The surname Moura-dos-Santos is of Portuguese origin. It consists of three elements: 1. "Moura" - a common Portuguese surname derived from the medieval occupation of "mouro," meaning Moor, and was originally used as a derogatory term for Muslims in Portugal. Over time, it became a surname for people with ancestry or affinity to the Moors. 2. "-dos-" - is a common Portuguese connecting particle used in compound surnames, denoting "of." 3. "Santos" - a patronymic surname meaning "saint," derived from the given name Santo, which was often used as a religious name in honor of various Christian saints. In Portugal, it is one of the most common surnames. Thus, Moura-dos-Santos is a Portuguese compound surname composed of an ancestral or occupational name (Moura) followed by the connecting particle "-dos-" and a patronymic surname (Santos).
The surname Moura-Dos-Santos is of Portuguese origin, derived from two distinct elements: "Moura" and "Dos Santos."
The name "Moura," which means 'Moors' or 'Moorish,' was historically given to individuals who were descendants of the Moors, North African Muslims who invaded and settled in the Iberian Peninsula during the 8th century. The Moorish influence persisted in Portugal until the Reconquista (re-conquest) in the 13th century.
The surname "Dos Santos" translates to 'of the saints' and is a common patronymic name in Portuguese-speaking countries, originating from the occupation of being a saint or someone who took care of sacred items, or simply as an honorific name given to a child born during religious celebrations.
Overall, the surname Moura-Dos-Santos would have been originally given to someone descending from Moorish ancestry while also having connections to religion or saints.
The surname Moura-Dos-Santos is predominantly associated with Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it's most concentrated in regions such as Minho, Douro, and Algarve due to the historical presence of the Moura family, one of the oldest and most influential families in the country. In Brazil, it's found predominantly in the southeastern states like São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro, reflecting the migration patterns from Portugal during colonial times and subsequent immigration waves. Smaller populations can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and East Timor, due to historical connections with Portugal. The name also appears sporadically in other parts of the world, particularly in North America and Europe, where it's often a result of immigration from Portugal or Brazil.
The surname Moura-Dos-Santos has several variations due to differences in transliteration and regional spelling conventions. Here are some of its variants:
1. Moura dos Santos - This is the most common spelling, following standard Portuguese orthography rules.
2. Morais Santos - An alternative variation that is more frequent among Brazilian descendants, as it is a common way to write Portuguese surnames in Brazil.
3. Mora-Santos - A simplified version of the name, where hyphens may be omitted or replaced with spaces.
4. De Moura Santos - This variation includes the preposition 'de' at the beginning of the surname, which can occur when a person holds a title or high office in Portugal.
5. Dos Mouras Santos - A less common variation where 'Mouras' becomes the first part of the surname.
6. De Sousa Moura - This is not exactly the same as Moura-Dos-Santos, but it represents a phonetic similarity that can be found among some Portuguese families with surnames of comparable origin and meaning.
Ricardo Kaka Moura-Dos-Santos, commonly known as Kaká, is a renowned Brazilian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or forward. He is a World Cup winner and a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year (2007). Kaka began his career with Sao Paulo in 1998 before moving to Milan in 2003, where he won multiple Serie A titles and Champions League trophies. Another notable individual with the surname Moura-Dos-Santos is Fabio Moura-Dos-Santos, a Brazilian journalist and author known for his investigative work on corruption in Brazilian football, specifically within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Furthermore, there's Cristiano Moura-Dos-Santos, a Portuguese actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, such as "The Last Kingdom" and "Dickensian".
The Moura-Dos-Santos surname originates from Portugal, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. The name is composed of two parts: "Moura," which translates to "Moors" or "dark-skinned person," and "Dos Santos," meaning "of the saints." This combination suggests a possible connection to Moorish conquests in Portugal or conversion to Christianity.
The Moura-Dos-Santos family is primarily found in regions such as Alentejo, Algarve, and Lisbon, reflecting the dispersal of Portuguese settlers across the country over centuries. Notable figures bearing this surname include João de Santos Moura, a 16th-century Jesuit missionary who explored Brazil, and José Moura dos Santos, a contemporary football manager known for his success with clubs like Chelsea FC and Real Madrid CF.
Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling discrepancies and regional dialects, such as Moreira-Dos-Santos, Mourato-Dos-Santos, and others. Genealogical research on this surname reveals a rich history interwoven with Portugal's cultural, religious, and colonial development.
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