, co-founded Codacy, an automated code review platform for developers that aims to improve software quality and reduce security vulnerabilities. These are just a few examples of individuals with the last name Figueira who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Figueira

The surname Figueira is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word 'figueira,' which means fig tree in Portuguese. Historically, it was often given to individuals who lived near or were associated with a fig tree. The name can be traced back to medieval Portugal, particularly in the regions of Alentejo and Minho. Notable Figueiras include Fernão Lopes de Figueira, a Portuguese knight and explorer during the 15th century, and José Maria Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1949. In terms of genealogical research, many Figueiras have roots in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries due to historical immigration patterns. The name has also spread to other regions of the world as a result of colonization and migration. Online resources such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and FindMyPast.com provide valuable tools for Figueira genealogical research, offering records and documents from various countries.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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