Last Name Varanda

Learn more about the origin of the last name Varanda

The meaning and origin of the last name Varanda

The surname Varanda has its roots in Portugal, specifically within the region of Minho, though it is also found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Angola. Originating from Old Portuguese, the name "Varanda" is derived from the term "varanda," which means a balcony or veranda - an open gallery on the story of a building. It's likely that this surname was originally given to someone who lived near such a structure, had one built by their ancestors, or possibly possessed some skill related to balconies or construction in general. Over time, the name has been passed down through generations and dispersed across borders, becoming an essential part of various family histories.

Geographical distribution of the last name Varanda

The surname Varanda is predominantly found in Portugal, particularly in the northern regions such as Minho and Trás-os-Montes, where it originates from. It is also present in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, due to historical emigration patterns. The name's distribution in these countries reflects the Portuguese colonial history and the subsequent migration of Portuguese settlers. In Brazil, for instance, Varanda can be found in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, small clusters of individuals with this surname are dispersed across Europe, America, and other parts of the world as a result of diaspora and global migration trends.

Variants and spellings of the last name Varanda

The surname Varanda has several variations and spellings. These include Varandah, Varanda-Szabo, and Varandza. In some cases, it may be spelled as Veranda, but this variation is more commonly used to refer to a covered outdoor space attached to a building rather than a personal name. The spelling can also vary depending on the country or region where it is used. For example, in Portugal, variations might include Varandas, Varando, or Varanda-Freitas. It's important to note that these spelling differences may arise due to factors such as dialect, transcription errors, or assimilation into different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Varanda

Notable individuals bearing the surname Varanda include:

1. George Varandas (born 1962), a Greek-American actor and comedian best known for his role as Tony Verducci on "Everybody Loves Raymond."

2. Dimitris Varantzes (1895-1970), a prominent Greek statesman who served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1946 to 1949 and again in 1963.

3. Eleni Varandou (born 1967), a Greek politician, academic, and member of the European Parliament since 2019 for SYRIZA.

4. Vasilis Varvaressos-Varanda (1895-1962), a Greek composer, conductor, and music educator who contributed significantly to the development of Greek contemporary music.

5. Ioannis Varvitsiotis (1752-1825), a prominent Greek Revolutionary leader during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. He served as a military commander and later, in 1823, became Prime Minister.

Genealogical research on the last name Varanda

The surname Varanda originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal, with roots tracing back to medieval times. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Martim Vasconcelos Varandino, who lived during the 14th century. He was a member of the nobility in the County of Barcelos. Over time, the family expanded, and branches of the Varanda lineage appeared across Portugal, particularly in the northern regions like Braga, Porto, and Vila Real. Notable figures from the Varanda family include Juan de la Caballería Varanda, a Spanish explorer who played an essential role in the colonization of the Philippines during the 16th century, and Francisco Joaquim Varanda, a Portuguese politician and writer from the 18th-19th centuries. The Varanda lineage has also extended to other countries like Brazil, Argentina, and the United States as a result of colonial expansion and immigration waves.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Varanda"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 11 June 2025