What is the origin of the last name Monteiro-de-macedo?

The surname Monteiro-de-Macedo is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the region of Portugal called Macedo. The surname "Monteiro" is derived from the occupational name for a "mountain herdsman," and is composed of the words "monte" (mountain) and "eiro" (herdsman). The addition of "-de-" is a common practice in Portuguese to indicate a place name, making Monteiro-de-Macedo mean "Monteiro from Macedo." Macedo is the name of several places in Portugal, but it is most commonly associated with the municipality located in the district of Leiria. The surname may have originated from there or from one of the other locations with the same name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Monteiro-de-macedo

The meaning and origin of the last name Monteiro-de-macedo

The surname Monteiro-de-Macedo is of Portuguese origin, composed of two elements: "Monteiro" and "de Macedo."

"Monteiro," which translates to "mountain dweller" or "from the mountain," is a common Portuguese patronymic surname that derives from the occupation of being a guardian or resident of a mountainous area. The name "Macedo" originates from the Latin term "maccatus," meaning "woodcutter." Thus, Monteiro-de-Macedo can be interpreted as "Mountain dweller who is a woodcutter," though it should be noted that surnames often evolved over time and may not have been originally descriptive of an individual's occupation or place of residence. The name has roots in Portugal, reflecting the country's historical settlement patterns and naming practices.

Geographical distribution of the last name Monteiro-de-macedo

The surname Monteiro-de-Macedo is predominantly found in Portugal, with a significant concentration in the region of Minho and Porto district. Its origins can be traced back to the medieval period, as it is an agglutinative name that combines two Portuguese elements: "Monteiro," meaning "mountain dweller," and "de Macedo," referring to a place named Macedo. The name has also been reported in Brazil, due to migration during the colonial era and beyond. While it is most common in these regions, variations of the name exist globally, particularly among Portuguese descendants in other parts of the world such as North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Monteiro-de-macedo

The surname Monteiro de Macedo has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and local dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Monteiro de Macedo (Portuguese)
2. Monteiro de Madeiro (mistake in transcription, as madeiro means 'wood' in Portuguese and would be an unusual surname)
3. Montiero de Macedo (occasional misspellings)
4. Monterio de Macedo (rare misspelling)
5. Monteyro de Macedo (Anglicized version, though this is less common)
6. Monteiro da Macedo (a less likely variant, as da typically indicates possession in Portuguese, but it can be a regional difference)
7. Monteyro da Macedo (Anglicized version of the above variant)

The original spelling is Monteiro de Macedo, which translates to "son of the blacksmith from Macedo" in Portuguese. It originated in Portugal and has since been carried by descendants in various parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Monteiro-de-macedo

Notable individuals with the surname Monteiro de Macedo include:

1. Paulo César Monteiro de Macedo (born 1942), a Brazilian writer and journalist, known for his works on politics, society, and culture. He has published numerous books and is a regular columnist for newspapers and magazines in Brazil.

2. José Eduardo dos Santos Monteiro de Macedo (born 1937), an Angolan politician who served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2017. Under his leadership, Angola emerged from a civil war and became one of Africa's leading economies.

3. Lília Monteiro de Macedo (born 1945), a Brazilian actress and singer who started her career in the late 1960s. She is known for her work in theater, cinema, and television, and has won several awards for her performances.

4. José Agostinho da Silva Monteiro de Macedo (1870–1939), a Portuguese military officer who played a significant role during the Portuguese colonial rule in Africa. He served as Governor-General of Angola from 1925 to 1927 and was known for his harsh policies against the native population.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, shaping their countries' histories and cultures.

Genealogical research on the last name Monteiro-de-macedo

The surname Monteiro-de-Macedo is of Portuguese origin, derived from two distinct elements: "Monteiro," meaning 'mountain dweller' or 'gamekeeper,' and "de Macedo," referring to a person originally from the region of Macedonia in Portugal or possibly the historical region of Macedonia in Greece. The name Monteiro is relatively common in Portugal, reflecting its widespread use among the population during medieval times due to the occupation associated with it. Similarly, de Macedo suggests a connection to the Macedonian region at some point in history, although specific information about the first bearers of this surname remains scarce. The combination of these two elements results in the unique and distinctive name Monteiro-de-Macedo that can be found among Portuguese families today.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names