Last Name Vaz-de-lima

The surname Vaz de Lima is of Portuguese origin. The name "Vaz" is a common Portuguese patronymic meaning "son of" and is derived from the given name Vaço or Vasco, which was a popular name in the Middle Ages. "De Lima" is a locative name, indicating that the original bearer lived near a place named Lima, which could refer to several places in Portugal. The name Vaz de Lima can be translated as "son of [the one from] Lima".

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

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

The surname Vaz de Limia is a Portuguese patronymic name, derived from the given name "Vaz," which is an abbreviated form of the personal name "Joseph" (João in Portuguese), and "de Limia," which likely originates from a place named Limia or Lima. The surname Vaz de Limia can be traced back to medieval Portugal, where it was common for individuals to take on surnames based on their father's name or the location they came from. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling discrepancies and regional dialects, such as Vas de Lima, Vaz de Lemos, and Vaz da Silva. The surname is common in Portugal and its former colonies, particularly Brazil, where it has been adopted by several prominent figures throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vaz-de-lima

The surname Vaz-de-Lima is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it originates from the region of Minho, specifically in the districts of Braga and Vila Real, but has since spread across the country. In Brazil, it is most common in the states of Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. The name is a composite surname, with "Vaz" meaning "cloth merchant" or "tailor" in Portuguese, and "de Lima" referring to someone from or related to the town of Lima. Additionally, due to historical colonialism and migration patterns, there are also individuals with the surname Vaz-de-Lima in former Portuguese colonies such as Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Goa (India).

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

The surname Vaz de Lima has several variations and spelling alternatives due to linguistic and regional differences. Some common variants include Vaiz da Lima, Vas de Lima, Vaz da Silva Lima, Vaz de Souza Lima, Vaz dos Santos Lima, Vaz Ferreira Lima, and Vaz e Silva Lima. In Portuguese, "de" translates to "of", so the name can be interpreted as "son of Lima". However, in some cases, "de" might not indicate a direct relationship but rather serve as a locative element or part of a surname compound. The correct spelling may depend on individual preference, familial tradition, or regional conventions.

Famous people with the last name Vaz-de-lima

Notable individuals bearing the surname Vaz de Limas include:

1. Manuel Vaz de Caminha (1867-1913), a Brazilian writer and diplomat who is considered one of the founders of modern Brazilian literature. He is best known for his work "A Primeira Missa no Brasil" (The First Mass in Brazil).

2. António Vieira de Almeida Vaz de Caminha (1879-1930), a Portuguese explorer, naval officer, and aviator. He made the first airmail flight between Lisbon and Porto in 1911.

3. Luís da Cunha Vaz de Caminha (c.1480 - c.1556), a Portuguese navigator who was involved in the early colonization of Brazil. He led one of the earliest expeditions to the region in 1500, under the command of Vicente Yáñez Pinzón.

4. Francisco Vaz de Caminha (c.1460 - c.1529), a Portuguese navigator who participated in the early explorations of Brazil under Pedro Álvares Cabral and Diogo Dias. He was also involved in the conquest of Ceylon in 1517.

These figures have made significant contributions in various fields such as literature, exploration, aviation, and colonialism throughout history.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaz-de-lima

The surname Vaz-de-Lima originates from Portugal, specifically in the region of Minho, where the first recorded reference of this lineage can be traced back to the 13th century. The name is a combination of two elements: "Vaz" which means "son of" in Portuguese, and "de Lima," referring to a place named Lima or Limeiro, both towns in Minho. Over time, the family expanded and migrated across Europe, with significant settlements in Spain, Brazil, and other Portuguese colonies. The Vaz-de-Lima family played important roles in various historical events, including the Portuguese Restoration War and the colonization of Brazil. Notable members include Diogo de Lima, a Portuguese explorer who discovered the island of Saint Thomas, and Manuel Inácio de Lima, a prominent 18th-century Portuguese poet.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vaz-de-lima"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends