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Last Name Martins-de-brito

What is the origin of the last name Martins-de-brito?

Martins de Brito is a Portuguese surname, composed of two distinct components: 1. Martins - This is a common patronymic surname in Portugal and Brazil, derived from the given name Martin, which is originally a short form of the Latin name Martinus, which was derived from Martius, the name of the Roman god of spring and fertility. The name Martin or Martins was popularized by Saint Martin of Tours (316-397 AD), a highly influential Christian bishop and military leader in the Late Antique Roman Empire. 2. de Brito - This element is also a Portuguese surname, indicating noble lineage from the region of Brito, located in the northern district of Braga in Portugal. The name Brito can be traced back to the Visigothic era, where it was associated with the settlement of Germanic tribes in the Iberian Peninsula during Late Antiquity (5th-7th centuries AD). Thus, the surname Martins de Brito originated from the combination of a personal name and a geographical indicator of noble ancestry, reflecting the historical context of feudal society and the emergence of hereditary surnames in medieval Europe.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Martins-de-brito

The meaning and origin of the last name Martins-de-brito

The surname Martins-de-Brito is a Portuguese patronymic and locative name, originating from two distinct elements: "Martins," derived from the given name Martin, a popular Christian name derived from the Latin Martinus, meaning "warlike" or "of Mars," and "de-Brito," indicating a person who was born in or originated from the place named Bruno or Brito. The suffix "de" in Portuguese signifies 'of' or 'from.' Over time, the name has been spelled differently due to various transliteration methods, phonetic changes, and regional dialects. Today, individuals with this surname can be found predominantly in Portugal, Brazil, and other regions settled by Portuguese speakers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Martins-de-brito

The Martins-de-Brito surname has its origins in Portugal and is most prevalent in that country, particularly in regions such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Lisbon. It is also common in Brazil due to the Portuguese colonization and migration, with a significant concentration in the southeastern states like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. Additionally, there are smaller populations of Martins-de-Britos in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola and Mozambique, as well as in other parts of the world where Portuguese immigrants have settled, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Martins-de-brito

The surname Martins-de-Brito has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Martin-de-Britto, Martim-de-Brito, Martyn-de-Brito, Martens de Brito, and Martins da Brito. The name consists of two parts: Martins, a Portuguese patronymic derived from the given name Martin, and de Brito, indicating one's origin from the place named Brito in Portugal. In some cases, the name may also be spelled as O'Martin-de-Brito or O'Martins-de-Brito when traced back to Irish ancestors with the addition of the Irish prefix "O'". Other variants may arise due to phonetic changes over time or errors in record keeping.

Famous people with the last name Martins-de-brito

Notable individuals with the surname Martins-de-Brito include:

1. António José de Almeida Martins-de-Brito (born 1948), Portuguese politician who served as Minister of Internal Administration in the early 2000s.

2. Carlos Martins-de-Brito (1873-1956), Brazilian journalist and writer, best known for his work "O Quinto Evangelho" (The Fifth Gospel).

3. Fernando Martins de Brito (born 1943), a Portuguese-American electrical engineer who is the Charles Stark Draper Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT.

4. Júlio César Martins de Brito (born 1972), a Brazilian football defender who played for teams like Corinthians, Botafogo, and Santos.

5. José Martins de Almeida e Souza-Brito (1853-1926), Portuguese engineer and inventor, known for the invention of an early aircraft design in 1874.

6. Luiz Carlos Martins de Brito (born 1944), a Brazilian politician who served as Governor of Paraná from 2003 to 2007.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, including politics, journalism, engineering, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Martins-de-brito

The Martins-de-Brito family lineage originates from Portugal. The surname "Martins" is a common patronymic derived from the given name Martin, while "de-Brito" is a locative surname indicating origin from the town or region of Braga in Portugal. The first documented appearance of the Martins-de-Brito family was in the 13th century. Notable members include João Martins de Brito (1520-1604), who served as the Bishop of Goa, India, during the Portuguese colonial period. His grandnephew, Diogo do Couto, was a Portuguese Jesuit priest and historian. The family also produced several notable figures in Brazil, including João de Barros Martins-de-Brito (1795-1868), who was a prominent politician, journalist, and abolitionist. Throughout history, the Martins-de-Brito family has been distinguished by its contributions to the Catholic Church, politics, and journalism in Portugal and its colonies.

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About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 31 July 2025

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