Last Name Taveira

The surname Taveira is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from a place-name, which was originally associated with a person who lived near such a location. In medieval times, people often took their professional name or nickname from the name of the village where they lived or held land. Over time, these place-names became hereditary surnames, passed down from one generation to the next. The specific origin of the name Taveira can be traced back to a small town by the same name located in northern Portugal.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Taveira

The meaning and origin of the last name Taveira

The surname Taveira is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula where it has been used for centuries. It derives from the Latin word "taberna," which means "tavern" or "inn." The name was likely given to someone who owned or worked at a tavern or inn, reflecting their occupation in a medieval setting. Over time, as people migrated and settled, the surname became more widespread within Portugal. It is also found among Portuguese descendants in other parts of the world, particularly in Brazil and the United States, due to historical colonial expansion and immigration. Today, the name Taveira remains common in Portugal and is proudly borne by individuals across the globe who trace their roots back to this Iberian land.

Geographical distribution of the last name Taveira

The surname Taveira is predominantly found in Portugal, particularly in the northwestern region of Galicia, where it originates. Within Portugal, the highest concentrations are in districts such as Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Porto. Additionally, a significant number of individuals with this last name reside in Madeira and the Azores archipelagos. The Taveira surname has also been identified in small numbers in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, and Mozambique due to historical migration patterns. In Europe, a few instances of the Taveira name can be found in Spain's Galicia region as well. Overall, the geographical distribution primarily centers around regions with historical ties to Portugal or its former colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Taveira

The surname Taveira has various spelling variations, largely due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variations include: Tavera, Taverria, Taveria, Teixeira da Taveira, Teixeiras Taveira, and Taviera. The name is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin "taberna," meaning a small shop or tavern. It is most prevalent in Portugal and regions with significant Portuguese immigration, such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and the United States. The name-giving family was likely associated with an inn or tavern in medieval Portugal.

Famous people with the last name Taveira

The Taveira surname is represented by several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of music, José Mário Branco Taveira (born 1948), known as Zeca Afonso, was a renowned Portuguese singer-songwriter and activist. His most famous work, "Grândola, Vila Morena," became an anthem for the Carnation Revolution in Portugal. In the world of sports, Jorge Taveira (born 1986) is a professional tennis player from Portugal, having reached a career-high singles ranking of 45 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). In academia, Maria de Lourdes Tavares de Taveira, better known as Maria Micaela Tavares, was a Brazilian linguist and anthropologist, renowned for her work on the Tupi-Guarani languages. Lastly, in the scientific field, Maria da Conceição Taveira (1925-2021) was a Portuguese microbiologist who contributed significantly to the development of antimalarial drugs and vaccines.

Genealogical research on the last name Taveira

The surname Taveira is predominantly found in Portugal, particularly in regions such as Minho and Trás-os-Montes. It originates from the Latin term "Tabera," meaning hut or small cabin. The earliest known records trace back to the medieval period, with notable bearers like Mem Pires da Taveira (12th century) and Simão Martins da Taveira (14th century). Over time, families bearing the name spread across Portugal due to migration and the formation of new settlements. Notable descendants include Francisco de Taveira, a 16th-century explorer and member of the first Portuguese expedition to Brazil; and Vasco da Taveira, a 18th-century composer who contributed significantly to the development of Baroque music in Portugal. Today, the Taveira family name can be found worldwide due to emigration, with significant populations in Brazil, the United States, Canada, Angola, and other Portuguese-speaking countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Taveira"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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