What is the origin of the last name Piracol?

The surname Piracol is primarily associated with Portugal and Spain, specifically the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. It is believed to be a variant of the Spanish surname Peral, which comes from the Old Castilian word "peral" meaning pear tree. In some cases, it could also be a variation of Pierkol or Peracol, which are variations of the Catalan/Aragonese surnames Perales or Perellis, derived from the toponym Peralta, meaning "new estate." The name was often given to people who lived near such an estate. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary depending on specific family histories and regional variations in naming conventions. A more thorough investigation into the genealogy of a particular family with the surname Piracol would be needed to confirm its specific origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piracol

The meaning and origin of the last name Piracol

The surname Piracol is believed to have roots in Brazil, particularly in the state of Minas Gerais. It is derived from the Portuguese word "piracol" which means "small hill" or "hillock." This name could have been given to someone who lived near a small hill or landmark with this name. The spelling may have evolved over time and variations such as Piracoli, Peracol, and Perecol are also found. It's important to note that the exact origin of the surname Piracol can vary based on individual family histories and genealogical research.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piracol

The surname Piracol is predominantly found in Brazil, with a significant concentration in the state of São Paulo and its metropolitan region, which houses approximately 40% of the country's population. This name has its roots in Portuguese-speaking communities, and while it may not be as common in other parts of the world, some instances can be found among Brazilian diaspora populations in countries like the United States and Portugal. However, the distribution outside Brazil is relatively sparse compared to the high concentration within São Paulo state.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piracol

The surname Piracol has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in spelling conventions over time and across regions. Some common variations include Percoul, Percol, Piercol, Piraquil, Piracuello, and Piraquo. These alterations may be the result of factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or family preference. It's important to note that these changes do not necessarily indicate different origins or ethnicities for people bearing these surnames; rather, they reflect historical linguistic shifts and recording practices.

Famous people with the last name Piracol

Notable individuals with the surname Piracol include:

1. **Márcio José de Souza Piracol** (born 1976), a Brazilian footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs, including Atlético Mineiro and Sao Paulo FC.
2. **Wagner Pereira da Silva Piracol** (born 1984), a Brazilian footballer who played as a forward for several teams such as Corinthians and Fluminense.
3. **Fabio de Souza Piracol** (born 1975), a former Brazilian volleyball player, known for his career with the Brazilian national team, winning Olympic gold at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
4. **Marcelo de Oliveira Piracol** (born 1986), a Brazilian footballer who played as a forward for teams like Corinthians and Internacional.

Genealogical research on the last name Piracol

The Piracol surname is predominantly found in Brazil, specifically in the state of Minas Gerais. It is believed to have originated from the Portuguese word "pirá" meaning "parrot," and "cola" which could refer to a place where parrots were found in abundance.

The earliest known record of the Piracol family in Brazil dates back to the 1700s, with João Piracol, who immigrated from Portugal to Minas Gerais during the colonial era. Over time, the surname spread throughout the region and other parts of Brazil. Notable individuals with the Piracol surname include Manuel Gonçalves de Oliveira Piracol, a prominent Brazilian historian, and João Batista Piracol, a 19th-century politician from Minas Gerais.

The Piracol family history is deeply intertwined with that of Minas Gerais, reflecting the region's rich colonial past and its subsequent development. Genealogical research on this surname can uncover fascinating stories about Brazilian migration patterns, social structures, and cultural influences during various historical periods.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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