Last Name Loureiro

Learn more about the origin of the last name Loureiro

The meaning and origin of the last name Loureiro

The last name Loureiro is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the word "loureiro" which means "laurier" in French. This surname is mainly associated with the Minho region of northwestern Portugal. The laurel is an ornamental tree widespread in this area, and its name was adopted as a family name to identify people living near these trees or who were involved in their culture or trade. The laurel is also symbolic of victory and glory, and it was used in ancient Greece to crown the winners of sports competitions. Thus, the family name Loureiro can also be considered a symbol of success or distinction. Today, the name Loureiro is widespread not only in Portugal, but also among the descendants of Portuguese emigrants in other countries, especially in Brazil.

Geographical distribution of the last name Loureiro

The family name Loureiro has a geographical distribution mainly concentrated in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and Portugal. In Spain, it is more common in the north-western regions of the country, such as Galicia, where it originates. It is also present in neighbouring regions such as the Asturias region and the province of Leon. In Portugal, the family name Loureiro is widespread in the northern region of the country, especially in the districts of Porto and Braga. It is also present in other Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil and Cape Verde, due to Portuguese emigration. Outside Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking countries, people with the family name Loureiro can also be found in the United States and Canada because of emigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Loureiro

The family name Loureiro presents several variants and spellings according to the region and the cultures of the Lusophone world. In some regions of Portugal, it can be spelled Loireiro, Luireiro or Lureiro. In Brazil, which has a large Portuguese community, there are also variants such as Loureiru, Loureiros, Laureiro or Loureero. Some lusodescendent families have also adopted more anglicized spellings such as Lowreyro, Lowreyros, Lowreiro or Lowreiros. In Angola, a former Portuguese colony in Africa, one can encounter the Loureira variant, while in Mozambique, another former Portuguese colony, one can sometimes find the Lowreiro graphic. Finally, in the Spanish-speaking region of Galicia in Spain, there are also families named Loureira or Loureiro, which can be linked to the Portuguese version. In short, the family name Loureiro is rich in spelling variations reflecting the geographical and cultural diversity of the Lusophone community around the world.

Famous people with the last name Loureiro

The family name Loureiro is carried by several famous personalities. First of all, there is Ricardo Loureiro, a Brazilian football player who has evolved as a midfielder in Sporting Portugal and Lokomotiv Moscow. He is known for his exceptional technique and his ability to mark crucial goals. Then there is Isabel Loureiro, a Brazilian intellectual recognized for her contributions in the field of environmental philosophy. She is a professor at the University of São Paulo and has published numerous books promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development. Finally, Pedro Loureiro is a contemporary Portuguese artist who is distinguished by his abstract works using a variety of mediums such as painting, sculpture and installation. His work has been exhibited in many galleries and art institutions around the world. These Loureiro personalities convey talent, intelligence and creativity, each contributing in their respective fields to the fame of this surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Loureiro

Genealogical research on the family name Loureiro goes back to the origins of the family and explores the branches and family ties throughout history. Of Portuguese origin, the name Loureiro derives from the word "loureiro", meaning "laurier" in Portuguese, referring to the symbolic tree of victory and glory. People interested in their ancestry Loureiro can consult civil registration records, religious documents, censuses and other official sources to trace the first family members. Back in time, you can discover the ancestors, their professions, weddings, places of residence and other interesting details. People with the name Loureiro can also participate in DNA tests and genetic genealogy projects to find genetic connections with others with the same surname, which can help broaden research on the Loureiro family and discover new links.