NomOrigine Background

Last Name Guerreiro

What is the origin of the last name Guerreiro?

The surname "Guerreiro" is of Portuguese origin. It translates to "warrior" or "knight" in English. This name was often given to sons born during times of war or conflict, reflecting their parents' bravery and strength. Notable individuals with this surname include the Portuguese writer José Maria de Eca de Queiroz and professional footballer Cédric Soares Guerreiro.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guerreiro

The meaning and origin of the last name Guerreiro

The surname Guerreiro is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word "guerreiro" which translates to "warrior" in English. It was often given to sons born during or after a conflict, reflecting their ancestors' bravery and valor. This name carries a strong historical significance, symbolizing the spirit of warriors who fought bravely for their communities and lands in medieval Portugal. The Guerreiro surname can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, as well as in regions settled by Portuguese immigrants. Today, the name is still popular, being one of the most common surnames in Portugal and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guerreiro

The surname Guerreiro has a notable presence predominantly within the Portuguese-speaking regions, primarily Portugal and Brazil. It is among the most common surnames in both countries, reflecting its deep historical roots in these locations. The name also has a significant distribution in the Portuguese diaspora communities around the world, particularly in countries like Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Goa (India), where Portugal had colonial influence. Additionally, the Guerreiro surname is present, albeit less frequently, in other regions with a Portuguese immigrant population, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guerreiro

The surname Guerreiro has several variations and spellings in English, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common versions include Guerra, Guerraio, Guerrayer, Guerraier, Guerraire, Warreiro, and Guerreyro. These variations may arise from attempts to adapt the Portuguese spelling to other languages or dialects, or simply as a result of individual preferences in spelling. In some cases, the name may be transliterated using different English alphabets, such as the French-based "Warreiro" or the Spanish-based "Guerraio". It is also possible for the name to be misspelled due to lack of familiarity with the correct form. Despite these variations, all versions are essentially derived from the same Portuguese root word "guerreiro", meaning "warrior" in English.

Famous people with the last name Guerreiro

Notable individuals with the surname Guerreiro include:

1. Pepe Guerrero (1936-2014), a Spanish photographer who is renowned for his work with The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd among others. He won a Grammy Award for Best Album Cover Art in 1985.

2. Rúben Guerreiro (born 1993), a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and the Portugal national team. He was part of the team that won UEFA Euro 2016.

3. Ana Maria Guerreiro (born 1983), a Portuguese mathematician, researcher at the Institute of Mathematics of the University of Lisbon, and a member of the European Research Council's grantee board. She is known for her work on mathematical models in biology.

4. José Guerreiro (born 1963), a Portuguese professional golfer who won two European Tour events and represented Portugal at the Ryder Cup in 1989 and 1995. He also played on the Champions Tour since 2007.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, sports, mathematics, and golf, showcasing the versatility of the Guerreiro surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Guerreiro

The surname Guerreiro is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old French "guerier" meaning "warrior". It is predominantly found in Portugal and the Portuguese-speaking regions of Brazil and Africa. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in Portugal is Juan Guerreiro, who lived during the reign of King Sancho I (1154-1211). The Guerreiro family played significant roles throughout Portuguese history, with notable members such as Diogo Gonçalves Guerreiro, a knight who fought against the Moors in the 16th century and João de Deus Guimarães Guerreiro, a 19th-century poet. In Brazil, the family has contributed to various fields including politics, literature, and art. The Guerreiro lineage can be traced back several generations, with branches extending across multiple continents due to immigration patterns over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 12 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Gueant (Last name)

surnames > gueant

The last name "Gueant" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "geant," which means "giant" or "tall." The surname may have originally been used as a nickname f...

Guebara (Last name)

surnames > guebara

The surname "Guebara" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name that can be found in several regions of Spain, such as Navarre, Aragon, and Valencia. In these regions, ...

Guechi (Last name)

surnames > guechi

The surname Guechi is of Swiss origin, specifically from the canton of Geneva. It comes from a place called "Gex" which was part of the Duchy of Savoy before being annexed to Franc...

Guedan (Last name)

surnames > guedan

The surname Guedan is of French origin. It derives from various places in France, primarily in the regions of Aquitaine and Brittany. It is an occupational name for a maker or sell...

Guede (Last name)

surnames > guede

The surname Guede has roots in various regions, primarily West Africa and Portugal, though it may also appear in other parts of the world due to migration and historical events. In...

Guedelha (Last name)

surnames > guedelha

The surname "Guedelha" is of Portuguese origin. It's derived from various places with that name in Portugal, particularly in the district of Leiria and the island of Madeira. It is...

Guedes (Last name)

surnames > guedes

The surname "Guedes" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the word "Godo," which was a term used to describe the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe that invaded the Iberian Peninsu...

Guedi (Last name)

surnames > guedi

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any specific information on the origin of the last name "Guedi." It is possible that it could have various origins depending on the specific region o...

Guedj (Last name)

surnames > guedj

The surname Guedj is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It is derived from a medieval occupational name for someone who was a jeweler or goldsmith, origina...

Guedouar (Last name)

surnames > guedouar

The last name "Guedouar" is of Arabic origin, specifically from North Africa. It is derived from the Arabic word "ghadi" which means "to be present" or "to exist".

Gueen (Last name)

surnames > gueen

The last name "Gueen" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "gueux" which means "beggars" or "vagabonds." The surname may have originally been a nickname for ...

Guefrech (Last name)

surnames > guefrech

The last name Guefrech is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "ghafir," which means "to cover or forgive." This surname may have originally indicated someone who w...

Guegan (Last name)

surnames > guegan

The surname Guegan is of French origin. It derives from a nickname for someone with a humpback or some physical deformity on their back, from the Old French "gue" meaning hump, and...

Guego (Last name)

surnames > guego

The last name "Guego" does not appear to have a distinct origin or meaning. It is possible that it could be a variant or variation of a different surname, as surnames often evolve ...

Gueguen (Last name)

surnames > gueguen

The last name "Gueguen" is of French origin. It is derived from the personal name "Guegen," which is a diminutive form of the Germanic name "Wigand." The name "Wigand" itself is a ...