NomOrigine Background

Last Name Soares

What is the origin of the last name Soares?

The last name "Soares" is primarily of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the word "soar", which means "to rise" or "to leap" in Portuguese. The name is believed to have originated from a nickname given to someone who was known for their agility or swift movements. Over time, this nickname turned into a surname and has been passed down through generations. The surname "Soares" is quite common in Portugal and among Portuguese communities around the world.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Soares

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 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

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

Soahil (Last name)

surnames > soahil

The last name Soahil is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "sahil," which means "coast" or "shoreline." This suggests that the name may have originally been used ...

Soahl (Last name)

surnames > soahl

The surname Soahl is of German origin. It is derived from the word "sael," meaning hut or small house, and was used as a topographic name for someone who lived by a small building ...

Soain (Last name)

surnames > soain

The surname "Soain" is of Spanish origin. It is a locational surname derived from the Spanish word "Soain," which refers to a place in Spain. The surname may have originally denote...

Soaki (Last name)

surnames > soaki

The surname Soaki is of Japanese origin. It is derived from Japanese words "so" meaning "large" or "great" and "aki" meaning "bright" or "autumn". It is believed to have originally...

Soali (Last name)

surnames > soali

The last name "Soali" is of Italian origin. It is likely derived from the given name "Soalo," which is a variant of "Gualo," a diminutive of the name "Gualtiero." The name "Soali" ...

Soardi (Last name)

surnames > soardi

The last name Soardi is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "sordo" meaning deaf in Italian, and could have been used as a nickname for someone who was deaf or hard of h...

Soare (Last name)

surnames > soare

The surname Soare (or Sauare) has its origins in Romania. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a clearing or glade, derived from the Romanian word "soare" meaning "p...

Soarec (Last name)

surnames > soarec

The last name Soarec is of Romanian origin. It comes from the Romanian word "soare" which means "sun."

Soares-de-almeida (Last name)

surnames > soares-de-almeida

Soares-de-Almeida is a Portuguese surname, with origins rooted in the medieval period. The name "Soares" is derived from the occupation or nickname "suárez," which means "the one ...

Soares-de-melo (Last name)

surnames > soares-de-melo

The surname Soares-de-Melo is a Portuguese patronymic and locative name. The "Soares" part comes from the given name Soeiro, which means "wealthy" or "rich" in Old Spanish. It was ...

Soares-lopes (Last name)

surnames > soares-lopes

The surname Soares-Lopes is a composite Portuguese patronymic surname, derived from two separate components. The component "Soares" is a common Portuguese surname that derives fro...

Soares-semedo (Last name)

surnames > soares-semedo

The surname Soares-Semedo is a Portuguese composite name. It consists of two separate surnames that have been joined together, each with its own origins. 1. "Soares": This surname...

Soares-teixeira (Last name)

surnames > soares-teixeira

The surname Soares-Teixeira is of Portuguese origin, derived from two separate Portuguese surnames, Soares and Teixeira. Soares is a common Portuguese surname that originates from...

Soave (Last name)

surnames > soave

The last name "Soave" is of Italian origin. It originated from the region of Veneto in northern Italy. The word "soave" in Italian means "sweet" or "gentle." Therefore, "Soave" may...