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Last Name Oleiro

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What is the origin of the last name Oleiro?

The surname Oleiro is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the occupational name for a potter or a tile maker, which comes from the Old Portuguese word "oleiro" meaning "potter" or "tile maker." This name was often given to individuals whose occupation was associated with working with clay and fire to create pots, tiles, or other ceramic products.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Oleiro

The surname Oleiro is of Portuguese origin, derived from the occupational name "oleiro," which means "tallow chandler" or "soap boiler." This occupation involved the production of candles and soap from animal fat. The surname was likely adopted by individuals who were engaged in this trade or whose family had a long history associated with it. Over time, the surname spread throughout Portugal and its colonies, including Brazil. Variations of the name include Oleiros, Olheiro, and Alheiro, reflecting regional variations in spelling and pronunciation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Oleiro

The surname Oleiro is predominantly found in Portugal, particularly in the coastal regions of Galicia and Minho, where it is one of the most common names. Its origin is attributed to the occupation of "oleiro," which means "potter" or "tin-man" in Portuguese. Over time, the name has spread beyond these regions due to migration, with significant populations also found in other parts of Portugal, as well as Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries. In Spain, a similar surname Olivera is more common, which may be a result of historical connections between Galicia and neighboring Spanish provinces.

Variants and spellings of the last name Oleiro

The surname Oleiro, originating from Portugal, has several variations and alternate spellings due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include: Oliveira, Alvarez Oliveira, da Silva Oliveira, and Sousa Oliveira. Additionally, the name can also be found as Olivera, Oliviera, Olivar, and Olivera, reflecting variations in pronunciation and spelling conventions. In English, it may sometimes appear as Oliver or Olivier, although these are more common English surnames with separate origins. It's important to note that the spelling can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, immigration history, and individual preference.

Famous people with the last name Oleiro

Notable individuals with the surname Oleiro include:

1. José Manuel Barroso Oleiro (born 1956), a Portuguese politician who served as President of the European Commission from 2004 to 2014.
2. Diogo Jose Ferreira de Sousa Oleiro (1870-1928), a Portuguese explorer and soldier, known for his expeditions in Angola and Mozambique during the colonial era.
3. Fernando Jorge Oleiro (born 1956), a Portuguese lawyer, politician, and former member of the European Parliament.
4. Manuel de Sousa Oleiro (1870-1924), a Portuguese military officer who played a key role in the First Republic of Portugal.
5. João Carlos Oleiro (born 1965), a Portuguese actor, known for his roles in Portuguese cinema and television.

Genealogical research on the last name Oleiro

The surname Oleiro originates from Portugal and is derived from the occupation of a miller, as "oleiro" translates to miller in Portuguese. The name is commonly found in regions where there were numerous water mills, such as Minho and Trás-os-Montes. In the 15th century, many people with the surname Oleiro migrated to other parts of Europe, including Spain and France, due to the maritime exploration and colonization by the Portuguese during that period. In Brazil, the name Oleiro was also brought by Portuguese immigrants in the 16th century and is most prevalent in the states of Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, and Rio de Janeiro. Notable individuals with the surname Oleiro include José Miguel de Vasconcelos Oleiro, a Portuguese philosopher, and João Batista Oleiro, a Brazilian politician.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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