Last Name Graça

Learn more about the origin of the last name Graça

The meaning and origin of the last name Graça

The surname Graça is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin word "gratia" which means 'favor', 'grace', or 'thankfulness'. The name was given as a nickname to someone who was regarded as gracious, kind, or merciful, and over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname. In Portugal, Graça is a relatively common surname, particularly in the Alentejo region. Variations of this surname can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. It's interesting to note that places named Graça also exist throughout Portugal, indicating that the name could have originated from a specific location before becoming a surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Graça

The surname Graça is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil, due to its origin from the Iberian Peninsula. In Portugal, it's one of the most common surnames, especially in the regions of Lisbon, Alentejo, and Minho. In Brazil, it ranks among the top 500 most common last names. The name also appears in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, primarily as a result of Portuguese colonization and migration. Additionally, there are populations with the surname Graça in countries that have historical ties to Portugal or Brazil, such as Cape Verde, Goa (India), and Macau (China).

Variants and spellings of the last name Graça

The surname Graça has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. The most common English variant is Grace. In Portuguese, the original form of the surname is Graça, pronounced [ɡɾaˈsɐ]. Other less common variants include de Graça, Gracia, and De Graça.

In French, it can be written as Graças or Grasas. In Spanish, it may appear as Gracia, though this name is also a female given name in that language. In Italian, the surname may be spelled Grassa or Gracia. These variations reflect the surname's geographical dispersal across Europe and its assimilation into various cultural contexts over time.

Famous people with the last name Graça

Notable individuals with the surname Graça include:

1. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, known as Eusébio, a Portuguese professional footballer who played as a forward and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He spent his club career at Benfica and is often referred to as the Black Panther or The King.

2. António de Oliveira Salazar, a Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1932 until 1968, initially under the dictatorship of Estado Novo (New State) and later as head of state under the presidency.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, born Cristiano Graça, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Manchester United and the Portugal national team. He often uses his mother's maiden name, Aveiro, in his public life but was born as Cristiano Graça.

4. Ana Paula Araújo Graça, known as Ana Paula Araújo, is a Brazilian model who won the Miss Universe 2000 pageant.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, politics, and modeling.

Genealogical research on the last name Graça

The surname Graça originates from Portugal and is commonly found among Portuguese-speaking populations worldwide, particularly in Portugal itself and its former colonies. The name is derived from the Portuguese word "graça," meaning grace or favor. It is often associated with the city of Coimbra, where a notable family bearing the name resided during medieval times. The Graça family played significant roles in Portuguese history, with members serving as bishops, judges, and administrators throughout various centuries. Notable figures include Dom Rodrigo de Graça, who served as Bishop of Coimbra during the 16th century, and Dom António de São Cristóvão Graça, a prominent jurist and politician in the 18th century. The surname is also found among Jewish Portuguese families, such as the influential Mendes Graça family, who were prominent Sephardic Jews in Portugal before their expulsion in 1496. Today, the name Graça remains widespread throughout Portugal and its diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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.
Last updated : 24 July 2025