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Last Name Teigão

What is the origin of the last name Teigão?

The surname Teigão has its roots in Portugal. It is derived from a place named Teixeira or Teixoso, which can be found in various regions of Portugal. In many cases, Portuguese surnames were formed by adding suffixes such as -es, -ão, or -e to the name of a place where an individual lived or worked, creating a patronymic or geographical surname. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have occurred due to factors like migration, regional dialects, and historical record-keeping practices.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Teigão

The meaning and origin of the last name Teigão

The surname Teigão is primarily found in Portugal, suggesting its origins are rooted in that country's history and culture. The name is derived from various locations bearing the same name throughout Portugal, indicating it likely originated as a topographic or locative surname, signifying someone who lived near or originally came from one of these places.

One possible origin of the name Teigão can be traced back to the municipality of Braga, where there is a parish named Teixeira de Teigões. Another potential source could be the Teixeira da Torre de Teigões, a noble family in the region of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro during the Middle Ages.

Over time, variations in spelling such as Teygao or De Teigao have emerged due to differences in regional dialects, migration, and record keeping. Nevertheless, all these forms share a common root, illustrating the enduring legacy of the Teigão surname throughout Portugal's history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Teigão

The surname Teigão is predominantly found in Portugal, particularly in the northern region of Minho and the adjacent district of Aveiro. This concentration can be attributed to the historical migration patterns and settlement of families bearing this name in these areas. Beyond Portugal, there are also significant populations of individuals with the last name Teigão in Brazil, where it is believed that they were brought over by Portuguese immigrants during colonial times. Additionally, sporadic occurrences of the surname can be found across other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola and Mozambique, as a result of further migration and colonization. In summary, the geographical distribution of the last name Teigão is primarily concentrated in Portugal and Brazil, with smaller populations scattered among other Portuguese-speaking nations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Teigão

The surname Teigão has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Teixão, Têxera, Teixeira, Texeira, and Têjada. These variations are all derived from the Portuguese word "teixão," which means "woollen cloth" or "tavern keeper." The name is most commonly found in Portugal, particularly in the regions of Minho and Trás-os-Montes. Additionally, there may be slight variations in spelling based on regional dialects within Portugal, as well as differences in transcription when the surname was brought to other countries by Portuguese immigrants. It's important to note that these variations can affect how easily a person with this surname is able to find information or connect with others sharing the same name.

Famous people with the last name Teigão

The Teixeira family, specifically the Teixeiras de Teixeira or Teigões, is a notable Portuguese noble family of medieval origin. One of the most prominent members was Afonso VI of Portugal (1643-1683), also known as Afonso Teixeira de Moura, who ruled Portugal from 1665 to 1683. He played a significant role in restoring the Portuguese monarchy after the Revolution of 1640. Another notable figure was José Teixeira de Faria (1946-2002), popularly known as João de Deus, a Brazilian healer who founded the John of God's Entities church in Abadiania, Goiás. He gained international fame for his practices involving spiritual healing. Lastly, Fernando Teixeira de Sousa (1862-1930) was a Portuguese poet and lawyer, best known for his collections "Flor de Lis" and "Sonetos" which showcased his appreciation for both traditional and contemporary themes in Portuguese literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Teigão

The Teigão surname, originating from Portugal, is primarily found in the northern regions, particularly in Minho and Trás-os-Montes. Its earliest known reference can be traced back to the 16th century in the village of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Minho. The name Teigão is believed to have derived from the occupation of a tile maker, as "teia" in Portuguese means 'tile' or 'pottery'. Over time, the surname spread throughout Portugal and its diaspora due to migration waves, notably to Brazil, where it remains a common name. The variant Teixeira is a more common form due to the process of assimilation and phonetic adaptation in different regions and languages. Notable figures bearing the Teigão surname include Portuguese journalist José Teixeira Teigão and footballer Eduardo Teixeira Coelho, both renowned in their respective fields.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 31 July 2025

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