Last Name Vaz-de-jesus

The surname "Vaz-de-Jesus" is a Portuguese patronymic and toponymic surname. The name "Vaz" originates from the Portuguese word for "son of", while "de Jesus" means "of Jesus". The name "Vaz" is common in Portugal, particularly in the region of Minho. It is often derived from the personal name "Gabriel", as "Vaz" can be a shortened form of "Gabriel" or "Gabrião" in Portuguese. The surname "de Jesus" is a reference to someone born or residing near a place named Jesus, which was a common place-name in medieval Portugal. The combination of the two parts of the name, "Vaz-de-Jesus", indicates that the original bearer of the name was the son of someone born or residing near a place called Jesus. It's important to note that surnames did not become widespread in Portugal until the 12th and 13th centuries, so many Portuguese surnames have historical roots dating back to this time period.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vaz-de-jesus

The meaning and origin of the last name Vaz-de-jesus

The surname Vaz de Jesus is a Portuguese name that consists of two components: "Vaz" and "de Jesus."

"Vaz" is a topographic name, derived from the Old Portuguese word "vaza," meaning "basket" or "wickerwork," which was used to describe someone who lived near such an object. Over time, this surname may have been given to people living near a basket-making workshop or a structure resembling a basket.

"De Jesus" is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally derived from the personal name "Jesus." In Portugal, "de Jesus" is often used as a suffix to indicate descent or affiliation with someone named Jesus. The use of religious names as surnames became common in Iberia during the Middle Ages when Christian naming practices were being standardized.

The combination of these two elements results in the Portuguese surname Vaz de Jesus, which is a relatively uncommon name but can be found in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vaz-de-jesus

The surname Vaz-de-Jesus has its origins in Portugal and is predominantly found in the country's southern region, particularly in the Algarve. Its distribution also extends to other Portuguese-speaking countries, notably Brazil, where it ranks among the top 3,000 most common surnames. In Brazil, Vaz-de-Jesus can be found primarily in the southeastern states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, as well as in the northeastern state of Pernambuco. Its presence in these regions is a testament to historical migration patterns within Brazil and from Portugal. Additionally, there are smaller populations of Vaz-de-Jesus families in countries with significant Portuguese immigrant communities, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vaz-de-jesus

The surname Vaz de Jesus has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Here are some common forms:

1. Vaz De Jesus: This is the most traditional Portuguese version, with "de" being a preposition meaning "of" in this context.
2. Vas De Jesus: A variant of the above, with the "z" replaced by "s".
3. Vaz Jesús: Another variation where the preposition "de" and the conjunction "de" (meaning "of") are combined into one word.
4. Va'z de Jesus: A phonetic spelling that attempts to represent the Portuguese pronunciation more accurately, with an apostrophe replacing the glottal stop at the beginning of the first name.
5. Vaz-Jesus: A common adaptation for English speakers, where the preposition "de" and the surname are combined without a space.
6. Vas-jesus: Another variant of the adaptation for English speakers, with the "z" replaced by "s".
7. Vaz Jesu: A less common spelling where the surname is separated from Jesus by a space.
8. Vaz Jesus: This is the Spanish version, with the preposition "de" not included due to different word order conventions in Spanish.
9. Vas Jesus: A variant of the Spanish version, with the "z" replaced by "s".

Famous people with the last name Vaz-de-jesus

Notable individuals with the surname Vaz de Jesus include:

1. Alcides Vaz de Jesus (born 1946), a Brazilian actor and theater director, who has worked extensively in film, television, and stage productions since the late 1960s.

2. Alexandre Vaz de Jesus (born 1985), a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Vitória de Setúbal and the Portugal national team.

3. José Vaz de Jesus (born 1947), a Brazilian author, journalist, and playwright, known for his works exploring themes of social justice and inequality in contemporary Brazil.

4. Ana Paula Vaz de Jesus (born 1965), a Portuguese actress and television presenter who has worked on numerous productions since the late 1980s.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, whether it be acting, sports, literature, or journalism, and are well-known figures in their home countries and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaz-de-jesus

The surname Vaz-de-Jesus originates from Portugal and is composed of two elements: "Vaz" which means 'son of' in Old Portuguese, and "de Jesus," referring to the son of Jesus Christ. The name can be traced back to the medieval period, with early records showing the existence of individuals bearing this name in the Iberian Peninsula during the 15th century. Following the Age of Discoveries, many individuals with the last name Vaz-de-Jesus emigrated from Portugal to various colonies established by the Portuguese Empire, particularly Brazil, Angola, and Goa. The name remains common in these regions today, demonstrating its historical significance and cultural influence.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vaz-de-jesus"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends