NomOrigine Background

Last Name Saraiva

What is the origin of the last name Saraiva?

The last name Saraiva is of Portuguese origin. It is believed to be a habitational surname derived from the word "saravia," which refers to a piece of uncultivated land or wilderness. This surname may have been used to describe someone who lived near or owned such land. It is a relatively common surname in Portugal and may have been adopted by various families over time.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Saraiva

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
🎁 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 Saraiva

The meaning and origin of the last name Saraiva

Saraiva is a Portuguese surname derived from the word "saraiva," meaning hailstorm in Portuguese. It is believed to have originated in the northern region of Portugal where hailstorms are more common. The surname may have been used to describe someone who lived in an area prone to hailstorms or who experienced a particularly severe hailstorm. Alternatively, it could have been given to someone who had a strong or forceful personality, akin to the impact of a hailstorm. As a surname, Saraiva is found predominantly in Portugal and Brazil, where Portuguese influence is significant. Today, individuals with the surname Saraiva can be found around the world, often with roots tracing back to the Iberian Peninsula.

Geographical distribution of the last name Saraiva

Saraiva is a surname of Portuguese origin, primarily found in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, the surname is most commonly found in the northern regions such as Porto and Braga, as well as in Lisbon and Coimbra. In Brazil, which has a large population of Portuguese descent, the surname is prevalent in various states including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. Due to historical ties between Portugal and Brazil, the Saraiva surname has spread to other countries with large Portuguese-speaking populations, such as Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. Additionally, there are individuals bearing the surname Saraiva in various parts of the world as a result of Portuguese emigration and globalization. Overall, Saraiva is a surname with a strong presence in Portuguese-speaking regions, particularly in Portugal and Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Saraiva

The last name Saraiva can be spelled in various ways depending on regional or personal preferences. Some common variations include Seraiva, Sareva, Sarva, Sariba, Serriva, Saravea, and Sareyva. These variations may have originated from different linguistic influences or historical changes in the spelling of the surname. Despite the different spellings, all variations typically stem from the same Portuguese origin. The name Saraiva itself is derived from the Portuguese word "saraivada," meaning "a heavy shower or downpour of rain." As a result, individuals with the last name Saraiva or its variations may have ancestors who were associated with farming, agriculture, or even a region known for frequent rain showers. Overall, the variations in the spelling of Saraiva add richness and diversity to the history and heritage of individuals with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Saraiva

One famous person with the last name Saraiva is singer and actress Vanessa Saraiva. Known for her powerful vocals and engaging performances, Vanessa has become a popular figure in the entertainment industry. She has released multiple hit songs and albums, and has also starred in several successful films and television shows. Vanessa's talent and charisma have earned her a dedicated fan base and numerous accolades throughout her career. In addition to her musical and acting endeavors, Vanessa is also a well-respected philanthropist, using her platform to support various charitable causes and organizations. Overall, Vanessa Saraiva is a talented and multifaceted artist who continues to make a significant impact in the world of entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Saraiva

The last name Saraiva originates from Portugal, specifically from the region of Minho. The name is derived from the word "sara" which means "holy" in Arabic and "vaira" which means "farm" or "land" in Portuguese. The first recorded instance of the surname Saraiva dates back to the 13th century, when a family by the name of Saraiva was granted a coat of arms by King Dinis of Portugal. Over the centuries, the Saraiva family spread to other regions of Portugal and eventually to Brazil, where the name is still prominent today. Genealogical research on the surname Saraiva has shown that the family has strong ties to the nobility and clergy in Portugal, with several prominent figures in both fields bearing the name. Today, descendants of the Saraiva family can be found all over the world, maintaining their rich heritage and traditions.

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 April 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

Sar (Last name)

surnames > sar

The last name "Sar" has origins in multiple cultures, each with different meanings and origins. 1. Turkish: In Turkish, "Sar" is a relatively common surname meaning "blond" or "fa...

Sar an (Last name)

surnames > sar-an

The origins of the surname "Sar an" are not definitively known, but it is believed to have Turkish roots. "Sar" is a Turkish word meaning "yellow," while "an" is a common suffix in...

Sar kar (Last name)

surnames > sar-kar

The last name "Sar Kar" is of Bengali origin. It is derived from the Bengali words meaning "head" or "top" combined with "maker" or "creator," and is commonly used as a surname in ...

Sar mujib (Last name)

surnames > sar-mujib

The last name Sar Mujib likely originates from South Asia. Sar is a common surname in Pakistan and Mujib could be derived from the Arabic name Mujib, meaning "responsive" or "answe...

Sar teka (Last name)

surnames > sar-teka

The surname "Sar Teka" is likely of Indonesian or Malaysian origin. The name may be a combination of a traditional Malay or Indonesian word "Sar" and "Teka," which could have vario...

Sara (Last name)

surnames > sara

The surname Sara has multiple origins. In some cases, it may be a short form of Sarah, which is a feminine given name with Hebrew origins, meaning "lady" or "princess". In other c...

Sặra (Last name)

surnames > s-ra

The last name "Sra" is of Indian origin, specifically from the Punjabi and Sikh communities. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "sri" meaning "resplendent" or "radiant."

Sara abraham (Last name)

surnames > sara-abraham

The surname "Abraham" is of Hebrew origin, derived from the personal name "Avraham," meaning "father of many nations" or "father of a multitude." It is a common Jewish surname and ...

Sara ahmed (Last name)

surnames > sara-ahmed

The last name Ahmed originates from Arabic and is derived from the personal name Ahmed, which means "highly praised" or "one who constantly thanks God" in Arabic. It is a common na...

Sara balay (Last name)

surnames > sara-balay

The last name Sara Balay is of Filipino origin. Sara is a common surname in the Philippines and Balay is a word in the Cebuano language, which means "house" or "home".

Sara ethiopia (Last name)

surnames > sara-ethiopia

The last name "Sara" likely originates from Ethiopia. It is a common Ethiopian surname and may have various meanings and historical origins within the cultural context of Ethiopia.

Sara fikire (Last name)

surnames > sara-fikire

The last name "Sara Fikire" appears to have origins in Ethiopia. The name "Sara" is a common Amharic (the official language of Ethiopia) name, while "Fikire" means "love" or "lovin...

Sara george (Last name)

surnames > sara-george

The surname "Sara George" is likely of English origin. The name "Sara" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "princess," while "George" is of Greek origin, meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker...

Sara hana (Last name)

surnames > sara-hana

The last name "Sara" is of Arabic origin, meaning "happy" or "joyful." The last name "Hana" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "grace" or "favor."

Sara jbril (Last name)

surnames > sara-jbril

The last name Sara Jbril appears to have Arabic origins. "Sara" is a common Arabic first name meaning "pure" or "radiant", while "Jbril" is likely a variation of the Arabic name "G...