Last Name Nery

The surname Nery originates from Portugal. It is derived from a personal name, which was a variant of the name "Nuno" in medieval Iberia. The original name Nuno comes from the Old High German name "Hunon," meaning "noble." Over time, variations such as "Néri" and "Nery" emerged due to phonetic changes in different regions. The surname Nery was subsequently brought to other parts of Europe and the Americas by Portuguese explorers, colonizers, and immigrants.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Nery

The surname Nery is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old French word "neri" meaning "blackbird." This name was brought to Portugal during the Christian Reconquest, as many French nobles settled there. The blackbird has been a common symbol in European heraldry, often representing agility and resourcefulness. In Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, the surname Nery is relatively common and can be found among various ethnic groups. It's interesting to note that the name may also appear as Neri or de Néri in other regions, reflecting variations in spelling due to differences in language and historical influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nery

The last name Nery has a significant presence across Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil and Portugal, due to its origin from the Iberian Peninsula. In Brazil, it is most common in the Northeastern states such as Pernambuco, Alagoas, and Ceará, reflecting the region's historical ties with Portugal. Outside of these regions, the distribution of Nery is relatively sparse, with smaller populations found in other parts of Brazil.

In Europe, the name Nery can be found predominantly in Portugal, mainly concentrated in the coastal areas like Lisbon and Porto. Smaller numbers of people carrying this surname can also be found in countries with significant Portuguese emigration, such as France, Angola, and Mozambique. Overall, the distribution pattern suggests a strong connection between the Nery name and the Portuguese-speaking world, particularly Brazil and Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nery

The surname Nery has various spellings and variations across different regions. Some common spelling variants include: Neri, Nerey, Neary, Nehry, Nehri, Nheiry, Nheri, and Nhéri. These variations can be attributed to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors over time, or personal preference. The name is of Latin origin and means "priest" or "clergyman." It is most commonly found among Portuguese-speaking populations, but it is also present in Spain, Italy, and other countries with a significant presence of Latin culture. Despite the variations in spelling, all these versions share a common root and are generally pronounced similarly.

Famous people with the last name Nery

Notable individuals bearing the surname Nery include:

1. Jose Sulpicio Nery (1831-1891), a Brazilian poet and journalist who was the first President of the Academy of Letters of São Paulo, Brazil. His most famous work is "Os Ociosos" (The Idlers).

2. Carlos Alberto Nery (born 1947), a Brazilian footballer who played as a defender for Santos FC and was part of the Brazil national team that won the World Cup in 1962 and 1966. He was known as "Pelé's partner."

3. Eliecer Nery (born 1974), a Cuban-American biochemist who is currently a Professor of Chemistry at Harvard University. His research focuses on enzyme catalysis and protein design.

4. Lina Nery (born 1984), a Brazilian actress, model, and presenter. She gained popularity in the telenovelas "Belissima" and "Totalmente Demais."

5. Jean-Claude Nery (born 1966), a French deep sea diver, underwater photographer, and filmmaker. He is known for his extreme freediving performances, including exploring shipwrecks and underwater caves.

Genealogical research on the last name Nery

The surname Nery is of Portuguese origin, derived from the village of Néri in the district of Viseu, Portugal. Historical records trace the family back to the Middle Ages, with early members noted as being farmers and landowners in this region. The name was first documented in the 13th century during the reign of King Sancho II, indicating a lineage dating to at least that period. Throughout the centuries, members of the Nery family have migrated across Portugal and its colonies, with significant populations found in Brazil, Goa (India), Mozambique, Angola, and Macau. Notable figures from this lineage include Manuel de Nery, a 16th-century Portuguese poet, and D. Luís da Cunha Néri, the Governor of Goa in the early 18th century. Today, the name is prevalent across the Portuguese-speaking world, as well as among communities with Portuguese ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nery"
• 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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