Last Name Padeiro

The surname Padeiro is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Occitan word "pagador," meaning a payer or one who collects tolls. During the Middle Ages, many Portuguese families adopted occupational names such as this to identify themselves based on their professions. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have occurred due to factors like regional dialects and recording errors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Padeiro

The meaning and origin of the last name Padeiro

The surname Padeiro is of Portuguese origin, derived from the occupational name for a maker or seller of paddles, particularly those used in fishing. The term "padeiro" translates to 'paddle-maker' in English. This surname was common among individuals who were skilled in crafting various types of paddles necessary for different professions such as fishermen, boatmen, and millers. Over time, the name Padeiro has been spread by Portuguese emigrants to other countries, where it has been anglicized or localized according to regional phonetic rules. For instance, in Brazil, it is often spelled and pronounced as Pedreiro, indicating a stone-maker, due to similarities between 'paddle' and 'stone' in the Brazilian Portuguese dialect.

Geographical distribution of the last name Padeiro

The surname Padeiro is predominantly found in Portugal, particularly in the northwestern regions such as Braga, Vila do Conde, and Póvoa de Varzim, reflecting its historical roots in those areas. It is also present in Galicia, Spain, due to migration between the two regions over time. The name has a smaller presence in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, where it is likely brought by Portuguese immigrants. In Europe, minor occurrences of the surname Padeiro can be found in France and Belgium, as well as in the United States, Canada, and other countries with significant Portuguese and Galician diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Padeiro

The surname Padeiro has multiple variations and spellings, reflecting its origin from various regions and time periods. Some of the most common variations include Padiero, Padiério, Padiero-Leite, Paadiero, and Padieros. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions over time or as a result of regional dialects. Other less common variations could be found in different countries where Portuguese is spoken, such as Brazil, Portugal, and other Portuguese diaspora communities. Additionally, name abbreviations or diminutives might also exist, like Padinha, Padinho, or Padinho Silva. It's essential to keep in mind that these variations do not necessarily indicate different family lineages but may simply reflect differences in spelling convention and regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Padeiro

Notable individuals with the surname Padeiro include:

1. **Carlos Alberto Padeiro** (b. 1967), a Brazilian football coach and former player, best known for his role as a midfielder for clubs such as São Paulo FC and Atlético Mineiro in Brazil, and Fenerbahçe S.K. in Turkey.

2. **Gonçalo Padeiro** (b. 1984), a Portuguese footballer who plays as a central defender for Gil Vicente Futebol Clube in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He has also represented Portugal at various youth levels, including the U-20 and U-21 teams.

3. **Joaquim Padeiro** (b. 1958), a Portuguese politician who served as the Mayor of Porto from 2005 to 2017. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the city's urban renewal and hosted high-profile events such as the UEFA Champions League Final in 2004.

4. **Maria de Lourdes Padeiro**, a Brazilian physician who specialized in pediatrics. She was a pioneer in the field of neonatology, focusing on preterm births and their treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Hospital Infantil Bento Gonçalves da Silva in Rio de Janeiro.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and represent the achievements of those with the last name Padeiro.

Genealogical research on the last name Padeiro

The surname Padeiro is of Portuguese origin, derived from the occupation of "paide" or teacher in Old Portuguese. It is believed to have been originally inhabited by peoples who lived along the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in regions such as Galicia and Minho, where the name has a high concentration. The earliest records of the surname Padeiro can be traced back to the 15th century in Portugal, with notable figures like Diogo de Padeiro, a knight during the reign of King Manuel I (1495-1521), and João Padeiro, a prominent jurist from the 16th century. The name has since been transmitted across generations and spread to regions such as Brazil, due to colonial migration. As with many surnames, variations such as Padero, Pedero, or Pederóia can be found, originating from regional dialects and changes over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Padeiro"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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