Last Name Machado

The last name Machado is of Portuguese origin. It comes from the word "machado," which means "mace" or "club" in Portuguese. This surname was often given to someone who worked as a blacksmith, as they would have used hammers resembling maces in their work. The name is also common among families that lived near forests where clubs were used for self-defense and hunting. It is most prevalent in the regions of Portugal, particularly in the Algarve.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Machado

The meaning and origin of the last name Machado

The surname Machado is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Occitan word "machat" which means 'woodcutter' or 'axe-man'. This name was primarily given to individuals who were skilled workers involved in the craft of woodcutting or forestry management. Over time, the spelling has evolved with slight variations such as Machada and Machate in Portuguese, and Machado in Spanish. It is most prevalent among people from Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies, notably Brazil where it ranks as one of the top 20 surnames. The Machado family name can be traced back to several historical figures, including the medieval woodcarver Juan Machado, and the influential writer and philosopher José Gonçalo de Minas Machado, known by his pen name 'Machado de Assis', who is considered one of the greatest writers in the Portuguese language.

Geographical distribution of the last name Machado

The surname Machado is primarily distributed across the Portuguese-speaking regions, predominantly in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting its origin from these nations. In Portugal, Machado can be found throughout the country, although it is more common in the northern regions like Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Douro, which have historically been centers of Portuguese emigration. In Brazil, Machado is one of the most common surnames, particularly in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and Paraná, areas that have traditionally had larger Portuguese immigrant populations. The surname has also spread to other countries due to migration, including the United States, Canada, Angola, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. Machado is a widespread and significant name in the Lusophone world, highlighting historical ties between these nations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Machado

The surname Machado has various spellings and variations due to the historical phonetic and orthographic transformations over time, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries. Some common variations include Machada, Maciado, Machat, Machatt, Machaut, Machate, Machadou, Machaud, Machade, Machatas, Machatos, Machatus, Machata, Machad, and Machatova (in some Slavic languages). These variations stem from regional dialects, phonetic interpretations, or simply personal preferences in spelling. The root name "Machado" is of Portuguese origin and translates to 'woodcutter' or 'carver'.

Famous people with the last name Machado

Amongst notable individuals bearing the surname Machado are:

1. Gabriela Mistral (1879-1954), a Chilean poet and educator, who was the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1945. She was also the sixth woman to receive this honor.

2. Jorge Isaac Machado y Morales (1873-1929), a Cuban politician who served as the President of Cuba from 1925 until his death in 1929, during which he initiated numerous reforms and infrastructure projects.

3. Sandra Cisneros (b. 1954), an American writer renowned for her works that explore Mexican-American culture and identity, most notably "The House on Mango Street" and "Caramelo."

4. Raquel Machado (b. 1976), a Brazilian actress best known for her role as 'Natália' in the telenovela "Malhação," making her one of the most popular young stars in Brazil during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

5. José Miguel de la Machada (1864-1936), a Cuban politician who served as President from 1928 to 1933, during which he faced significant challenges due to the Great Depression and political unrest.

Genealogical research on the last name Machado

The surname Machado has origins traced back to Galicia, Spain. It is believed that the name emerged from the diminutive form of 'Máximo', which means 'the greatest'. The first recorded appearance of the last name Machado in Portugal dates back to the 12th century. Over time, due to the maritime expansion and colonization by the Portuguese, the name spread throughout the Portuguese-speaking world, particularly in Brazil and other former Portuguese colonies. In Brazil, the Machado family played significant roles in the country's history; one notable member being João Machado, a prominent figure during the Brazilian War of Independence. Today, Machado is the 4th most common surname in Brazil and can be found among Brazilian and Portuguese communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Machado"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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