Last Name Ladeira

The last name "Ladeira" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Portuguese word "ladeira," which translates to "slope" or "hillside" in English. It is often used as a topographical surname to denote someone who lived on or near a slope or hillside. It is a relatively common surname in Portugal and among Portuguese-speaking communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ladeira

The meaning and origin of the last name Ladeira

The surname Ladeira is of Portuguese origin and derives from the word "ladeira," which translates to "slope" or "hill" in English. As a surname, Ladeira likely originates from a geographic or topographic name, indicating that the family or their ancestors resided near or on a slope or hill. This surname may have been given to individuals living in hilly regions who worked as farmers or shepherds, highlighting their close association with the land and its natural features.

The Ladeira surname is prominent in Portugal, particularly in the northern regions of Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Porto. Over time, many Portuguese families bearing this name have spread to different parts of the world due to emigration. As a result, individuals with the surname Ladeira can now be found in various countries, contributing to the cultural diversity and genealogy of Portuguese diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ladeira

The last name Ladeira is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting the historical and cultural connections between these two countries. In Portugal, the Ladeira surname is relatively common, particularly in the regions of Lisbon, Setúbal, and Porto. It is likely that the name originated from a geographic feature such as a hill or slope, as "ladeira" translates to "slope" in English. In Brazil, the surname is also quite prevalent, with significant concentrations in the northeastern states of Bahia and Pernambuco. This distribution can be attributed to the large-scale immigration of Portuguese settlers to Brazil during the colonial period. Over time, descendants of these settlers have formed tight-knit communities and maintained their ancestral surnames. However, it is important to note that Ladeira can also be found dispersed throughout other Brazilian states due to internal migration patterns. The geographical distribution of the surname Ladeira thus reflects both historical migration patterns and the prevalence of Portuguese influence in both Portugal and Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ladeira

The last name Ladeira can have various spellings and variations. Some common variations include Ledera, Ladiera, Ladeyra, Ladirra, Ladeirra, and Laidira. These variations may have originated due to regional differences, dialects, or even transcription errors over time. Additionally, different individuals or branches of the same family may have chosen different spellings for personal or historical reasons.

These variations highlight the dynamic nature of surnames and how they can evolve and diverge over generations. The name Ladeira itself can be traced back to Portuguese or Spanish origins, with its literal meaning referring to a hill or slope. It is not uncommon for surnames to undergo phonetic changes or spelling alterations when families migrate or settle in different countries or regions. Therefore, a person with the last name Ladeira may come across variant spellings depending on their family's history, migration patterns, or personal choices.

Famous people with the last name Ladeira

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any famous individuals with the last name "Ladeira" in my database. It's possible that the name may not be widely recognized or associated with well-known public figures. However, it's essential to remember that fame is subjective and depends on various factors such as cultural, regional, or professional prominence. There might still be accomplished individuals, artists, athletes, or entrepreneurs with the last name "Ladeira" who have made notable contributions within their respective fields or local communities. It could be worth exploring more localized sources, such as historical records, community forums, or social media platforms, to uncover any potential famous figures bearing the Ladeira last name within specific regions or professional circles.

Genealogical research on the last name Ladeira

Researching the genealogy of the last name Ladeira reveals an interesting history rooted in Portuguese origins. The surname Ladeira is derived from the Portuguese word "ladeira," which means "slope" or "hillside." As such, it is likely that the ancestral family resided in a hilly or sloping area in Portugal. Tracing back the family line, we discover that the Ladeira surname has long-standing roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in regions such as Lisbon and Porto. Historically, many individuals bearing the Ladeira name were engaged in occupations related to agriculture, such as farming or vineyard cultivation. Throughout the centuries, some members of the Ladeira family ventured beyond Portugal, settling in various parts of the world, including Brazil, where the name continues to be prevalent. Delving into specific family records and historical archives can reveal more about individual branches of the Ladeira family tree and provide a deeper understanding of their journey through time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ladeira"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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