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Last Name Siqueira-santos

What is the origin of the last name Siqueira-santos?

The surname Siqueira-Santos has Portuguese origins. It is a composite surname that comes from two separate Portuguese surnames: Siqueira and Santos. The surname Siqueira originates from the medieval Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Northern Portugal, where it was given as a toponymic name to someone who lived near a cork oak tree or a mill made of cork (in Portuguese "siqueira"). Santos, on the other hand, is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and Brazil. It originates from the Latin word sanctus, meaning "holy," and was often given as an occupational name to someone who worked at a church or monastery, or as a religious name to someone named after a Christian saint. In Portuguese-speaking countries, it is common for people to have composite surnames, made up of multiple family names, inherited from both parents. Siqueira-Santos is an example of such a composite surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Siqueira-santos

The meaning and origin of the last name Siqueira-santos

The surname Siqueira-Santos is a composite Portuguese name, formed by combining two distinct family names, "Siqueira" and "Santos."

The root word "Siqueira" originates from the Old Portuguese term "siquiera," which meant "stonecutter" or "mason." This surname was often given to individuals who worked in stone crafting trades. Over time, it evolved into its modern form due to various spelling and pronunciation modifications.

On the other hand, "Santos" is a common Portuguese patronymic name that originated from the word for "saint" in Latin. It was often given as a religious surname or to honor a saint.

Composite names such as Siqueira-Santos became popular during the migration of Portuguese people, especially to South America, where they combined family names as a way of preserving their cultural identity while adhering to local naming customs.

Geographical distribution of the last name Siqueira-santos

The surname Siqueira-Santos is predominantly found in Brazil, with a significant concentration in the southeastern region, particularly in the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. This double-barreled name is a fusion of two distinct Portuguese surnames: "Siqueira," which originates from the town Siqueira in Minas Gerais and refers to someone who lived near a granite outcrop, and "Santos," meaning 'of the saints.' The combined name Siqueira-Santos is common among Brazilians of Portuguese descent. Additionally, there are smaller populations bearing this surname in Portugal due to historical migration flows.

Variants and spellings of the last name Siqueira-santos

The surname Siqueira-Santos has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and local conventions. Some common variations include: Siquiera Santos, Siqueiras Santos, Siqueyra Santos, Siqueyras Santos, Sikiera Santos, Sikiyera Santos, and Sikiyra Santos. The hyphenated form Siqueira-Santos is the most common in English, while in Portuguese it may be written as Siqueira de Santos or Santos Siqueira without a hyphen. These variations reflect changes in spelling rules over time, regional dialects, and individual preferences. It's essential to consider these factors when researching family history or genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Siqueira-santos

Notable individuals with the surname Siqueira-Santos include:

1. Carlos Alberto Siqueira Santos (born 1962), a Brazilian journalist, author, and television host. He has worked for several media outlets in Brazil and is known for his investigative journalism.

2. Luiz Felipe Siqueira Santos (born 1983), also known as Zezé Siqueira, a Brazilian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He represented teams like Botafogo, Fluminense, and Corinthians in the Brasileirão.

3. Luiz Siqueira Santos (born 1952), a Brazilian economist who served as the President of the Inter-American Development Bank from 2005 to 2015. He is known for his work in development economics and international finance.

4. Raul Siqueira Santos, a Brazilian politician who was the Mayor of Campinas, São Paulo, between 2009 and 2016. Prior to that, he served as a federal deputy from 2003 to 2009.

Genealogical research on the last name Siqueira-santos

The Siqueira-Santos surname is a Portuguese patronymic originating from two distinct components: "Siqueira," derived from the personal name Sebastião, and "Santos," meaning saint or holy. The name's variation with a hyphen likely emerged due to the frequent occurrence of these two names in Portuguese families.

Tracing back to Portugal, records indicate that the Siqueira family originated from Minas Gerais, while Santos is prevalent across various regions due to its widespread use as a Christian name. The combination of Siqueira-Santos likely emerged during the colonization of Brazil when Portuguese immigrants settled in the New World.

In Brazil, the Siqueira-Santos surname gained popularity, particularly in states like Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, where many Portuguese settlers initially resided. Over time, the name's variants, such as Siquiera Santos or Siqueiros Santos, may have emerged due to dialectical differences, spelling errors, or personal preference.

Genealogical research on the Siqueira-Santos family can uncover a rich history of immigration, assimilation, and cultural blending that spans centuries and continents. As with any genealogical investigation, accurate findings rely heavily on meticulous record keeping and thorough exploration of archives and historical documents from both Portugal and Brazil.

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 : 31 July 2025

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