NomOrigine Background

Last Name Queiros

What is the origin of the last name Queiros?

The surname "Queiros" most likely has its origin in Portugal. It is a variant of the surname "Queiroz," which is derived from the Portuguese word "queiro," meaning "he who raises sheep" or "shepherd." This surname was often given to people who worked as shepherds or had associations with sheep farming in the region. It is a relatively common surname in Portugal and may have spread to other countries through Portuguese emigration.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Queiros

The meaning and origin of the last name Queiros

The surname Queiros is of Portuguese origin and has its roots in the region of Galicia, which is located in northwest Spain. It is derived from the Galician word "queiro," meaning "sheepfold" or "enclosure." The surname likely originated as a topographic or locational name, referring to someone who lived near or had ownership of a sheepfold or an enclosed area for livestock. In Portuguese culture, sheep farming was an important economic activity, and owning a queiro was a valuable asset. Over time, individuals with the surname Queiros migrated to Portugal and other parts of the world, contributing to the dispersion and diversification of the name. Today, Queiros is a relatively uncommon surname, but it still represents a connection to the historical occupations and landscapes of rural Galicia and Portugal, relating to the important role that livestock farming played in the region's history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Queiros

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Variants and spellings of the last name Queiros

The last name "Queiros" has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. One common variation is "Querós," which is often used in Spanish-speaking countries. In Portugal, another variation is "Queirós," which also reflects the original Portuguese pronunciation. The spelling "Queiroz" is another frequently encountered variation, especially in Brazil, where a large Portuguese-speaking population resides. Additionally, it is not uncommon to come across the spelling "Queiros" without the accent mark, as accent marks can be overlooked or omitted in certain situations. Given the diverse origins of individuals, it is possible to find additional variations or spellings of this last name. These differences in spelling and variation demonstrate the adaptability and fluid nature of surnames within different cultures and regions, thus reflecting the rich tapestry of our diverse societies.

Famous people with the last name Queiros

Unfortunately, there are no well-known or widely recognized individuals with the last name Queiros. While many people may bear this last name, it is not associated with any famous personalities who have achieved significant recognition in fields such as sports, entertainment, politics, or academia. However, it is important to note that fame is relative, and someone with the last name Queiros may have achieved recognition within their own local community or specialized field. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that there may be individuals with the last name Queiros who have made noteworthy contributions in their respective areas of expertise but have not gained widespread fame. Ultimately, the absence of famous Queiros figures reinforces the fact that individuals' impact and recognition are not solely determined by their surname, but by their actions and achievements throughout their lives.

Genealogical research on the last name Queiros

The research on the last name Queiros traces its origin to the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal and Spain. The name Queiros is believed to be of Portuguese origin, derived from the word "queiro" which means "sheep pen" or "corral" in Galician-Portuguese. The surname Queiros is predominantly found in Portugal, especially in the regions of Porto, Braga, and Lisbon. Many Portuguese families bearing the last name Queiros can trace their ancestry back several generations, with records dating back to the medieval period. Throughout history, some prominent individuals with the Queiros surname have made notable contributions to various fields, including literature, politics, and the arts. As time passed, some descendants of the Queiros family emigrated to other parts of the world, particularly Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries, further spreading the surname and its rich genealogical history.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 8 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Quecho (Last name)

surnames > quecho

The last name Quecho is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "queso," which means cheese in Spanish. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who worke...

Queen (Last name)

surnames > queen

The surname "Queen" has multiple possible origins. One possible origin is an occupational name for someone who worked for a queen or had a close association with a queen or a queen...

Queeney (Last name)

surnames > queeney

The last name "Queeney" is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "O'Caoineadh", which means "descendant of Cainneach". Cainneach is a Gaelic personal name meaning ...

Queeta clarice (Last name)

surnames > queeta-clarice

The surname "Queeta Clarice" does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English. It could be a rare or unique surname, or possibly a variant spelling of a more common ...

Queija-del-aguila (Last name)

surnames > queija-del-aguila

The last name Queija del Aguila is of Spanish origin. "Queija" may be derived from the Spanish word "queja" which means complaint, grumble, or grievance. "Aguila" is the Spanish wo...

Queitsch (Last name)

surnames > queitsch

The last name "Queitsch" is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "quit" which means "quiet" or "peaceful." It is likely an occupational surname for someone wh...

Queliste (Last name)

surnames > queliste

The last name "Queliste" has French origins. It is believed to be derived from the French word "Que" meaning "what" or "that" combined with "liste" meaning "list" or "register".

Queliza (Last name)

surnames > queliza

The last name "Queliza" originated in the Philippines. It is a Filipino surname that is derived from the Spanish word "quezal" meaning "jay" or "jasper." The surname may have been ...

Quelquejeu (Last name)

surnames > quelquejeu

The last name "Quelquejeu" appears to be of French origin. It is derived from the combination of two French words - "quelque" meaning "some" or "a few", and "jeu" meaning "game" or...

Quemard (Last name)

surnames > quemard

The last name "Quemard" is of French origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "quemart," which means a type of metalworker or someone who works with metal, suc...

Quemba (Last name)

surnames > quemba

The last name "Quemba" is of African origin, specifically from the country of Angola. It is derived from the Kimbundu language and likely has a tribal or familial significance.

Quembo (Last name)

surnames > quembo

The last name "Quembo" is of African origin, specifically from the Macua ethnic group in Mozambique. It is believed to have originated as a surname adopted by individuals from the ...

Quendolo (Last name)

surnames > quendolo

The last name Quendolo is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from the word "quendola," which refers to a type of medieval fishing net. This surname likely originated a...

Queneherve (Last name)

surnames > queneherve

The surname "Queneherve" is of French origin. It is most likely a family name of medieval origin, derived either from the first name "Quénehervé", or from a surname based on this...

Quenery (Last name)

surnames > quenery

The surname "Quenery" originates from the Philippines. It is a Filipino surname that is believed to have Spanish roots. The name may have been derived from a place name or from the...