Last Name Pedra

The last name Pedra has origins that can be traced to various countries, including Portugal, Spain, and Brazil, among others. In Portuguese and Spanish, "Pedra" translates to "stone," which suggests that it could have been a topographic name, used for someone who lived near a prominent stone formation or rocky area. However, the exact origin may also be related to an occupational name, referring to a stonemason or one who worked with stone in some capacity. It's essential to note that family names often evolved over time and could have different meanings and origins within various regions and cultures. For a more precise understanding of your specific lineage, it would be best to consult genealogical resources or experts in the field.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pedra

The meaning and origin of the last name Pedra

The surname Pedra is of Portuguese origin, where it translates to "stone" in English. It is a common surname found predominantly in Portugal and Brazil, as well as among the Portuguese diaspora worldwide. The name often refers to a person who lived near a notable rock formation or who was associated with stoneworking in some capacity. The use of geographical features or occupations as surnames is a common practice in many European countries, especially during the Middle Ages when populations grew and it became necessary to differentiate individuals within a community. In Portuguese naming conventions, the surname Pedra may be preceded by a given name ending in "es" (e.g., Pedrês) or may have variations such as Pedró, Pedrini, or Pedrinha. Over time, spelling and pronunciation variations of the name have emerged due to migration and assimilation, with some families adopting the Spanish version "Piedra," among others. The surname Pedra thus serves as a reminder of both Portugal's rich history and the enduring connection between people and their environments.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pedra

The surname Pedra is predominantly found in regions with Portuguese-speaking populations, reflecting its origins from Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most common in the northern provinces such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, Douro, and Aveiro. Within Brazil, it is widely distributed across various states, with a higher concentration in Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Pernambuco. It also appears in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor, and Goa (India). The name may also be found in Spanish-speaking regions due to historical connections and migration patterns between Portugal and Spain. In addition, there are small communities of people with the surname Pedra living in English-, French-, and Dutch-speaking countries, primarily as a result of emigration from Portugal and Brazil over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pedra

The surname Pedra, originating from Portugal, has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription over time and across geographical regions. Common alterations include Petra, Pedroeira, Pedrero, Pedreyra, Pedraya, and Pedreira, which are all phonetically similar to the original form. In Spanish-speaking areas, especially in South America, you may encounter variations such as Pedrá, Pedrà, or Piedra, which have different diacritical marks but retain the same sound. Additionally, some families may have anglicized their surname to Petter or Peters as they migrated to English-speaking countries. These spellings all stem from the original Portuguese term for 'rock' or 'stone'.

Famous people with the last name Pedra

Pedro Henrique Pedra is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a defender for Sao Paulo FC and the Brazil national team. Known for his speed and physicality, he has represented his country at various youth levels, including the U-23 team that won the silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Another notable figure with the surname Pedra is Pedro Nolasco da Silva Pedra, a Brazilian lawyer, politician, and diplomat who served as the Minister of Justice and Public Security from 2019 to 2022 during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency. In addition, Pedro de Pedra, a Portuguese architect and engineer, played a significant role in the construction of the Church of Sao Roque in Lisbon in the 16th century, demonstrating the diverse accomplishments of individuals bearing the surname Pedra across various fields throughout history.

Genealogical research on the last name Pedra

The surname Pedra, derived from the Portuguese word for "stone," has a rich and diverse history spanning various regions across the globe. Originating in Portugal, it is one of the most common surnames in that country, with significant numbers also found among descendants of Portuguese colonists in Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Goa (India), and Macau (China). The name Pedra can also be traced back to families of Spanish or Jewish origin who settled in Portugal. In the New World, Pedra is a common surname in countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and the United States, where it reflects the migration of Portuguese colonists and their descendants over several centuries. In the U.S., concentrations of the Pedra family can be found along the East Coast, particularly in Florida, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, as well as in California due to the Gold Rush period. The Pedra name has also been documented among the early settlers of Canada, Australia, and South Africa, demonstrating its far-reaching impact across continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pedra"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends