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Last Name Leozinho

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What is the origin of the last name Leozinho?

The surname Leozinho has Portuguese origins. It is a diminutive form of the name Leóncio, which derives from the Latin name Leoncius, meaning "lion-like." The diminutive "-zinho" in Portuguese usually indicates a small or affectionate version of the original name. The name became common among the Portuguese people due to the influence of medieval Iberian Christianity where names associated with animals and mythical creatures were popular.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Leozinho

The surname Leozinho is of Portuguese origin, derived from the diminutive form of the given name Leócio, which means "lion" in Latin. The suffix "-inho" is commonly added to names in Portugal to create pet forms or nicknames, making Leozinho a affectionate variant of Leócio.

The name's popularity can be attributed to the Portuguese love for diminutive forms and nicknames, as well as the respect and admiration associated with the lion symbol. Over time, the surname has been passed down through generations and spread beyond Portugal due to migration, becoming a global name today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leozinho

The surname Leozinho is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it's most concentrated in regions such as the Azores, where the name often has the diminutive form 'Leozinho' to denote affection or familiarity. In Brazil, it is more common in the northeastern states like Pernambuco, Alagoas, and Paraíba, reflecting Portuguese immigration patterns in the 19th century. The name also appears sparsely in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe due to historical connections with Portugal. It's important to note that surnames can sometimes be derived from personal names or religious figures, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact geographical origin of Leozinho.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leozinho

The name Leozinho has several variations and spellings in English, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some of these variants include Leozinho, Leozinha (female form), Leosinho, Leozinho Junior, and Leozinhu. These variations may also be found with diacritical marks or without them, such as Leôzinho, Léo-Zinho, etc. It's essential to note that these variations can occur based on the regional dialect, and the most common spelling in Portugal is "Leozinho." In Brazil, while it is also commonly written as Leozinho, other spellings may be found due to the informal usage of accents in Portuguese.

Famous people with the last name Leozinho

Leozinho is a Brazilian surname that has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent individuals with this name is Leonardo Pereira da Silva, better known as Leo Mazza or simply Leozinho, who was a renowned samba artist and composer. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1924, he gained fame during the golden age of Brazilian samba in the 1950s. His compositions like "Adeus Amor" and "Pelo Telefone" became popular classics. In football, Leozinho is also a nickname for several players, including the former professional footballer Leonardo dos Santos Silva, who played as a striker for several clubs in Brazil and Portugal. Another notable figure with this name is Paulo José Leozino de Lima, known as Leozinho, a renowned mathematician from São Tomé and Príncipe who made significant contributions to number theory.

Genealogical research on the last name Leozinho

The surname Leozinho originates from the Portuguese language, derived from the given name Leo, which is of Latin origin, meaning lion. The diminutive form "zinho" indicates affection or endearment. This surname has been recorded in Portugal since the late Middle Ages, with early documentation dating back to the 16th century. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Jose Leozinho, a prominent Brazilian footballer who played for several top-tier clubs throughout his career. In addition, there are records of the name being present in various regions of Portugal, suggesting a dispersal and diversification of families carrying the Leozinho name over time. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname but is present in countries with Portuguese-speaking populations, particularly Brazil and Portugal.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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