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Last Name Salgado

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What is the origin of the last name Salgado?

The last name Salgado is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the word "salgado," which means salted in both languages. This surname was often given to someone who lived near a salty area or whose occupation involved salt. The name is also found in some Jewish families as a variant of the Hebrew name Shlomo, meaning peaceable. The earliest known records of the name Salgado can be traced back to medieval Spain and Portugal.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Salgado

The surname Salgado is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "sal" (salt) and the suffix "-gadus" or "-gado," which means "one who catches fish with salt." This surname was often given to a fisherman who used salt in his trade, as the salt helped to preserve the catch. The name may also have been given to someone who lived near a source of salt, such as a salt mine or a saltwater coast. Over time, this Spanish patronymic has spread across various regions due to migration and assimilation, becoming a common surname in Latin America, Portugal, and other Spanish-speaking countries. Today, the Salgado family name is found worldwide among descendants of Spanish and Portuguese immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Salgado

The surname Salgado has a significant presence across several regions predominantly within Latin America and Portugal. In Latin America, it is most common in countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba, where it ranks among the top 200 surnames in each. The name also appears frequently in other Spanish-speaking nations such as Argentina, Chile, and Peru. In Portugal, Salgado is a relatively common surname, reflecting its historical roots. Outside of these regions, there are sizeable communities of Portuguese descendants in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia where the name can also be found. The distribution pattern suggests a shared origin in either Iberia or Latin America, with migrations and colonization playing significant roles in dispersing the name globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Salgado

The surname Salgado has several variations and spellings due to regional differences and historical factors. Common variations include Salgaado, Salgadoo, Salgadou, Salguero, Salgueiro, and Zalgaado, among others. These variations are mainly due to phonetic changes over time or regional dialects. The name is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "sal" meaning salt, and "gado" meaning livestock or herd, possibly referring to a salt-rich area where livestock grazed. It is predominantly found in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, with the largest number of bearers in Brazil. The name is also popular in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and the United States due to immigration.

Famous people with the last name Salgado

Notable individuals sharing the surname Salgado include Sebastião Salgado (born 1944), a renowned Brazilian photographer known for his works documenting social issues and environmental changes around the world. His book "Genesis," published in 2013, is considered one of his most successful projects, showcasing breathtaking landscapes devoid of human presence. Another prominent figure is Lola Salgado (born 1974), a Mexican-American actress and singer who gained fame for her roles in telenovelas such as "La Reina del Sur" and "El Señor de los Cielos." Lastly, Wagner Salgado (born 1985), a Brazilian footballer, has played professionally for teams like Fenerbahçe S.K., São Paulo F.C., and the Brazil national team. These individuals exemplify diverse talents within the Salgado family.

Genealogical research on the last name Salgado

The surname Salgado originates from Portugal and Spain, derived from the occupational name for a salt maker (in Portuguese and Galician) or a person who lived near a salty marsh or lake (in Spanish). The first recorded use of the name dates back to medieval times in both countries. In Portugal, the name was most commonly found in the northern regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Douro, with notable Salgado families residing in cities such as Braga, Viana do Castelo, and Porto. In Spain, significant populations of Salgados can be traced to Galicia, particularly in La Coruña, Pontevedra, and A Coruña provinces. As emigration increased during the 16th to 19th centuries due to political and economic instability, many Salgado families relocated to South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru, where the name remains prevalent today. In North America, the largest concentrations of the Salgado family can be found in California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

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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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