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Last Name Rego

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What is the origin of the last name Rego?

The surname Rego is of Portuguese origin. It derives from the word "rego," which means "steady" or "solid" in Portuguese. This surname was often given to individuals who were considered steady or dependable by their community. The surname has been widely distributed across Portugal and its former colonies, particularly Brazil, due to migration and colonization over the centuries.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Rego

The surname Rego is of Portuguese origin, derived from the preposition "de" (meaning 'of' or 'from') followed by the word "rego," which refers to a high, rocky or steep place. This geographical name was often used as a locative surname for someone who lived on such terrain. The Rego surname is commonly found in Portugal and Brazil, where it has been used since medieval times. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to various factors such as phonetic changes, migration, and regional dialects. Variations of this surname include De Rego, Da Rego, and Régio, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rego

The surname Rego is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil, due to their shared linguistic heritage. Within Portugal, it is most common in regions such as Minho, Braga, and Porto in the north, and Algarve in the south. In Brazil, it is particularly prevalent in the southeastern states like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. The name also has a presence in African countries with Portuguese colonization history, such as Angola and Mozambique, as well as in Goa (India), due to Portuguese colonial influence. In addition, there are communities of Portuguese descent carrying the Rego surname in various parts of the Americas, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, primarily due to migration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rego

The surname Rego has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common spelling variants include Reygo, Regoe, Regou, Regow, Riego, Rhego, Regau, Raggo, Regough, and de Rego. These variations may also appear as hyphenated names, such as da Rego or do Rego, which are more commonly found in Portuguese-speaking countries like Portugal and Brazil. The name Rego is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word "rego" meaning "dry" or "arid." It can be traced back to various historical figures with the surname, such as Dom João de Rego, a medieval nobleman in Portugal, and António Augusto de Sousa Rego, a Portuguese statesman and writer from the 19th century.

Famous people with the last name Rego

Notable individuals bearing the surname Rego include:

Amélia Rego, a Portuguese actress and singer, best known for her roles in various Portuguese television series such as "Morangos com Açúcar" and "Sonhos Quebrados."

Graciela Iturbide, born María de los Ángeles Graciela Iturbide Rego, a Mexican photographer who gained international recognition for her evocative black-and-white images of indigenous cultures, colonial architecture, and themes related to death. Her work has been exhibited worldwide and she is considered one of the most important photographers in Mexico's contemporary history.

Anna Kournikova, born Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova Reguo, a Russian-born American former professional tennis player known for her good looks as much as her athletic abilities, reaching a career-high ranking of 8 in singles and 16 in doubles by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). Despite never winning a WTA singles title, Kournikova's popularity led to numerous endorsements and appearances in various media outlets.

These individuals, each renowned in their respective fields, have made significant contributions to entertainment, art, and sports, cementing the Rego surname as one associated with success and achievement.

Genealogical research on the last name Rego

The surname Rego originates from Portugal and is derived from the occupational name "Rei," meaning king, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a royal residence, castle, or palace. Variations of this name include Reis, Rey, and Ray. The name can be traced back to the 15th century in Portugal, with early records showing the presence of several Rego families in the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Estremadura. Some notable individuals bearing this surname include Portuguese explorer Diogo de Rego, who was a member of the expedition led by Vasco da Gama to India, and Brazilian football player Alexandre Pato, whose full name is Álex Sandro Rodrigues dos Santos Rego Ferreira de Souza. The surname has also spread globally due to Portuguese migration, particularly to Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and other former Portuguese colonies.

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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