What is the origin of the last name Lameirinhas?

The surname "Lameirinhas" is of Portuguese origin. In medieval times, Portuguese surnames were derived from various aspects of a person's life such as occupation, place of origin, or physical attributes. The term "lameira" in Portuguese means "small mill," and "-inho" or "-inha" are diminutive suffixes often added to names. Therefore, "Lameirinhas" could be translated as "the little small mill." It is likely that an individual who lived near or worked at a small mill took on this surname over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lameirinhas

The meaning and origin of the last name Lameirinhas

The surname Lameirinhas is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin "lamina," which means "plate" or "flat piece." It was likely used to denote a person who lived near a place where flat stones were found, or perhaps a blacksmith who worked with such materials. In Portugal, the name is more commonly spelled Lameirinho or Lameira, but variations like Lameirinhas are also found, especially among Portuguese descendants in other countries. The surname first appeared during the Middle Ages when the use of surnames became widespread in Europe. It is a relatively uncommon surname, but it has been carried across continents by Portuguese explorers, immigrants, and their descendants, leaving its mark on various cultures around the globe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lameirinhas

The surname Lameirinhas is primarily distributed across Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most prevalent in the northern regions, particularly in districts such as Braga, Porto, Vila Real, and Viseu, reflecting the historical settlement patterns of Portuguese emigrants from these areas. The name also has a significant presence in the Azores archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean. In Brazil, Lameirinhas is most common in the northeastern states of Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Norte, as well as in the southeastern state of São Paulo, where Portuguese immigrants settled during the colonization era. The distribution of this surname, therefore, reflects both historical migrations within Portugal and the transatlantic movement of Portuguese settlers to Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lameirinhas

The surname Lameirinhas has multiple variations and spellings. Some common variations include Lamairinha, Lamairenha, Lamarinha, and Lamazarinha. These variations may arise from differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors over time, or personal preference in spelling. Additionally, it is important to note that Portuguese surnames can sometimes have multiple meanings or derivations. The name Lameirinhas could potentially be derived from the word "lameira," which means a small mill used for grinding corn, or "lama," meaning mud or slime. However, without additional context or information, it is difficult to definitively determine the original meaning of this surname.

Famous people with the last name Lameirinhas

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lameirinhas include:

1. José Joaquim Lameirinhas (1823-1905), a Brazilian politician and military officer who served as the interim President of Brazil for six days in 1891.

2. Pedro Leme de Lameirinhas (1874-1963), a Brazilian painter known for his realist works, including "O Café" ("The Coffee") and "A Luta dos Canudos" ("The Struggle of Canudos"), depicting significant moments in Brazil's history.

3. José Vicente Lameirinhas (1928-2014), a Portuguese footballer who played as a defender, and later became a manager. He represented the Portugal national team at the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

4. Paulo Roberto da Silva Lameirinhas (born 1967), a Brazilian journalist and television host, known for his work on GloboNews, RedeTV!, and Record News. He has also been a member of the Federal Council of the Order of Journalists of Brazil since 2015.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in Brazil and Portugal.

Genealogical research on the last name Lameirinhas

The Portuguese surname Lameirinhas is believed to have originated from the region of Minho, northwestern Portugal. It derives from the place-name Lamas de Oregos, located in the municipality of Vila Verde, and is composed of two elements: "lama" (mud or marsh) and "arinegas" (small ponds), reflecting the geographical characteristics of the area. The first recorded instances of the Lameirinhas family are found in the 16th century, with Manuel Lameirinhas being one of the earliest documented bearers of the name in the parish records of Lamas de Oregos. Over time, the Lameirinhas family expanded beyond their original homeland, establishing themselves in other parts of Portugal and its colonies, such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India). Today, the Lameirinhas name can be found among Portuguese-speaking communities around the world.

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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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