Last Name Queiros

Learn more about the origin of the last name Queiros

The meaning and origin of the last name Queiros

The surname Queiroz (or Queiros) is of Portuguese origin, derived from the medieval occupation of a "queirouco" or "queijo-moleiro," which translates to "cheese-maker." In Medieval Portugal, occupational names were common, often identifying a person's profession. The name can be found in various regions of the country but is particularly prevalent in the northern districts of Porto and Minho, where cheese production was historically significant. Over time, as Portuguese immigrants dispersed around the world, the surname Queiroz became globally distributed. Today, it remains a common name among communities of Portuguese descent, particularly in Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and other former Portuguese colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Queiros

The surname Queiroz is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil, where it originates from. In Portugal, it is most common in the northern regions, particularly in Minho and Trás-os-Montes, due to the historical spread of the family name among those areas. In Brazil, Queiroz is one of the most frequent surnames, with a high concentration in the northeastern states, such as Pernambuco, Ceará, and Alagoas, where Portuguese colonists settled during the early days of Brazilian colonization. The surname can also be found in smaller numbers in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, as well as in other parts of the world with significant Portuguese diaspora populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Queiros

The surname Queiros, which originates from Portugal, has several variations and spellings. These include: Queirós, Keirou, Keyrou, Keiros, Kairos, and Quieroz, among others. These variations may arise due to differences in transcription or translation when moving from one language to another or transcribing from old manuscripts. In Portuguese, the name is spelled as Queirós with an acute accent on the "o" which indicates a longer vowel sound. This surname has been carried by individuals throughout the world due to migration and cultural diffusion over centuries, so it may also appear with different spellings in various countries or regions.

Famous people with the last name Queiros

Notable individuals with the surname Queiroz include:

1. Jose Saramago (1922-2010), a Portuguese writer and the Nobel laureate for Literature in 1998, renowned for his novels such as "Baltasar and Blimunda" and "The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis."

2. Jorge Queiroz (born 1976), a Brazilian footballer who played as a goalkeeper and represented several European clubs throughout his career, including Porto, Valencia, and Sporting Lisbon. He was also part of the Portugal national team during UEFA Euro 2004, where they won the tournament.

3. Antonio Queiroz (born 1956), a Brazilian journalist and news anchor who has worked for Globo News since its inception in 2002. He is known for his work on the political talk show "Fantástico."

4. Carlos Queiroz (born 1953), a Portuguese football manager and former player, widely recognized for managing Portugal during UEFA Euro 2004 and Iran since 2011. As an assistant coach, he worked under Alex Ferguson at Manchester United from 2002 to 2008.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields: literature, sports, journalism, and football management, establishing themselves as prominent figures bearing the surname Queiroz.

Genealogical research on the last name Queiros

The surname Queiros is of Portuguese origin, dating back to medieval times. It derives from the Old Portuguese word "queira" which means "chestnut tree". This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a chestnut tree or whose family property included such a tree.

Over time, the Queiros family dispersed across Portugal and its colonies. A prominent branch of this family settled in Brazil during the 16th century, where they played significant roles in the colonial administration, military, and religious institutions. Other branches remained in Portugal, contributing to various fields such as literature, politics, and science.

The Queiros family also migrated to other parts of the world due to historical events like colonization and wars. In North America, for instance, they are found in countries like Canada and the United States, particularly in areas with large Portuguese communities, such as Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts.

Today, the Queiros surname is common not only in Portugal but also among Portuguese descendants worldwide, reflecting the diaspora of this family over centuries. Genealogical research on the Queiros family provides insights into their historical migration patterns, cultural influences, and contributions to society across different geographies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Queiros"
• 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 : 12 June 2025