The surname Pereira-de-Cruz is a Portuguese patronymic and locative name. The name Pereira originates from the occupational name for a pear tree grower or gardener, derived from the Old Portuguese word "péreira" meaning pear tree. The addition of de Cruz refers to a person from a place named Cruz, which is common in Portugal. This combined surname signifies that the original bearer was either born or lived near a place called Pereira de Cruz.
The surname Pereira-de-Cruz is a Portuguese composite name, formed by combining two separate surnames: Pereira and de Cruz.
The name Pereira originates from the Old Portuguese word "pérola," meaning pearl, likely referring to an early inhabitant's home or landmark resembling a pearl. The suffix -ira was added during the 13th century to identify places, thus making the name more topographical in nature.
On the other hand, the surname Cruz, which means "cross" in Portuguese, could have been adopted by various individuals due to religious affiliations, occupations involving crosses, or geographic locations marked by natural rock formations resembling a cross.
When combined, Pereira-de-Cruz would indicate an individual from a place called Pereira or lived near a topographical feature resembling a pearl and was associated with a cross in some way. The name's combination reflects the historical practice of combining surnames to distinguish between different families living in the same location, as well as the strong influence of religious symbols and geography on European naming traditions.
The surname Pereira-de-Cruz is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil due to historical events such as colonization and migration. In Portugal, it originates from the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Aveiro, reflecting the early settlement patterns of families bearing this name. The name's distribution extends beyond Portugal, with a significant presence in Brazil, particularly in states like Pernambuco, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo, where many Portuguese immigrants settled during the colonial period. Additionally, due to migration and diaspora, Pereira-de-Cruz can also be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, among other countries.
The surname Pereira-de-Cruz has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and local dialects. Here are some common forms:
1. Pereira de Cruz - This is the most conventional form, with a hyphen separating the two elements of the name.
2. PereiradeCruz - A variation where words are joined without a hyphen.
3. DePereiraCruz - In some cases, the surname might be written with the preposition "de" before Pereira to emphasize that it is a patronymic, as is common in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
4. Perreira de Cruz - A less common phonetic spelling variation of the original name.
5. De Cruze Pereira - An alternative order with the preposition "de" and the article "o" (which can be omitted) before Cruze.
6. Cruz Pereira de - Another version where the surname is reversed and the preposition "de" is placed at the beginning, as in some Portuguese-speaking countries like Mozambique or Angola.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Pereira de Cruz include:
1. José Pereira de Cruz (1938–2007), a Brazilian composer, pianist, and arranger who gained recognition for his works in film and television music.
2. João Batista da Silva Pereira de Cruz (born 1965), known as Joca Suiçá, a Brazilian capoeirista (master of capoeira) and one of the most influential figures in contemporary capoeira Angola.
3. Marcos Tulio Pereira de Cruz (born 1974), a Portuguese former footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Porto, Benfica, and Sporting CP, as well as the Portugal national team.
4. Paulo Jorge Pereira de Sousa Cruz (born 1960), popularly known as Paulete, a Brazilian musician, composer, and singer-songwriter who has released several albums and is known for hits like "Vou Ficar" and "Alegria, Alegria".
5. Rui Pereira de Cruz (born 1972), a Portuguese former footballer who played as a goalkeeper, with notable stints at Porto and Sporting CP, as well as the Portugal national team.
The surname Pereira-de-Cruz originates from Portugal, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. The name "Pereira" is a common Portuguese patronymic, derived from the personal name Pedro, which means "rock" or "stone" in English. The addition of "de Cruz" suggests a connection to the Christian faith, likely indicating that an ancestor was a knight (cavaleiro) associated with the Cross, a significant symbol in Christianity.
The Pereira family, including its variants such as Pereyra and Periera, is among the oldest and most prominent families in Portugal, with numerous branches spread across the country, particularly in Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and the Azores. The name's distribution also extends to Brazil, due to Portuguese colonization and immigration. Notable bearers of the Pereira-de-Cruz surname include Manuel da Silva Pereira de Cruz, a 16th-century Portuguese priest and historian, and Maria Pereira de Cruz, a prominent figure in the Azorean community in Massachusetts during the 19th century.
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