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Last Name Soares-semedo

What is the origin of the last name 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 derives from the medieval Latin "Suarius" or "Sauria," which referred to a swineherd. In Portugal, it was often given as a nickname to someone who worked with pigs or lived near a pig farm. Over time, it became a hereditary surname. 2. "Semedo": This surname is derived from the medieval Latin term "semideus," meaning "half god" or "demigod." In Portugal, it was likely used as a nickname for someone who was considered particularly strong or powerful, and it too became a hereditary surname over time. The combination of these two surnames, Soares-Semedo, would have formed when an individual bearing both names decided to officially hyphenate them. This practice became more common in Portugal during the 19th century as part of efforts to reduce the number of common surnames in the country.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Soares-semedo

The meaning and origin of the last name Soares-semedo

The surname Soares-Semedo is a composite Portuguese name, formed by combining two separate surnames, Soares and Semedo, both of which are commonly found in Portugal and Brazil.

The root of the surname Soares is derived from the occupational name for a shepherd or a watchman, originating from the Latin word "aurarius," meaning goldsmith. The name was later Hispanicized as Osorio and Portuguese as Soares.

Semedo, on the other hand, is an habitational surname that originally referred to someone who lived near a place called Semedo, which is documented in northern Portugal but has since disappeared. The name may have derived from the Latin "semidoctus," meaning half-taught or semi-educated, possibly indicating a teacher or scholar who lived near this location.

The combination of Soares and Semedo forms a unique double-barreled surname, common among Portuguese and Brazilian families, showcasing the blending of names and cultures over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Soares-semedo

The surname Soares-Semedo is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil, due to its Portuguese origin. In Portugal, it's most commonly found in regions like the Azores, Madeira, and mainland Portugal, especially in areas with a higher concentration of people from the Algarve and Alentejo regions. In Brazil, it is widespread across several states, particularly in those with historical Portuguese influence such as Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Pernambuco. The surname also has presence in other countries with significant Portuguese diaspora, such as Angola, Mozambique, and the United States. It's important to note that the distribution of the surname reflects historical patterns of migration and colonization by Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Soares-semedo

The surname Soares-Semedo exhibits several variants and alternative spellings. The most common variation is Soares Semedo, which originates from Portuguese-speaking countries. This name is a composite of two separate surnames, Soares and Semedo, both of which are common Portuguese patronymics.

Soares is derived from the occupational name for a shepherd or cowherd, while Semedo is associated with someone who lived near a semeadouro, a place where seeds were stored. In some cases, you might encounter minor variations in spelling such as Soares-Semido, Soares-Semedo, Soares Semida, or Soares Semidio, resulting from differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Additionally, Anglicized versions of the name include Soares-Semedo, Soares Semmido, or Soares Semedo. These variations highlight the global dispersal of Portuguese speakers throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Soares-semedo

The Soares-Semedo family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Manchester United and the Portugal national team. Born as Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, he added Soares-Semedo to his name later in his career, honoring his paternal grandmother's maiden name. Another prominent figure is Henrique Soares de Sousa Semedo, a Portuguese politician who served as the Minister of Internal Administration from 2015 to 2019. In the world of science, Maria Helena Soares de Silva is a renowned Brazilian mathematician who was the first female president of the International Mathematical Union in 2017-2018. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective domains, showcasing the versatility and impact of the Soares-Semedo lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Soares-semedo

The Soares-Semedo surname is a Portuguese patronymic derived from the given names Soares and Semedo. The Soares name originates from the medieval occupation of a "soeiro," a roofer or carpenter, while Semedo is a variation of Simon, meaning "he who hears."

The Soares-Semedo lineage can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. Records indicate that early bearers of this surname were inhabitants of regions like Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Estremadura in Portugal, as well as Galicia in Spain.

Throughout history, many notable individuals with the Soares-Semedo surname have made significant contributions to various fields. For example, in the 16th century, Diogo Soares de Semedo was a prominent Portuguese explorer and captain who discovered parts of West Africa, and in the 20th century, Francisco José Vieira Soares-Semedo was a renowned Portuguese composer and pianist.

In recent times, the Soares-Semedo family has spread across the globe, with large populations found in countries such as Brazil, the United States, Canada, Angola, and Cape Verde. Researching the genealogy of this surname provides an opportunity to delve into the rich history and diverse background of Portuguese descendants worldwide.

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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 : 26 July 2025

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