The surname Texeira originates from Portugal. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Teixeiro, which means "tile maker" in Old Portuguese. The suffix -a indicates that it was originally a feminine surname, but it has also been used as a masculine surname in some regions of Portugal and Brazil. The name spread to other countries, particularly Brazil, due to migration.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Texeira
The meaning and origin of the last name Texeira
The surname Texeira is a common Portuguese name that has its origins from the Middle Ages. It is derived from the occupation-based name "Tesoureiro," which means "treasurer" or "mint official" in Portuguese. Over time, the name evolved into Texeira due to phonetic changes and regional dialect variations. The name became more widespread as Portuguese explorers and colonizers expanded their influence during the Age of Discoveries, bringing the name to various regions such as Brazil, Angola, and Goa, among others. Today, Texeira is a popular surname not only in Portugal but also in countries with significant Portuguese-speaking populations.
Geographical distribution of the last name Texeira
The surname Texeira is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries due to its origins from Portugal. It is one of the most common surnames in Brazil and Portugal, particularly in regions such as Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco, and Lisbon respectively. Its distribution extends beyond these countries, with significant populations in other Portuguese-speaking African nations like Angola and Mozambique, as well as in the former Portuguese colonies of Goa (India) and Macau (China). Additionally, immigrants from Portugal and Brazil have contributed to the dispersal of the Texeira surname in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Variants and spellings of the last name Texeira
The surname Texeira possesses multiple variants and spelling interpretations due to phonetic transliteration and historical changes over time. Some common variations include Teixeira, Tetxeira, Tetxeria, Texeria, and Teixeiras. These variations may stem from regional dialects, transcription errors, or attempts to simplify pronunciation. Another variation is the Portuguese-Brazilian surname de Texeira, which incorporates "de" as a prefix, signifying that the family held a fief or estate. Despite these variations, they all share the common root of Texeira, originating from the medieval Iberian name Teixo (meaning oak tree in Old Portuguese).
Famous people with the last name Texeira
Notable individuals sharing the surname Texeira include:
1. José Mourinho, a Portuguese professional football manager and former player who has managed several top European football clubs such as Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
2. Paulo César de Oliveira Texeira, commonly known as Paulo Futre, a retired Portuguese professional footballer, considered one of the greatest players in Portuguese history.
3. Carlos Teixeira, a Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as the President of Brazil from 1902 to 1906.
4. Marcos Aurelio de Lima Texeira, better known as Marcos Aurelio, a Brazilian musician, composer, and arranger best known for his collaborations with musicians such as Milton Nascimento and Gilberto Gil.
5. Elaine Teixeira, a Brazilian-American computer scientist who works in the field of programming languages and software engineering at MIT.
6. Renato Texeira, a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Sport Recife.
These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, including sports, politics, music, and academia.
Genealogical research on the last name Texeira
The surname Texeira is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the occupational name "teixeiro," meaning "weaver" in Portuguese. It is one of the most common surnames in Portugal, particularly in the regions of Minho and Trás-os-Montes. The name was brought to Brazil by Portuguese settlers, where it became even more prevalent due to natural growth and migration. In Brazil, Texeira is most commonly found in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Notable figures with the surname Texeira include José Texeira de Faria, a Brazilian physician who introduced chiropractic medicine in Brazil; Manuel do Nascimento Texeira, a Portuguese painter; and Joaquim Texeira de Sousa, a Brazilian composer. The Texeira genealogy can be traced back to the 15th century in Portugal, with numerous branches extending to present-day Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries.
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