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Last Name Teira

What is the origin of the last name Teira?

The surname Teira is of Portuguese and Spanish origin. It is derived from the Occitan word "teira," meaning "shepherd." This surname may have been originally given to someone who was a shepherd or belonged to a family that owned sheep for their livelihood. Over time, it has become a common last name in both Portugal and Spain, as well as among Portuguese and Spanish speakers in Brazil and other countries with significant populations of Portuguese or Spanish descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Teira

The meaning and origin of the last name Teira

The surname Teira is of Portuguese and Spanish origin, derived from the occupational name for a weaver or a metalsmith. The term "teira" stems from the Old Portuguese word "têreira," which refers to a small loom used by local weavers. Alternatively, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or steep slope, as "teiro" in Portuguese means "rocky" or "steep." The surname may have been brought to other countries through immigration and colonization efforts, particularly by the Portuguese during the Age of Discoveries. Over time, variations in spelling such as Teyra, de Teira, and Teire have emerged due to regional differences in pronunciation and recording practices.

Geographical distribution of the last name Teira

The surname Teira has a predominant presence in Portugal, where it is most commonly found, particularly in the northern regions such as Minho and Aveiro. The name also appears with significant frequency in other Portuguese-speaking countries, including Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique due to historical migratory patterns. In Spain, there is a smaller concentration of the surname Teira, predominantly in the autonomous community of Galicia, which shares a border with Portugal. Furthermore, individuals carrying the name Teira can also be found in other Spanish regions, as well as France, particularly in areas close to the Pyrenees Mountains due to historical migrations between Iberia and France. The distribution of the surname Teira is predominantly in regions with Portuguese or Galician heritage, reflecting its origins in the Iberian Peninsula.

Variants and spellings of the last name Teira

The surname Teira has several variations and spelling alterations across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Tiera, Teiraa, de Teira, Teeira, Teyra, and Teyraa. These variations may occur due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or assimilation during immigration processes. In Portuguese-speaking countries, Teira is a common last name, while in English-speaking regions, it might be less frequently encountered but still found due to immigration from Portugal or Brazil. In some instances, the surname may also have been Anglicized as Tyler, although this spelling is more likely derived from other sources.

Famous people with the last name Teira

Notable individuals sharing the surname Teira include:

1. **Marta Vieira da Silva** (born 1986), also known as Pele's daughter, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Barcelona Femení and the Brazil national team. She is often considered one of the greatest female footballers of all time.

2. **Ricardo Teira** (born 1957) is a Portuguese actor known for his roles in films like "Os Lusiadas" and "Corto Maltese: A Terceira Dimensão."

3. **Leonarda Teira** (1866-1940) was an Italian painter who exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 1895 and the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1889. She is recognized for her paintings of children, landscapes, and still lifes.

4. **Jorge Teira** (born 1970) is a Spanish football coach who has managed teams such as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad. He began his coaching career in the youth academy of Athletic Bilbao where he played as a midfielder during his playing days.

Genealogical research on the last name Teira

The surname Teira originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal and Spain. In Portugal, it is primarily found in the northern regions, particularly in Minho and Trás-os-Montes. It is derived from the toponymic name "Teyra" or "Teira", which refers to a place named with this designation. The surname has been documented since the 13th century, with notable bearers such as Pedro Teira, who served as mayor of Braga in the 14th century, and Vasco Teixeira da Gama, a Portuguese explorer from the 16th century. In Spain, the surname is also found but less prevalent compared to Portugal. Notable Spanish bearers include the poet Juan Tejero y Mendez (1820-1893) and the historian Teodoro Teira (1874-1956). The name's etymology suggests a connection to places named Teira or Teyra, making it a geographical surname.

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 : 28 July 2025

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