Last Name Pires

The last name "Pires" typically has Portuguese origins. It is a patronymic surname derived from "Pero" or "Pedro," which is the Portuguese variation of the given name "Peter." In Portugal, the suffix "es" is used to indicate "son of." Therefore, "Pires" would mean "son of Pero" or "son of Pedro." Over time, the surname spread to other Portuguese-speaking countries and regions influenced by Portuguese culture, such as Brazil and certain parts of Africa.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Pires

The ethnic identity associated with the Pires surname has also shifted according to the Decennial U.S. Census data. The biggest change occurred within the Black community, which saw an astounding 172.6% increase of this surname, going from 5.62% in 2000 to 15.32% in 2010. On the other hand, those identifying as having two or more races with this surname experienced a substantial decrease of 84.93%, dropping from 21.23% in 2000 to 3.2% in 2010. The percentage of Whites, Hispanics, and American Indian and Alaskan Natives with the Pires surname exhibited moderate increases over the decade. Additionally, the presence of Pires among Asian/Pacific Islanders rose by 50.29%, albeit starting from a smaller base of 1.75%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	65.65%	71.65%	9.14%
Black	5.62%	15.32%	172.6%
Hispanic	5.32%	6.61%	24.25%
Two or More Races	21.23%	3.2%	-84.93%
Asian/Pacific Islander	1.75%	2.63%	50.29%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.42%	0.59%	40.48%

Pires ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Pires is Spanish & Portuguese, which comprises 59.5% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are British & Irish (13.5%) and French & German (7.5%). Additional ancestries include Italian, Eastern European, Senegambian & Guinean, Indigenous American, and Chinese.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Spanish & Portuguese	59.5%
British & Irish	13.5%
French & German	7.5%
Other	19.5%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pires

The meaning and origin of the last name Pires

The surname Pires is of Portuguese origin and is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil. It is derived from the patronymic form of the Portuguese given name Pedro, which itself comes from the Latin word "Petrus," meaning "rock" or "stone." The surname Pires indicates that the family is descended from or associated with someone named Pedro, suggesting a connection to St. Peter or the biblical figure Simon Peter. Given names were commonly used as surnames in Portugal during the medieval era, as a means to distinguish individuals within a small community. Over time, this practice evolved into hereditary surnames, resulting in the establishment of familial lineages. The surname Pires has endured through generations, signifying an ancestral connection to those with the given name Pedro and preserving a piece of Portuguese history and culture within the family lineage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pires

The last name Pires is predominantly found in Portugal, which is its country of origin. It is one of the most common surnames in the country, particularly in the regions of Lisbon, Setúbal, and Madeira. Lisbon, the capital city, has the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Pires. Additionally, Pires is also prevalent in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Cape Verde due to historical ties and migration patterns. In Brazil, the last name Pires is widespread and can be found throughout the country. It has also been influenced by significant immigration from Portugal. In Cape Verde, Pires is a more common surname among the population, reflecting the historical connection and settlement of Portuguese individuals in the archipelago. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Pires encompasses Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde as the primary regions where individuals with this surname are located.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pires

The last name Pires has various variations and spellings stemming from different origins and regional influences. The most common and recognized variation is Pires itself, which predominantly originated in Portugal. However, other variations can be found in different countries and populations with distinct linguistic backgrounds. For instance, in Brazil, the name is commonly spelled as Pirez or Pirès due to the phonetic differences found in the Portuguese language spoken in that region. In the Spanish-speaking world, one may come across the spelling Pirés or Pírez, likely influenced by the local Spanish pronunciation. In France, the name can also be found as Pirès or Pirez, reflecting the French influence on the spelling. As with many surnames, regional accents, migrations, and intercultural interactions have contributed to these variations, showcasing the diverse ways in which Pires has been adapted and spelled across different countries and linguistic contexts.

Famous people with the last name Pires

One famous individual with the last name "Pires" is the legendary Brazilian footballer, Luís Felipe Madeira Caeiro Pires, commonly known as Luís Figo. Born in 1972, Figo's exceptional skills and versatility on the field allowed him to become one of the greatest football players of his generation. He played for top clubs such as Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, often dazzling audiences with his speed, technique, and precision. Figo's noteworthy achievements include winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2001, as well as obtaining numerous league and cup titles throughout his career. In addition to his club success, he also represented the Portuguese national team, earning 127 caps and featuring in major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. Please note that "Pires" is a common Portuguese and Brazilian surname, and there may be other famous individuals with the same last name who deserve recognition, but this paragraph focuses on one example.

Genealogical research on the last name Pires

The last name Pires has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Portugal. The name Pires is derived from the Latin word "patrem," meaning "father," suggesting that it may have been initially used as a patronymic surname. Over time, the Pires family likely spread throughout Portugal, with some members also migrating to other places such as Brazil and Goa (now part of India). Genealogical research on the surname Pires can reveal a diverse range of individuals with various occupations and achievements. The Pires lineage may have included farmers, merchants, soldiers, and even notable figures in the political or artistic spheres. Tracing the family tree may uncover connections to influential families, historical events, and help establish the Pires clan's cultural and historical significance. As with any genealogical research, delving into the Pires family name requires meticulous exploration of records such as birth certificates, marriage records, census data, and immigration records. These invaluable resources can provide invaluable insights into the lineage and heritage of the Pires family.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pires"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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