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Last Name Queiroz

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What is the origin of the last name Queiroz?

The surname Queiroz is of Portuguese origin. It comes from the word "queijo" which means cheese in Portuguese. This surname was often given to people who were involved in the production and selling of cheese or lived near a place where cheese was made. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and it's possible for individuals with the same last name to have different ancestries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Queiroz

The meaning and origin of the last name Queiroz

The surname Queiroz is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old Portuguese word "queiru" which means chestnut. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a grove or tree with chestnuts. The name may also have been an occupational name for someone who gathered and sold chestnuts. The name Queiroz has been widely distributed in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries due to migration and colonization over the centuries. In modern times, it is one of the most common surnames in both Portugal and Brazil.

Geographical distribution of the last name Queiroz

The surname Queiroz is predominantly associated with Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil and Portugal, due to its Portuguese origin. In Brazil, it is one of the most common surnames, primarily concentrated in the northeastern states such as Bahia, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Norte, reflecting the region's historical ties to Portugal. The name also appears in Portugal itself, although less frequently compared to Brazil. Beyond these countries, Queiroz can be found among Portuguese diaspora communities in other parts of the world, including Angola, Mozambique, and other former Portuguese colonies, as well as in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, where Portuguese immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Queiroz

The surname Queiroz has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Quieroz, Keyroz, Kierozi, Keiruz, Queyroz, Keyrouz, and Kairoz. These variations may be found in different countries and among individuals of Portuguese, Brazilian, or other origins. The original spelling is believed to be derived from the Portuguese word "queijo," meaning cheese, which was a common surname given to individuals associated with the cheese trade. Regardless of its spelling, Queiroz is a widely recognized name in Portugal, Brazil, and elsewhere.

Famous people with the last name Queiroz

Notable individuals sharing the surname Queiroz include:

1. Alex Queiroz (born 1983), Portuguese footballer who played as a defender for several clubs including FC Porto and Real Madrid.

2. Andre Queiroz (born 1975), Brazilian-American mathematician, known for his work in combinatorics and algebraic geometry.

3. Carlos Queiroz (born 1953), Portuguese football manager who has managed teams such as Real Madrid, Manchester United, and the Portugal and Iran national teams.

4. Cristina Queiroz (born 1960), Brazilian writer, known for her novels "Casa de Areia" and "O Menino que Ligava Portões," which earned her the Camilo Castelo Branco Prize in 2008.

5. João Queiroz (1747–1824), Portuguese baroque painter, known for his portraits and historical paintings.

6. José Queiroz (born 1934), Brazilian architect and urban planner, who is a pioneer in the use of ecological design principles in urban planning.

Genealogical research on the last name Queiroz

The surname Queiroz is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the Occitan word "quiros," meaning "curly-haired." It's a common surname among Portuguese speakers, particularly in Portugal, Brazil, and some African countries due to colonization and migration.

The Queiroz family can be traced back to the 15th century in Portugal, with the first recorded instance of the name being João Peres Queiroz, who lived in the late 1400s. The family initially hailed from the Minho region in northern Portugal.

In Brazil, the Queiroz family arrived during the Portuguese colonial period, and they played significant roles in various aspects of Brazilian history. Notable figures include José Inácio Queiroz, a Brazilian statesman who served as the first President of the Provincia do Rio de Janeiro, and Sister Dulce Queiroz, a Roman Catholic nun known for her work with the poor and marginalized.

Today, the Queiroz surname is widespread across both Portugal and Brazil, with variations such as Quirós and Kuehros also found in other parts of the world due to migration and assimilation.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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