Last Name Pires

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pires

The meaning and origin of the last name Pires

The surname Pires is a Portuguese patronymic name derived from the given name Pierre or Pedro, which means "rock" in French and Spanish, respectively. It was commonly bestowed upon individuals born to fathers named Pierre or Pedro. The name Pires originated in Portugal, where it has been traditionally used for centuries. As a result of Portuguese exploration and colonization during the Middle Ages and the Age of Discovery, the surname Pires spread throughout the world, particularly to Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India). Today, the name is still prevalent in Portugal, Brazil, and other former Portuguese colonies. In some cases, variations such as Pereira, Pierson, or Pearson may be found due to differences in spelling conventions over time or through assimilation into different cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pires

The surname Pires is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil, due to its historical origins. In Portugal, it's one of the most common surnames, derived from the word "pêro" (pear tree) or a diminutive form of various given names ending in 'piro'. In Brazil, Pires is the 10th most common surname. It also has a presence in African countries, particularly Angola and Mozambique, due to historical Portuguese colonization. Additionally, it can be found among the Portuguese diaspora in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Africa, where Portuguese immigrants have settled over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pires

The surname Pires is primarily Portuguese in origin, derived from the word "pé" meaning 'son' or 'descendant', often used as a patronymic name. Here are some variations and alternative spellings of this last name, reflecting differences in transcription over time and across languages:

1. Pires - The most common spelling in Portuguese-speaking countries.
2. Perez - The Spanish variation of the same root.
3. Pieres - An older English variant.
4. Pyres - A less common, anglicized spelling.
5. Pierson - An adaptation found among descendants of Dutch or Flemish immigrants.
6. Pirès - A Frenchized version.
7. Pira - A more abbreviated form, especially in some Brazilian regions.
8. de Pires - A Portuguese patronymic construction, where 'de' is added to indicate a family lineage.
9. Do Pires - Another Portuguese patronymic construction with a slightly different preposition.
10. O Pires - Similar to the above but using the definite article instead of a preposition.

These variations and spellings reflect historical migrations, language influences, and regional differences in naming conventions over time.

Famous people with the last name Pires

Vincente Pires de Carvalho, a Brazilian historian and academic, is notable for his significant contributions to the study of Brazilian history. He served as the President of the Brazilian Academy of Letters from 2003 to 2009. Fernão Mendes Pires, a Portuguese navigator and explorer, was one of the earliest Europeans to explore the Brazilian coast in 1500, laying the foundation for the colonization of Brazil by the Portuguese. In the field of football, Luís Figo, born as Luís Filipe Madeira Crespo Pires Figo, is a renowned former Portuguese professional footballer who played as a winger or attacking midfielder. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2000 and was a key player for teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid. Lastly, João Cabral de Melo Neto, a Brazilian poet and essayist, is recognized for his contributions to modern Brazilian literature, earning him the Neustadt International Prize for Literature in 1978. These individuals exemplify notable figures with the last name Pires across various fields of human endeavor.

Genealogical research on the last name Pires

The surname Pires, originating from Portugal, is of patronymic origin derived from the given name Pierre, a common Christian name in both Portugal and Spain. It was primarily borne by Jews who converted to Christianity during the Inquisition period, adopting Christian names while retaining their Jewish surnames. The surname Pires, meaning "son of Peter" in Portuguese, is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and its former colonies such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India). Notable figures with the surname Pires include Manuel Pires de Sousa, a 16th-century Portuguese explorer, and Ana Paula Pires, a contemporary Portuguese pianist. The distribution of the name Pires reflects the historical spread of Portuguese influence, particularly in the era of colonial expansion.

Last name distribution maps

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 : 28 July 2025