What is the origin of the last name Generali-de-lima?

The surname Generali-de-Lima does not have a straightforward and clear origin that can be definitively traced due to its composite nature, consisting of two distinct elements: Generali and de Lima. 1. Generali: This part of the surname is of Italian origin. In Italy, the name Generali has roots in various locations such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. It is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Geremia or Giorgio (George), with the diminutive suffix "-ali" added to create a nickname for someone who was small, young, or cheerful in disposition. 2. de Lima: The second part of the surname, de Lima, is of Portuguese origin and indicates that the family has origins from Portugal. "de Lima" is a topographic name for someone who lived near a limestone quarry (lima meaning lime or limestone in Portuguese). It's important to note that the combination of Generali-de-Lima likely occurred as a result of intermarriage between Italian and Portuguese families over time. The blending of surnames is not an uncommon occurrence, especially among families with mixed ancestry.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Generali-de-lima

The surname Generi-de-Lima originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal, due to its linguistic structure. The "Generi" part is likely derived from the given name Genérico or a regional variation thereof, which was popular in Portugal during the Middle Ages. The "-de-" prefix is a common element in Portuguese and Spanish surnames, indicating a geographical origin, occupation, or nobility status. However, the specific origin of "de-Lima" remains unclear as it could refer to several places named Lima in Portugal, or it might be associated with the Lima River, one of Portugal's major waterways. Alternatively, it could also be a reference to the Lima family, an ancient Portuguese noble house that was prominent during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Over time, the surname Generi-de-Lima has been transmitted across generations and has become increasingly common among the diaspora of Portuguese descendants worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Generali-de-lima

The surname "Generali-de-Lima" is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, as a result of its Portuguese origin. In Portugal, it can be traced in various regions, with a notable presence in the north, such as Porto and Aveiro. In Brazil, it's most frequent in the Southeast region, including São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. The name may also have been carried to other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and East Timor due to historical migration patterns. Outside of these areas, the occurrence of the surname is relatively rare, suggesting a concentrated distribution primarily in regions with significant Portuguese influence.

Variants and spellings of the last name Generali-de-lima

The last name "Generali-De-Lima" has multiple variations and alternate spellings, some of which are:

1. Generali De Lima
2. Generali de Limas
3. Generalli de Lima
4. Generally De Lima
5. General de Lima
6. Generally-De-Lima
7. Generali Delima
8. Generalli Delimas
9. Generally Delima
10. General delima
11. Generally-Delima
12. Generali da Lima (Portuguese variant)
13. General de la Lima (Spanish variant)

These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, transcription errors, or personal preferences, among other factors. It is essential to consider the origin and cultural context when analyzing these variations.

Famous people with the last name Generali-de-lima

Notable individuals bearing the surname Generali-de-Lima include:

1. Jorge Generali-de-Lima (born 1943), a Brazilian politician who served as the Governor of Paraná from 2007 to 2010.
2. José Generali-de-Lima (1865–1941), a Portuguese lawyer and liberal politician who served as Prime Minister of Portugal between 1917 and 1918.
3. Maria do Carmo Generali de Lima (born 1945), a Brazilian Roman Catholic nun, known for her work in the Amazon rainforest among indigenous communities.
4. Pedro Generali-de-Lima (1853–1896), a Portuguese journalist, politician, and lawyer who served as Minister of Public Works, Communications and Transportation between 1882 and 1886.
5. Vicente de Freitas Generali-de-Lima (1804–1872), a Brazilian politician who played a significant role in the establishment of the Empire of Brazil.

These figures have contributed to various fields, including politics, journalism, and religious service, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of individuals bearing the Generali-de-Lima surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Generali-de-lima

The surname Generali-de-Lima originates from Spain and Portugal, where it is derived from the occupational name "General" for a military officer, or a status name for someone who served as a general in the army. The addition "-de-Lima" suggests that the bearer may have been of Portuguese origin or had a connection to the city of Lima in Portugal.

In the Philippines, where there is a significant population with Spanish and Portuguese ancestry, the surname Generali-de-Lima can be found. The name has various branches across the country, with notable figures including Marcelo Generali-de-Lima, a prominent Filipino politician and lawyer in the early 20th century.

The name's distribution in other parts of the world is more limited but includes countries with historical ties to Spain or Portugal, such as Mexico and Brazil. Overall, the surname Generali-de-Lima has a rich history dating back to medieval Europe and continues to be carried by families across the globe today.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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