What is the origin of the last name Realinho?

The surname "Realinho" is of Portuguese origin. It is a diminutive of the word "Rei," which means king in Portuguese. Therefore, "Realinho" could be a nickname or surname given to someone believed to have characteristics resembling a king, such as being powerful, majestic, or regal. This surname may also have been used as a form of patronymic, indicating that the original bearer was related to someone named Rei.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Realinho

The meaning and origin of the last name Realinho

The surname Realinho is of Portuguese origin, specifically derived from the region of Minho in northern Portugal. The name is a diminutive form of "Rei," which means "king" in Portuguese. It is believed to have been given as a nickname to someone who was considered as having a regal or majestic bearing. Over time, it became a hereditary surname for various families in the region. Today, Realinho can be found among the Portuguese diaspora worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Realinho

The surname Realinho is predominantly found in Portugal, particularly within the region of Madeira, an archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa that is part of Portugal. Its high concentration suggests it may have originated from this region. In addition, some instances of the surname can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Angola due to historical migration patterns. The name's etymology suggests a connection to real or royal properties, being derived from the Portuguese words "real" meaning royal, and "-inho," a diminutive suffix. This linguistic origin further supports its association with Madeira, where the noble title of Senhor dos Rêis (Lord of the Kings) was historically granted.

Variants and spellings of the last name Realinho

The surname Realinho has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include:

1. Realinho - This is one of the most commonly used forms, derived from the Portuguese language, meaning 'little king.'
2. Realinho - A spelling variation with an additional 'a' in the middle, which could be found in different regions or contexts.
3. Realinhoo - An alternative spelling that might result from phonetic transcription of the original Portuguese name into English, though it may be less common.
4. Realinhou - A possible misspelling or typographical error of the original Portuguese surname, but not commonly found.
5. Releinhos - This is a plural form of Realinho, which could potentially arise in contexts where multiple family members share the same name. However, it's less likely to be used as a personal surname.

Famous people with the last name Realinho

Notable individuals with the surname Realinho, which translates to "little king" in Portuguese, include:

1. Eduardo dos Santos Realinho (born 1942), an Angolan politician who served as Prime Minister of Angola from 1992 to 2002 under President José Eduardo dos Santos.

2. Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Realinho (born 1967), known professionally as Zé Real, a Portuguese football manager and former player who managed several top-tier clubs in Europe.

3. João Ricardo Correia Realinho (born 1980), a Portuguese retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs in Portugal and abroad. He is also a television presenter and sports analyst.

4. Bruno José Realinho, a Brazilian actor who has appeared in several popular Brazilian soap operas, such as "Malhação" and "Verdades Secretas."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of politics, football, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Realinho

The surname Realinho is predominantly found in Portugal and is believed to be derived from the Portuguese word "real" meaning royal or regal, indicating a noble lineage. One notable individual with this surname is José de Almeida Realinho, a renowned Portuguese mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of differential geometry. The earliest known records of the Realinho family date back to the 16th century in the Portuguese region of Minho. The family's genealogy exhibits a history of various professions including agriculture, military service, and academia, suggesting a diverse background. Notable branches of the Realinho family can be traced to regions such as Porto, Braga, and Viana do Castelo in Portugal. Further research may uncover additional details about the lineage's origins, migrations, and notable figures throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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