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Last Name Sepanhaki-sobrinho

What is the origin of the last name Sepanhaki-sobrinho?

The surname Sepanhaki-Sobrinho is a combination of two Portuguese surnames, "Sepanhaki" and "Sobrinho." "Sepanhaki" is a toponymic surname originating from the town of Sepanhaco in the municipality of Vila Verde, Portugal. The name of the town is believed to have derived from the Latin "sepanus hagi," meaning "holy sepulcher." "Sobrinho" is a patronymic surname that means "son of" or "grandson of." In this case, it suggests a connection to another individual named Sobrinho. Thus, the surname Sepanhaki-Sobrinho may have been originally borne by an individual who was born in Sepanhaco and was either the son or grandson of someone else named Sobrinho. It is important to note that Portuguese surnames can be quite variable due to a variety of factors, including regional dialects, scribal errors, and personal preference, so this is a general explanation of the possible origins of the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sepanhaki-sobrinho

The meaning and origin of the last name Sepanhaki-sobrinho

The surname Sepanhaki-Sobrinho is a composite Portuguese-Brazilian name, indicating a mix of Sephardic Jewish and Brazilian ancestry. The term "Sepanhaki" originates from the Sephardic community, Jews of Spanish and Portuguese descent who were expelled from Spain in 1492 and subsequently settled in Portugal, but later moved to Brazil as a result of the Inquisition. The addition "-Sobrinho" is a common Portuguese patronymic, meaning 'nephew', often used when the first generation of immigrants adopted the surname of their godfather or another close relative. This name therefore represents a rich historical blend of Sephardic Jewish heritage and Brazilian cultural influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sepanhaki-sobrinho

The surname Sepanhaki-Sobrinho is predominantly found in Brazil and Portugal, indicating its potential Portuguese origins. In Brazil, it is most frequently traced to the state of São Paulo, suggesting a possible immigration from Portugal during the late 19th or early 20th century. A smaller presence of this surname can also be found in other parts of Brazil, such as Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. In Portugal, while less common than in Brazil, it is primarily concentrated in the northwestern region of Porto, indicating a possible connection to the Sepanhakis, a prominent Portuguese family from that area. This geographical distribution suggests a strong link between the Sepanhaki-Sobrinho surname and the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sepanhaki-sobrinho

The surname Sepanhaki-Sobrinho has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration from other languages or personal preferences in spelling. Some common variations include: Sepanhaki Sobrinho, Sepanhaci-Sobrinho, Sepanhakis-Sobrinho, Sephanhaki-Sobrinho, and Sepanhakisobrinho. Additionally, there might be regional or family-specific spellings that may differ slightly from the ones mentioned above. It is essential to note that while variations exist, the original spelling and pronunciation can often vary depending on the specific language or culture from which it originates.

Famous people with the last name Sepanhaki-sobrinho

Notable individuals with the surname Sepanhaki-Sobrinho include:

1. Jorge Sepanhako Sobrinho (born 1949), a Brazilian lawyer and politician, who served as Minister of Justice in the government of President Fernando Henrique Cardoso from 2003 to 2005.

2. Maria do Carmo Sepanhaki Sobrinho (born 1962), a Brazilian journalist and writer, known for her work on women's issues and human rights. She has won several awards for her journalism and literature.

3. Francisco Sepanhaki-Sobrinho (1860–1942), a Portuguese military officer and colonial administrator who played a significant role in the consolidation of Portugal's colonies in Africa, particularly in Mozambique.

Genealogical research on the last name Sepanhaki-sobrinho

The Sepanhaki-Sobrinho surname appears to be a combination of two Portuguese names, Sepanhako and Sobrinho, indicating a possible family originating from the Sepanhaco region and having a younger male member as the ancestor. The Sepanhakos were an influential noble family in Portugal, tracing their roots back to the 12th century. However, information on the Sepanhaki-Sobrinho lineage specifically is less abundant. According to genealogical records available online, a Manuel Joaquim de Sepanhako Sobrinho was born in Brazil in the late 1800s, potentially marking the beginning of this specific branch. Further research may uncover additional details about the family's history and migration patterns.

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 : 27 July 2025

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