Last Name Figueiras

The surname Figueiras is of Portuguese and Spanish origin, derived from the word "figueira" which means "figure tree". It is a toponymic surname, indicating that it was likely first used by someone who lived near a fig tree or grove. This name can be found in both Portugal and Spain, but it is more common in Portugal. The Figueiras family may have originated from a place named after the fig tree, or they could have been known for cultivating this particular tree.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Figueiras

The meaning and origin of the last name Figueiras

The surname Figueiras is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word "figueira" which means "fig tree." Historically, this name was often given to individuals who lived near or by a fig tree. Like many surnames in Portugal and its former territories, Figueiras was traditionally patronymic, meaning it was passed down from father to son. It is important to note that the spelling can vary slightly between countries, such as Figueiredo or Figueira, depending on regional dialects and historical influences. The surname Figueiras is relatively common in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Figueiras

The surname Figueiras has a substantial presence primarily within Portugal and Spain, reflecting its origin from the Iberian Peninsula. In both countries, it is most common along the northern coastal regions such as Galicia (Spain) and the North region of Portugal (Norte). It also appears with frequency in other parts of Spain like Asturias and Cantabria, as well as in some central areas like Castile and León and Extremadura. A smaller percentage of people bearing the name Figueiras can be found in Brazil, given the historical connection through Portuguese colonialism and migration. Additionally, there are pockets of Figueiras families in other parts of the world, particularly in places with significant Portuguese or Spanish immigration like the United States, Canada, Australia, and certain South American countries such as Argentina and Uruguay.

Variants and spellings of the last name Figueiras

The surname Figueiras has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Figuera, Figueras, Figueroa, and Figuerola. These differences are due to regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, and personal preference. In Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain and Portugal, the name is often written with an "i" or "e" in the second syllable (Figueiras, Figuera), while in other regions it may be spelled with a "g" (Figueras). The suffix "-o" or "-a" at the end of the name also varies based on gender, although the male and female forms are typically identical. In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name is often written as Figueira or Figueiras. These variations highlight the rich linguistic and cultural diversity within Iberian communities.

Famous people with the last name Figueiras

Notable individuals bearing the surname Figuereira/Figueiras include:

1. José Figueres Ferrer (Costa Rica): A former President of Costa Rica, serving two non-consecutive terms from 1948 to 1953 and 1970 to 1974. He played a pivotal role in the abolition of the armed forces in his country.

2. Ricardo Figueiras (Argentina): A professional footballer who has played for several Argentine clubs, including Boca Juniors and Rosario Central. He also represented Argentina's national team in the 1978 FIFA World Cup.

3. José Antonio Figueroa Ulibarri (Mexico): A prominent Mexican attorney and politician who served as Attorney General of Mexico from 2006 to 2012 under President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa.

4. Carlos Figueiras (Puerto Rico): An influential Puerto Rican politician, journalist, and poet. He was a member of the Puerto Rican House of Representatives for the New Progressive Party from 1973 to 1980.

5. Manuel Figueroa O'Farrell (Paraguay): A Paraguayan general who played significant roles in both the Chaco War and the Paraguayan Revolution. He served as President of Paraguay from 1940 to 1948.

Genealogical research on the last name Figueiras

The surname Figueiras is predominantly of Portuguese and Galician origin, derived from the word "figueira" which means "fig tree." It is a common surname in both Portugal and the Galicia region of Spain. Records show that the name was first used as a personal name in the 12th century, and by the 14th century, it had become a hereditary surname. The Figueiras family can be traced back to the medieval era, with notable branches existing in various regions of Portugal and Galicia. Some notable historical figures bearing the name include Francisco de Figueiredo, a Portuguese nobleman who played an important role in the restoration of the Portuguese monarchy in 1640, and Maria da Figueira, a Galician poet and novelist known for her work "Os Filhos da Natureza." The family has also been prominent in various fields such as politics, arts, and sciences across Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and other countries where Portuguese speakers have immigrated.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Figueiras"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 11 June 2025

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