Last Name Freitas

The surname Freitas has Portuguese origins. It is derived from the Latin word "fratris", meaning brother. In medieval Portugal, it was often used as a nickname for someone who shared a common occupation or residence with another person's brother, or was a relative by marriage. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Freitas

The meaning and origin of the last name Freitas

The surname Freitas is of Portuguese origin, deriving from the occupation of a blacksmith or armorer. In Old Portuguese, "ferreiro" referred to a smith or a maker of weapons, and over time, this profession-based name was adopted as a surname. The surname Freitas has since spread beyond Portugal due to colonization and migration, with variations such as Ferreira in Spanish-speaking countries and Faria in Italian. In Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, it is a common surname, ranking among the most frequent. Its meaning can be translated as "the smith" or "the blacksmith."

Geographical distribution of the last name Freitas

The surname Freitas has its origins in Portugal, where it is one of the most common Portuguese-language surnames. It is derived from the word "freito," meaning smith or blacksmith. Today, the distribution of the Freitas surname extends beyond Portugal, with significant concentrations in various regions due to migration and colonization. In Brazil, which has the largest population outside of Portugal, Freitas is among the most frequent surnames, particularly in the Northeast region. Additionally, Freitas is also common in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe due to historical ties. The name can also be found in Goa, India, where it was introduced during the Portuguese colonial era. Moreover, there are communities of people with the Freitas surname in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries where Portuguese immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Freitas

The surname Freitas has various spelling variations across different regions and languages. Some common alterations include Freytes, Freychas, Freichez, and Freichas, which may originate from phonetic interpretations or transliterations in other languages. Additionally, Freitaz, Freytaz, and Freytez are other forms that have been documented. These variations may arise due to historical transcription errors, regional dialects, or migration-induced name changes. The original Portuguese spelling of the name is Freitas, which translates to 'little cliffs' in English. This patronymic surname originated from the Iberian Peninsula and has been carried by numerous individuals throughout history, including artists, politicians, and scholars.

Famous people with the last name Freitas

Notable individuals with the surname Freitas include:

1. Joaquim Silas Freitas, a Brazilian politician who served as the Minister of Labor and Employment between 2003 and 2004.

2. Lygia Fagundes Telles de Freitas, a Brazilian writer known for her contribution to children's literature. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1975.

3. Luiz Felipe Scolari de Freitas, commonly known as Luiz Felipe Scolari or Big Phil, is a Brazilian football manager and former player who led the Brazil national team to win the FIFA World Cup in 2002.

4. Maria do Céu Silvestre Freitas, a Portuguese politician who served as President of the Assembly of the Republic from 2016 to 2019.

5. Manuel de Abreu e Freitas, a Portuguese statesman who served as the Governor-General of Brazil between 1843 and 1847 during the country's rule by Portugal.

6. José Aguiar Freitas, a Portuguese lawyer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1925 to 1926.

Genealogical research on the last name Freitas

The surname Freitas originates from Portugal and is derived from the occupational name "Freitas," which means "freeman" or "free-born." It emerged as a nickname for those who were considered free men, contrasting with the term "mudos" for serfs or slaves. The name spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula and its colonies due to Portuguese migrations. In Brazil, Freitas is one of the most common surnames, reflecting the significant Portuguese influence in the country's population history. Some prominent individuals with the last name Freitas include Brazilian politician Rui Falcão de Freitas, artist Carlos Freitas, and soccer players such as Éverton Luis de Freitas, known as Everton. The name has also been carried to other countries through immigration, with a notable presence in various Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Freitas"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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