Last Name Vaz

The surname "Vaz" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the occupation 'vazao', meaning barrel or cask, or from the given name Vasco, which was common among Portuguese explorers during the Age of Discovery. This surname has spread worldwide through Portuguese migration and colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vaz

The meaning and origin of the last name Vaz

The surname Vaz is predominantly of Portuguese origin. It derives from the Latin word "vaticinium," which means prophecy or prediction. In medieval times, it was often given to someone who was believed to have special insight or foresight, serving as a sort of seer or soothsayer. Over time, the name took on different meanings and interpretations in various regions. In Portugal, where it is one of the most common surnames, Vaz can denote someone from a specific region or village, much like many other European surnames evolved to signify geographical origin. It has also been suggested that the name could have been given to someone who performed a vital service, such as a messenger or guide, in Latin-speaking territories. Today, individuals bearing the Vaz surname can be found worldwide, largely due to Portuguese colonial expansion and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vaz

The last name Vaz is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, notably Portugal and Brazil, due to its origin from the Iberian Peninsula. It is also common in former Portuguese colonies such as Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Goa (India). The name Vaz has spread globally through immigration, particularly to countries with large Portuguese or Brazilian communities like the United States, Canada, Australia, and some African nations. In these diasporic communities, the last name Vaz is often preserved and passed down. It's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins, and the name Vaz may also appear in other cultures with different histories.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vaz

The surname Vaz has various spellings and regional variations. Some common versions include Vas, Waz, Vazquez, Vaš, Waas, and Wats. In Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal and Brazil, the spelling is typically "Vaz." The name may have originated from a diminutive form of the given name "Joaquim" or from the word "vaza," meaning "pot" in various Romance languages. In some cases, it might be a toponymic surname derived from places named Vaz, such as those found in France and Portugal. The spelling of this surname can also vary based on its geographical distribution; for instance, in Spain and Latin America, the surname Vaz may take the form Vazquez due to the influence of Spanish phonetic rules.

Famous people with the last name Vaz

Notable individuals with the surname Vaz include: 1. Afonso Henriques de Sousa Vaz (1937-2018), a Brazilian politician who served as the Governor of Mato Grosso do Sul from 1999 to 2006 and was also a member of the Chamber of Deputies. 2. Carlos Lima Vaz (1945-2013), a Portuguese architect, urban planner, and politician who served as the Mayor of Lisbon from 1989 to 1995. 3. David Vaz (born 1964), a British musician who is the drummer for the British indie rock band, The Bluetones. 4. Elpidio Alves Vaz (1877-1908), a Brazilian adventurer and explorer known for his role in the discovery of the lost city of Zarahemla in Brazil. 5. Filipe Vaz Pinto (born 1986), a Portuguese footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Vitória Guimarães. 6. Francisco Vaz de Caminha (1860-1910), a Brazilian journalist, writer, and politician who is best known for his role in the integration of the Amazon region into Brazil. 7. Júlio César de Queiroz Vaz (born 1948), a Brazilian Roman Catholic prelate who serves as the Bishop of Campos. These individuals, each distinguished in their respective fields, demonstrate the diverse achievements and contributions made by those bearing the surname Vaz.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaz

The Vaz surname originates from Portugal and is derived from the Latin term "vas" meaning 'container' or 'vessel'. Initially, it was a professional name for potters or tile-makers. The first recorded instances of the name in Portugal date back to the 13th century, particularly in the regions of Braga and Minho. Over time, the Vaz family expanded across Iberia, with many members migrating to Brazil during the colonization period. In the New World, the surname gained prominence among Portuguese settlers, where it remains common today. Notable individuals bearing the name include Manuel Vaz de St. Thomas, a 16th-century Portuguese explorer and founder of São Tomé and Príncipe, and Francisco Javier de Vaz, a Spanish military officer in the colonial period. The Vaz family tree is characterized by diverse occupations, ranging from politics to science, reflecting its long history and geographical dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 12 June 2025

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