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Last Name Paulo

What is the origin of the last name Paulo?

The last name "Paulo" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Portuguese given name "Paulo," which itself has a Latin origin. "Paulo" is a variant of the name "Paul," meaning "small" or "humble" in Latin. This surname likely originated as a patronymic surname, meaning it was derived from the given name of an ancestor.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Paulo

The meaning and origin of the last name Paulo

The surname Paulo is of Portuguese and Spanish origin. It is derived from the given name Paulo, which has its roots in the Latin name Paulus. The Latin name Paulus means "small" or "humble". As the surname Paulo evolved over time, it became a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally used to identify the descendants or followers of someone named Paulo. The surname Paulo became quite common in Portugal and Spain, especially during the period of the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors. Many individuals who played key roles in the religious and military campaigns took up the name Paulo as their family name. As a result, the surname Paulo can be found among people of Portuguese and Spanish descent today, both within these countries and in their diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paulo

The last name "Paulo" has a diverse geographical distribution across the world, with concentrations in different regions. The name is particularly prevalent in the Philippines, where it is commonly found due to the Spanish influence during colonial times. In addition, Brazil also has a significant population of people with the last name Paulo. This can be attributed to the Portuguese colonization of Brazil and subsequent migration over the years. The United States and Canada also have a notable number of individuals with the last name Paulo, as a result of immigration from various countries. Furthermore, the name can be found in other countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Angola, reflecting historical connections and migrations. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Paulo demonstrates its diverse origins and can be traced back to different historical, cultural, and migration patterns in various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paulo

The last name "Paulo" has numerous variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. In Portuguese-speaking countries, it is often spelled as "Paulo," deriving from the biblical name "Paul" or "Paulus," meaning "small" or "humble" in Latin. However, it can also be found with alternative spellings like "Paolo" or "Pauli" in Italian-speaking countries, as well as "Paulou" or "Paulov" in Russian-speaking regions. In some Spanish-speaking areas, one may come across the surname spelled as "Pablo," which comes from the same biblical origin. Additionally, within the English-speaking world, variations such as "Paul" or "Paule" can be encountered. These diverse variations and spellings of the last name "Paulo" reflect not only the evolution of language but also the migration and assimilation of people across different cultures throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Paulo

One famous figure with the last name Paulo is St. Paul the Apostle. Born as Saul of Tarsus, he was a leading figure in the early Christian church and a key contributor to the spread of the religion. St. Paul authored several books of the New Testament, including epistles to various early Christian communities. His teachings and writings play a significant role in shaping Christian theology and understanding. Another well-known individual with the last name Paulo is Rafael Paulo. Rafael is a renowned Brazilian footballer who has achieved great success on the field. Known for his impressive skills and versatility, Paulo has played for prestigious clubs like AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. His contributions to his teams and achievements in the sport of football have garnered him worldwide recognition.

Genealogical research on the last name Paulo

The Paulo surname has a rich genealogical history that traces back to several different origins and regions. Originating as a masculine given name in Latin, it eventually evolved into a surname. One notable origin is in Italy, where Paulo is an Italian variant of the Latin name Paulus, which means "small" or "humble." The surname can also be found in Portugal and Brazil, possibly stemming from the Portuguese language. The Paulo surname has become relatively widespread over time, making it challenging to pinpoint a specific lineage or family tree. Interestingly, the surname has spread globally through migration and the diaspora of individuals with the surname, resulting in diverse branches and connections across different continents. Genealogical research on the Paulo name might involve exploring archives, historical records, immigration documents, and connecting with others who share the same surname to piece together one's specific family history.

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