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Last Name Vaz-da-veiga

What is the origin of the last name Vaz-da-veiga?

The surname Vaz-da-Veiga is of Portuguese origin. "Vaz" is a common Portuguese patronymic surname that comes from the occupation of a knight or vassal (a person who holds land or other property in exchange for service to a lord). "Da Veiga" is a locative surname, indicating a place name or geographical location. The word "veiga" refers to a type of terrain, often high ground or a hill with a flat top, and the addition of "da" before it signifies ownership or association with this place. As such, the name Vaz-da-Veiga would likely have originated from someone who lived on a certain hill or high ground in Portugal.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vaz-da-veiga

The meaning and origin of the last name Vaz-da-veiga

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Geographical distribution of the last name Vaz-da-veiga

The surname Vaz-da-Veiga is primarily distributed in Portugal, particularly in the coastal regions of Minho and Douro, as well as the islands of Madeira and Azores. It's also found in Brazil, where many Portuguese immigrants settled during the colonization period. The name Vaz-da-Veiga, which translates to "Wood from the Meadow" in Portuguese, is a patronymic surname derived from the given name 'Vasco'. In Portugal, it's one of the most common surnames, ranking among the top 100. In Brazil, it's less frequent but still significant within certain communities, particularly in regions with historical ties to Portugal. The distribution of this surname also reflects the historical migration patterns between Portugal and its colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vaz-da-veiga

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Famous people with the last name Vaz-da-veiga

Among individuals bearing the surname Vaz-da-Veiga, one of the most prominent figures is Jorge Vaz da Veiga (1896–1973), a Brazilian writer, journalist, and diplomat. Known for his literary works and political activism, he was an influential figure in Brazilian intellectual circles during the first half of the 20th century.

Another notable personality is Lúcia Vaz da Veiga (1946-), a Portuguese historian and academic. She is a professor at the University of Lisbon and has made significant contributions to research on medieval Portugal, particularly in the areas of social history and the study of religious orders.

Lastly, there's Luís Vaz de Camões (1524/1528–1580), considered the national poet of Portugal. He is best known for his epic poem "Os Lusíadas," which celebrates the Age of Discoveries and the Portuguese colonial expansion during the 16th century. His work holds a special place in the Portuguese literary canon and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaz-da-veiga

The Vaz-da-Veiga surname is believed to have originated in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Portugal, during the Middle Ages. "Vaz" translates to "son of" in Portuguese, while "Da Veiga" refers to a geographical location, possibly a high hill or promontory. The name suggests a noble lineage from a region with such a topographic feature. Records show that the Vaz-da-Veiga family expanded and migrated across Europe during the Age of Discoveries, contributing to the Portuguese colonial efforts in Africa, Asia, and South America. Notable bearers of this surname include João Vaz Corte-Real, a 15th-century explorer who discovered Newfoundland, and Manuel Vaz de Saint Thome, a Portuguese Jesuit missionary who arrived in Japan in the early 16th century. Today, Vaz-da-Veiga is found predominantly among Portuguese descendants worldwide.

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 : 15 June 2025

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