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Last Name Maceiras

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What is the origin of the last name Maceiras?

The surname Maceiras is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from a location named "Maceira" in Portugal. The name Maceira itself likely originated from the Portuguese word "maceira," which means "nut tree," possibly referring to a tree or area marked by this type of tree. Over time, as is common with many surnames, it became a hereditary name for individuals who lived near or originated from that location.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maceiras

The meaning and origin of the last name Maceiras

The surname Maceiras is of Spanish origin, specifically from the northern region of Galicia. It derives from a place name, indicating that an individual or their ancestors originally lived in or near a location named "Maceira." In Galician, Maceira refers to a type of oak tree (Quercus robur), suggesting that the original settlement may have been named after this particular species of tree. Over time, as families migrated and moved away from their ancestral homes, the surname Maceiras became a means of identifying lineage or geographical origin for these individuals. Today, it is found among various populations in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting the historical migration patterns of this family name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maceiras

The surname Maceiras has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Galicia, a region located in northwestern Spain. According to various genealogical databases, the highest concentration of individuals with this last name can be found within Galicia, particularly in the provinces of A Coruña and Lugo. Beyond Spain, there is also a significant presence of Maceiras descendants in Portugal, particularly in the Minho region which shares a border with Galicia. Smaller groups are also scattered across other countries due to historical migration patterns, such as in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. The diaspora from Spain and Portugal has led to the spread of this surname, particularly among Spanish and Portuguese communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maceiras

The surname Maceiras has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include: Maceras, Maceyra, Maseyras, Maceyras, Macierras, and Macyras. These variations may arise from slight misinterpretations or errors during the recording of names, as well as differences in spelling conventions over time. In Portuguese-speaking regions, where the name originates, it is most commonly written as Maceiras. However, due to immigration and assimilation, the surname can also be found with various spellings in other parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Maceiras

One notable individual with the surname Maceiras is Pedro Maceiras (b. 1967), a Spanish politician who has served as a Member of the European Parliament since 2019, representing the Socialists' Party of the Basque Country-PSOE (PSE-EE). In the political sphere, he has also held various positions within the Spanish government, including Minister of Employment and Social Security from 2008 to 2011. Another notable figure is Fernando Maceiras (b. 1973), a Spanish journalist and television presenter who currently works for La Sexta, a private Spanish television channel. He has covered numerous high-profile events such as the 2004 Athens Olympics, the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and the 2012 London Olympics. In the realm of academia, Maria do Céu Macedo de Sousa Maceiras (b. 1957) is a Portuguese historian who specializes in modern European history and has authored several books on topics like the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

Genealogical research on the last name Maceiras

The surname Maceiras is primarily found in Portugal and Galicia, Spain. Its origin can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. In Portugal, it is most common in the regions of Minho and Trás-os-Montes, suggesting an origin possibly from the Celtic tribes who inhabited these areas before the Roman conquest. In Galicia, the name could have Moorish roots due to the region's historical connections with the Islamic world during the Reconquista. Over time, various branches and spelling variations such as Maceiras de Abaixo, Maceiras de Arriba, Macías, Machias, and Maçaras have emerged. Notable figures bearing this name include José Manuel Macedo Maceiras, a Portuguese engineer and politician, and Xosé Maceiras Sánchez, a Galician journalist and writer.

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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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