What is the origin of the last name Lima-miranda?

The surname Lima-Miranda is a Portuguese composite surname, formed by combining two separate family names. The surname Lima originates from the region of Portugal around the city of Braga and it refers to the Limia River, which flows through that area. The name Miranda, on the other hand, has several possible origins. One theory suggests it comes from the Latin term "mirandus," meaning "wondrous" or "admired." Another theory suggests it originates from the medieval Latin word "mirante," meaning "observatory" or "lookout," due to its usage in castles and fortifications. Composite surnames like Lima-Miranda, in which a person has two family names, became more common in Portugal during the 18th and 19th centuries, as a way to differentiate between multiple generations of individuals with the same given name and single family name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lima-miranda

The meaning and origin of the last name Lima-miranda

The surname Lima-Miranda is a compound name derived from two distinct Spanish elements: "Lima" and "Miranda". The name "Lima" has its origins in several possible sources, including the city of Lima in Peru or a diminutive form of the personal name León. On the other hand, "Miranda" comes from the Latin word "mirandus," meaning "wonderful" or "admirable." In a Portuguese context, it could also stem from the toponymic Miranda do Douro in Portugal. The combination of these two surnames forms Lima-Miranda, creating a unique and distinctive family name that reflects the blending of different cultural influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lima-miranda

The surname Lima-Miranda is predominantly found in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal, Spain, and their respective colonies and descendants. In Portugal, it is a combination of the common last names Lima (originating from the northern region) and Miranda (originating from the north-eastern region). In Brazil, the name has Portuguese origins due to the country's colonization by Portugal. The name also appears in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, often as a result of immigration from Portugal or Brazil. Additionally, some instances of the name can be found in other parts of the world where there is a significant Portuguese or Brazilian diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lima-miranda

The surname Lima-Miranda has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional conventions. Some of these include:

1. Limamaranda
2. Lima y Miranda
3. Limamiranda
4. Lima de Miranda
5. Limamarand
6. De Lima-Miranda
7. Limamirand
8. Lima-de-Miranda
9. Limamarando
10. De Lima Miranda

These variations may also appear in different languages, such as Portuguese (where the name is more commonly spelled as Lima Miranda), Spanish, or English. However, it is essential to note that the accurate spelling of a particular individual's surname should be based on their personal preference and official records, rather than regional conventions or assumptions.

Famous people with the last name Lima-miranda

Lima-Miranda is an uncommon surname that is associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Joaquim Antonio de Lima-Miranda, a Brazilian diplomat who served as Brazil's ambassador to the United Nations from 1985 to 1989. In the world of entertainment, Roselyn Sánchez, born Roseline Alfania Pérez Sánchez-Lima-Miranda in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an actress and singer known for her roles in television shows such as "Devious Maids" and "Without a Trace." From the literary realm, Francisco Lima-Miranda was a Spanish author who wrote works of poetry, essays, and fiction. Lastly, Ana María Lima-Miranda is a Cuban-American scholar specializing in Latin American literature, with significant contributions to Chicano studies and cultural studies. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and influence that bearers of the surname Lima-Miranda have made across the globe.

Genealogical research on the last name Lima-miranda

The surname Lima-Miranda is a composite Portuguese-Spanish name, originating from two distinct roots: Lima and Miranda. The Lima lineage traces back to Portugal, where it was one of the most common surnames, derived from the town of Lima in northern Portugal. The Miranda surname, on the other hand, is of Spanish origin, stemming from various locations named Miranda across Spain. The combination of these two names suggests a possible Portuguese-Spanish ancestry. Notable figures with this surname include Joaquim António de Aguiar Lima-Miranda (1824-1908), a prominent Brazilian politician, and José Lima Miranda (1964-), a Brazilian mixed martial artist. The global distribution of the Lima-Miranda surname shows a significant presence in Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Angola, and Cape Verde, reflecting historical migrations from Portugal to South America during colonial times.

Last name distribution maps

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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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