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Last Name Teixeira-de-lemos

What is the origin of the last name Teixeira-de-lemos?

The surname Teixeira de Lemos is of Portuguese origin. It is composed of two elements: "Teixeira", which refers to a person who lived near a heather plant or worked with hemp, and "de Lemos", which indicates a connection to the medieval Lordship of Lemos in the northwest region of Portugal. This noble title was originally granted to the Lemos family by King Dinis I of Portugal in 1289. Over time, various branches of this family adopted the surname Teixeira de Lemos as part of their lineage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Teixeira-de-lemos

The meaning and origin of the last name Teixeira-de-lemos

The surname Teixeira de Lemos originates from Portugal. It is a composite name, meaning it was formed by combining two separate names. "Teixeira" derives from the occupation of a weaver or a person who lived near a heathery thicket (in Portuguese, "teixo"). "De Lemos" indicates noble lineage and refers to the region of Lemos in northwestern Galicia, Spain, which was once controlled by the medieval Portuguese nobility. The Lemos family played significant roles in the political and military history of Portugal during the Middle Ages. The combination of Teixeira de Lemos denotes a person who belonged to the noble family of Lemos but may have originated from the occupation associated with Teixeira.

Geographical distribution of the last name Teixeira-de-lemos

The surname Teixeira de Lemos is primarily concentrated in Portugal, with significant prevalence in the northern regions such as Minho and Douro, due to the historical origins of the name from these areas. Originally, the family hails from the town of Lemos, located in the province of Minho. Over time, members of this noble family migrated and settled in other parts of Portugal, particularly in the capital Lisbon, where it remains a common surname among Portuguese residents. Outside of Portugal, the name can also be found among Portuguese diaspora communities, primarily in Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, due to colonial expansion and migration during the 15th to 19th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Teixeira-de-lemos

The surname Teixeira de Lemos has multiple variants and spellings due to historical and regional differences in naming conventions. Here are some of them:

1. Teixeira de Lemos - This is the original and most common Portuguese spelling, consisting of two separate surnames joined together. The first part, Teixeira, refers to a person who worked with textiles or lived near a heathery area, while the second part, de Lemos, indicates a connection to the town or region of Lemos in Galicia, Spain.
2. Tayshier da Lima - An English transliteration of the original Portuguese name. This spelling variation maintains the meaning but may be found in regions with a strong Portuguese-speaking population or among those with Portuguese ancestry.
3. Teixeira de Lemos y Velasco - A Spanish variant that includes an additional surname, Velasco, likely acquired through marriage or naturalization. This spelling may be found among individuals of Portuguese descent living in Spain.
4. De Lemos Teixeira - Another variation in which the order of the two surnames is reversed. This ordering is less common but can still be found among Portuguese-speaking populations.
5. Theysier de Lima - An alternative English spelling, with some variations in the vowel and consonant sounds compared to the original Portuguese name. This spelling may be encountered in records or genealogical databases.
6. De Lemos Teixeira-Lopes - A compound surname that includes an additional surname, Lopes, which could indicate a connection to the region of Lopes or another family lineage. This variation is less common but still found among Portuguese families.

Famous people with the last name Teixeira-de-lemos

Teixeira de Lemos is a Portuguese surname with notable figures associated with it. One such individual is Francisco de Sousa Teixeira de Lemos (1836-1920), who served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1878 to 1880 and again from 1889 to 1890. Another prominent figure is Maria Adelaide Amélia Leopoldina Ana Carolina Fernanda Augusta Francisca Xavier de Paula Teixeira de Lemos (1848-1871), also known as Adelheid in Austria, who was the Duchess of Hohenberg by marriage to Archduke Albrecht Salvator of Austria. Lastly, there is José Carlos Teixeira de Lemos (born 1960), a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs, including FC Porto and Sporting CP, and managed the Portugal national team from 2004 to 2006.

Genealogical research on the last name Teixeira-de-lemos

The Teixeira-de-Lemos surname is of Portuguese origin and can be traced back to medieval times. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to the 12th century, in the region of Trás-os-Montes, northern Portugal. Over time, members of this family migrated across various regions of Portugal, where they held significant positions in politics, military, and the church.

The Teixeira-de-Lemos family can be linked to the House of Braganza, the last royal dynasty of Portugal, through marriage alliances between the two families. The most notable member is perhaps D. Pedro de Teixeira de Lemos (1620-1678), a high-ranking military commander and governor of Portuguese colonies in Africa, who played a significant role in the defense against Dutch invasions.

The family's coat of arms features three towers on a red background, symbolizing strength and fortitude. Throughout history, members of the Teixeira-de-Lemos family have made significant contributions to Portuguese society, leaving a lasting legacy that continues today.

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 : 30 July 2025

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