NomOrigine Background

Last Name Rua

What is the origin of the last name Rua?

The surname Rua is of Portuguese origin. It comes from the word "rua," which means "street" in Portuguese. This surname was often given to people who lived near a street or marketplace. In some cases, it may have been used as a nickname for someone who was thought to be lively and bustling, like a busy city street. The name has since spread beyond Portugal, with many variations existing in different countries due to spelling differences and changes over time.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Rua

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

Free Gift!

Receive your Surname Origin Certificate valued at 16.95 $ for free with every purchase of your full surname origin.

Certificat d'Origine en haute qualité
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rua

The meaning and origin of the last name Rua

The surname Rua has its origins in various countries, including Portugal, Spain, and Italy, where it is commonly found. In Portuguese and Spanish, "Rua" means "street," reflecting the possible occupation of an individual who lived near or worked on a street or marketplace. Alternatively, it could have been used as a topographical name for someone who resided beside such a place. The Italian version, "Via," shares similar origins, referring to a road or street. Over time, the surname Rua has spread globally through immigration and assimilation, taking on different pronunciations in various languages but retaining its original meaning and origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rua

The surname Rua is predominantly distributed across Portugal and Brazil, reflecting the historical links between these two countries. In Portugal, it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames, with a significant concentration in the northern regions such as Porto, Braga, and Viana do Castelo. This may be due to the town of Rua de Reis, located in Vila Nova de Famalicão, which could have contributed to the widespread use of the name.

In Brazil, the surname Rua is also relatively common, particularly in the southeastern states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. This can be attributed to the large number of Portuguese immigrants who settled in these regions during the 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing their ancestral names with them. Additionally, smaller populations of individuals bearing the Rua surname can be found in other parts of Brazil and throughout the Portuguese-speaking world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rua

The surname Rua has multiple variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common spelling variations of the Portuguese last name "Rua" include: Ruah, Ruas, Rual, Ruals, Roa, Roe, Rowe, and even Ruahs (plural) in English-speaking countries. Additionally, it may also be found as Rue in French-speaking regions or Riutá in the Basque language. These variations arise due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, or regional dialects over time.

Famous people with the last name Rua

The Rua surname is associated with several distinguished individuals across various fields. In the realm of sports, Pelé, known as O Rei do Futebol (The King of Football) in Brazil, is one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. As a professional footballer, he won three World Cups with the Brazilian national team and is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. In literature, Clarice Lispector, born Claire de Rua, was a prominent Brazilian novelist and short-story writer, known for her exploration of philosophical themes in her works. Born in Ukraine, she moved to Brazil at an early age and became one of the country's most important literary figures. In the world of art, Lygia Pape, also born Rua, was a Brazilian artist known for her innovative works that blurred the boundaries between art and life. Her pieces often focused on participation and interaction with the viewer, making her a significant figure in Brazilian modern art.

Genealogical research on the last name Rua

The surname Rua originates from Portugal and Spain, where it is believed to have derived from the Latin word "via" meaning "road" or "street." Over time, this occupational name was given to someone who lived on such a road or worked as a keeper of a road.

The earliest documented occurrences of the name Rua can be traced back to medieval records in Portugal and Spain. In the 15th century, Portuguese records show a "Pedro Ruas" from Coimbra, while a record from Toledo, Spain, dating to 1482, lists a "Gonzalo Ruiz."

During the Age of Discovery, many individuals with the surname Rua emigrated from Portugal and Spain, settling in various parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. For instance, in Brazil, the name Rua is quite common due to Portuguese colonization. In the United States, the Rua family can be found primarily in New England and along the East Coast, with concentrations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.

The diversity of its origins and widespread distribution have made genealogical research on the surname Rua a complex and fascinating endeavor for those seeking their family history.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Ruaia (Last name)

surnames > ruaia

The last name Ruaia is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "Rovere" which means oak tree in Italian. Oak trees were used as symbols of strength and endurance in ancient ...

Ruallo (Last name)

surnames > ruallo

The surname "Ruallo" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "ruelo," which means a small piece of land. It is possible that the surname originated as a topograph...

Ruamps (Last name)

surnames > ruamps

There is no specific origin or meaning associated with the last name "Ruamps." It does not appear to have a common or well-documented history. It is possible that the name is a var...

Ruano (Last name)

surnames > ruano

The surname Ruano is of Spanish origin. It derives from the Old Spanish personal name "Ruano," which was a diminutive form of the name "Rodrigo." The name Rodrigo itself means "fam...

Ruar (Last name)

surnames > ruar

The last name Ruar is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'ruwe', meaning rough or rude.

Ruaro (Last name)

surnames > ruaro

The last name Ruaro is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "ruaro", which means a kind of wooden staircase in the Veneto region of northern Italy. This last name likely ...

Ruau (Last name)

surnames > ruau

The last name Ruau is of French origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "roux" which means "red" or "red-haired". The name may have originally been used to de...

Ruault (Last name)

surnames > ruault

The last name "Ruault" is French in origin. It is derived from the Old French given name "Ruald" or "Rolland," which means "renowned land" or "fame of the land." Over time, the nam...