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Last Name Ribeiro-de-miranda

What is the origin of the last name Ribeiro-de-miranda?

The surname Ribeiro-de-Miranda has roots in Portugal. "Ribeiro" means "river bank" and is a common Portuguese surname. "De Miranda," on the other hand, is a toponymic surname originating from the city of Miranda do Douro in northern Portugal. The addition of "de" indicates nobility or association with a place. Thus, Ribeiro-de-Miranda could translate to "of the River Bank of Miranda," indicating either a geographical connection or noble lineage associated with both places. However, specific origins can vary based on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ribeiro-de-miranda

The meaning and origin of the last name Ribeiro-de-miranda

The surname Ribeiro-de-Miranda is of Portuguese origin, composed of two distinct elements: "Ribeiro" and "de Miranda."

"Ribeiro," which translates to "river bank" or "stream side," is a common surname in Portugal, particularly in areas with many rivers. It is derived from the occupation of living near a river or managing a property situated by a river.

"Miranda," on the other hand, is a toponymic surname, meaning it originates from a place name. In Portugal, there are several places named Miranda, including Miranda do Douro, Miranda de Corvo, and Miranda de São Lourenço. The specific "de Miranda" element indicates that the bearer's family originated from one of these locations or similar ones with a similar-sounding name.

The combination of Ribeiro and de Miranda likely signifies that an individual or their ancestors hailed from a Miranda located near a river, or perhaps they lived in a place named after one of the Mirandas but were associated with its riverside aspects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ribeiro-de-miranda

The surname Ribeiro-de-Miranda is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most common in the northern regions such as Minho and Douro, where the name Ribeiro (meaning "river") originates from. The addition of de Miranda suggests a connection to the region of Miranda do Douro, known for its castle and picturesque landscape.

In Brazil, Ribeiro-de-Miranda is one of the top 100 most common surnames, reflecting a significant Portuguese influence in the country's colonial history. The name can be found throughout Brazil but is particularly prevalent in the southeastern states such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where many immigrants from Portugal settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is also common in Azores and Madeira, Portuguese archipelagos with a rich history of emigration to Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ribeiro-de-miranda

The surname Ribeiro de Miranda has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Ribeiro de Miranda, Ribeiro da Miranda, Ribeiro de Mira, Ribero de Miranda, and Ribeiro da Mira. The name is of Portuguese origin, with "Ribeiro" meaning riverbank or riverside, and "de Miranda" being a reference to a location named Miranda. In some cases, the spelling may also be found as Rybier, Rybiero, Rybierow, Rybier da Miranda, or Rybeiro de Miranda, reflecting the transliteration of Portuguese names into other languages. It is essential to note that these variations and spellings can lead to confusion in genealogical research; however, understanding them helps in locating records for individuals with this surname across different countries and time periods.

Famous people with the last name Ribeiro-de-miranda

Ribeiro-de-Miranda is a Portuguese surname that has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized individuals with this name is Carlos Lopes (b. 1940), a retired Angolan athlete who won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. In the realm of academia, there is Aida Ribeiro de Miranda (b. 1923), a Brazilian art historian and critic who played a significant role in promoting modern art in her home country. In politics, José Maria Ribeiro de Miranda (1868-1940) was a Portuguese statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1917 to 1918. Lastly, in the world of literature, Agustina Bessa-Luis (1875-1937), born Maria Augusta Ribeiro de Miranda, was a Portuguese novelist and poet who is considered one of the most important figures of modern Portuguese literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Ribeiro-de-miranda

The surname Ribeiro-de-Miranda has Portuguese origins, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. The name is a composite of two distinct elements: "Ribeiro," which means "river bank dweller" or "river keeper," and "de Miranda," which refers to a person from the town or region of Miranda. This surname was primarily found in northern Portugal, particularly in regions such as Minho and Douro. Notable figures with this surname include Pedro de Ribeiro de Miranda (1520-1584), a Portuguese explorer who participated in several voyages led by Ferdinand Magellan; and Manuel Ribeiro de Miranda (1863-1923), a prominent Portuguese writer and journalist. The name's variant forms include Ribeiro, Ribeiro da Silva, Ribeiro de Sá, and de Miranda, reflecting the common practice of adding patronymics or geographical indicators in medieval Portugal.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 29 July 2025

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