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Last Name Janeiro

What is the origin of the last name Janeiro?

The surname "Janeiro" is of Portuguese origin. In Portuguese, "janeiro" means January. This surname may have been given to someone born in the first month of the year or to a family who arrived from Portugal during that month. However, it's important to note that surnames can also change over time due to various factors such as migration, assimilation, and historical events, so the origin might not always be directly related to the meaning of the name.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Janeiro

The meaning and origin of the last name Janeiro

The surname Janeiro originates from Portugal. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name João, which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. In Portuguese, João becomes "Joaquim" or "Januário," and in some regions, it further evolves into the surname Janeiro. This surname is commonly found among individuals with roots in the southern region of Portugal, particularly Algarve, where João was a popular name due to its association with Saint John the Baptist, who is venerated as the patron saint of that region. The spelling and pronunciation of the surname Janeiro can vary slightly across different regions within Portugal and among Portuguese diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Janeiro

The surname Janeiro is predominantly found in regions of Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most concentrated in the northern regions, particularly in districts such as Braga, Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Aveiro, although it can be found throughout the country. In Brazil, the name is widespread, being especially frequent in the states of Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná, due to historical Portuguese immigration waves. The surname's frequency outside these areas generally reflects migration patterns from Portugal or Brazil, making it a common last name in various diaspora communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Janeiro

The surname Janeiro has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in language, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some common spelling variations include Janiero, Janirow, Jânioro, Janiéro, and Jeanieros. These variations can be found among Portuguese-speaking individuals, as the name is of Brazilian origin. It is derived from the word "janeiro," meaning January in Portuguese, and was likely a surname given to a child born during that month. The spelling variations often occur due to differences in the way Portuguese is spoken and written in various regions or by different individuals.

Famous people with the last name Janeiro

Notable individuals bearing the surname "Janeiro" include Pedro Nunes de Lima Janeiro (1748-1816), a Brazilian military officer and statesman, who served as President of Brazil during the United States occupation in 1815-1816. Another prominent figure is José Janeiro (born 1950), a Portuguese footballer who played as a defender for several clubs, including Porto and Benfica. He was part of the Portuguese team that won the UEFA European Championship in 1984. In contemporary times, Brazilian artist Adriana Janeiro de Melo (born 1976) is known for her sculptures made out of recycled materials, addressing issues of sustainability and waste management in urban environments.

Genealogical research on the last name Janeiro

The surname Janeiro originates from Portugal and is derived from the Portuguese word for "January," indicating that an individual bearing this name may have been born in or around that month. Historically, it was common for individuals to take their father's occupational surname or nicknames based on personal characteristics or events, with place names being a less frequent source of surnames in Portugal during the Middle Ages. The Janeiro family is believed to have roots in northern Portugal, particularly the provinces of Minho and Trás-os-Montes. Notable individuals bearing the surname Janeiro include João de Barros Janeiro, a 16th-century Portuguese explorer and writer; and Maria José Janeiro, a contemporary Portuguese tennis player. Genealogical research on the Janeiro family can be undertaken through Portugal's Civil Registry (Registro Civil) and Church records, as well as online databases such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.

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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 : 11 June 2025

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