What is the origin of the last name Tavares-de-moraes?
The surname Tavares-de-Moraes is a Portuguese composite name that derives from two separate patronymic names.
The first part, "Tavares," is a toponymic name, indicating an origin from a place called Tavarez or Távora in Portugal. The Távora region was named after the Távora River and is located near the city of Vila Real. This surname was first used during the Middle Ages when the Portuguese nobility began to adopt regional names as a form of identification.
The second part, "de Moraes," is also a Portuguese surname that likely originated from the town of Mora in the Algarve region or the Morais area near Guimarães. The addition of "de" indicates nobility, and it was used to differentiate between various families with the same name.
Therefore, Tavares-de-Moraes is a composite surname that combines two distinct Portuguese patronymic or toponymic names. It is not uncommon for families in Portugal to have compound surnames like this one, as they were often formed over generations and through marriage with other noble families.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Tavares-de-moraes
The meaning and origin of the last name Tavares-de-moraes
The surname Tavares-de-Moraes is a Portuguese compound name, originating from two distinct components: Tavares and de Moraes.
Tavares is a patronymic surname that originally referred to someone born to a man named Tafo or Tafares, a medieval personal name of uncertain origin. It could be derived from the Hebrew given name Tav, meaning "mark," or possibly from a place name in Portugal or Spain.
De Moraes, on the other hand, is a topographic surname, indicating that an ancestor lived near a grove (mora) or a fruit tree (morais). The suffix 'de' was added to indicate nobility or lineage.
The combination of these two surnames - Tavares-de-Moraes - would have arisen when two families with the individual names Tavares and de Moraes intermarried, creating a single combined name. This practice of combining surnames through marriage is common in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
Geographical distribution of the last name Tavares-de-moraes
The surname Tavares-de-Moraes is predominantly distributed in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil and Portugal, due to their historical ties and cultural exchange. In Brazil, it is most prevalent in the states of Paraíba, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, and Pernambuco, reflecting the migration patterns from Portugal during the colonial era. In Portugal, it can be found throughout the country, with a significant concentration in the north, especially in districts such as Porto, Braga, and Vila Real. Additionally, there are also smaller populations of Tavares-de-Moraes individuals in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, stemming from historical migration waves. The name is a combination of two distinct surnames: Tavares, which originates from the medieval town of Tavira in Portugal, and de Moraes, which comes from the region of Minho in northern Portugal.
Variants and spellings of the last name Tavares-de-moraes
The surname Tavares-de-Moraes has several variations and alternate spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family preferences over time. Some common spelling variations include Tavares da Moraes, Tavares de Morais, Tavares da Morais, Tavarez de Moraes, Taveras-de-Moraes, and Taveras da Moraes. These differences can be attributed to factors such as the use of diacritical marks in Portuguese (which may or may not be included), variations in spelling based on regional pronunciation, and changes in names due to immigration, assimilation, and data entry errors. It's essential to note that these variations are generally considered acceptable forms of the surname Tavares-de-Moraes, and individuals with any of these versions may share a common ancestry or family history.
Famous people with the last name Tavares-de-moraes
Notable individuals with the surname Tavares-de-Moraes include:
1. Luciano Tavares de Moraes (born 1934), Brazilian musician and composer, best known for his work with bossa nova. He was a founding member of the group Quinteto de Boa Vista.
2. Joaquim Tavares de Moraes Ferreira (born 1963), a Brazilian politician who served as the Governor of Maranhão from 2015 to 2018. He is a member of the Democratic Labor Party (PTB).
3. Maria Fernanda Tavares de Moraes, a Brazilian scientist and academic. She is the Director of the Institute of Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) and has made significant contributions to research on fish populations in northeastern Brazil.
4. Paulo Sérgio Tavares de Oliveira, also known as Dede, a Brazilian footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Santos, Corinthians, and the Brazil national team. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Brazilian football.
These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including music, politics, and science in their respective careers.
Genealogical research on the last name Tavares-de-moraes
The Tavares-de-Moraes surname originates from Portugal, specifically from the region of Minho, where the Tavares and de Moraes families had separate noble origins. The Tavares family traces back to Count Dias da Silva Tavares, who lived in the 10th century, while the de Moraes lineage can be traced to the Lord of Aguiar in the 12th century. Over time, these families merged and became known as Tavares-de-Moraes. The name subsequently spread across Portugal due to migration and conquests during the Age of Discoveries, with several branches establishing themselves in Brazil. In Brazil, the family played significant roles in the colonial administration and the establishment of settlements, particularly in the Northeast region. Today, Tavares-de-Moraes is a common surname in Portugal and Brazil.
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