Last Name Soares

Learn more about the origin of the last name Soares

The meaning and origin of the last name Soares

The surname Soares is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the medieval personal name Soeiro, which itself originates from the Latin word Surius. The name Soares is a patronymic surname, meaning that it is formed by adding the suffix "-es" to the end of a father's name, indicating "son of Soeiro." It is a fairly common surname in Portugal and is also found among Portuguese-speaking populations in Brazil and other parts of the world. The name Soares has existed for centuries and was likely originally used to identify individuals based on their familial connections or lineage. Over time, it has become a well-established surname that carries with it a sense of identity and heritage for those who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Soares

The last name Soares is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil due to historical and cultural factors. In Portugal, Soares is a fairly common surname, particularly in the central and northern regions. It is believed to have originated from the medieval Portuguese name Soeiro, which was often used as a given name before becoming a surname. In Brazil, where the Portuguese colonized during the 16th century, the name Soares is also quite common. The large presence of Portuguese immigrants in Brazil contributed to the spread of this surname across the country. While Portugal and Brazil are the primary countries associated with the name Soares, individuals with this surname can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking nations and their diaspora communities worldwide. Additionally, as global migration patterns have increased over the years, Soares may be found in various other countries, particularly those with significant Portuguese communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Soares

The last name Soares has several variations and spellings due to its Portuguese origin. Some common variations include Soarez, Soaresz, Suares, and Suarez. These variations arose from different regional accents and dialects spoken in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries. The name has also been subject to various phonetic changes and adaptations when families emigrated to different parts of the world.

In Brazil, where Portuguese is the official language, the name is commonly spelled Soares. However, due to the country's diverse cultural background, it is not uncommon to find alternative spellings, such as Soarez or Suares. Similarly, in other countries with significant Portuguese-speaking communities, like Portugal itself, Cape Verde, and Angola, the name Soares is the most widely used spelling, but variations exist as well.

In conclusion, although Soares is the predominant spelling of this Portuguese surname, its variations, including Soarez, Soaresz, Suares, and Suarez, have emerged over time due to regional accents, migrations, and different cultural influences.

Famous people with the last name Soares

Some notable individuals with the last name Soares include:

1. Porto Soares - A famous Brazilian football player, known for his exceptional skills as a winger. Soares played for several top clubs in Brazil and had successful stints in European leagues as well.

2. Mário Soares - A prominent Portuguese politician and statesman who served as the President of Portugal from 1986 to 1996. Soares played a vital role in his country's transition from dictatorship to democracy and is widely regarded as one of the key figures in Portuguese politics of the 20th century.

3. Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo Soares - Known as Lourdes Soares, she was the first and only woman to serve as the Prime Minister of Portugal. Soares held this position from 1979 to 1980. She was known for her commitment to social justice and gender equality.

4. Daniel Soares - A renowned German photographer and filmmaker with a distinct style that captures the essence of urban life. Soares has created critically acclaimed documentaries and photo series, focusing on topics such as street culture, migration, and identity.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, thereby shaping the realms of football, politics, and art.

Genealogical research on the last name Soares

The last name Soares is of Portuguese origin and has a fascinating genealogical history. The name can be traced back to the medieval period in Portugal. Soares is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Soeiro, which means "swineherd" or "one who takes care of pigs." The Soares family was traditionally associated with the nobility and belonged to the gentry of Portugal. Many prominent individuals with the surname Soares have left their mark throughout history. Notable bearers include Mário Soares, the former President of Portugal, and José Soares de Souza, a famous Portuguese painter. Genealogical research on the Soares family would involve exploring historical records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census data, and land deeds to trace ancestral connections and uncover more about their origins, migration patterns, and family tree. It is a rich and captivating journey into the heritage of the Soares surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Soares"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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