Last Name Vaz-de-sousa

The surname Vaz-de-Sousa is of Portuguese origin and has a combination of two distinct elements: "Vaz" and "de Sousa." "Vaz" is a patronymic surname that originally referred to the occupation or nickname 'son of' (filho de) a 'carrier' or 'porter,' in Portuguese, 'vaza.' Over time, it became a hereditary name. "De Sousa" is also a Portuguese surname derived from a place name, specifically referring to the region known as Sousa in northern Portugal. In this case, "de" indicates that the person originated from Sousa and has become a part of their family name. Together, Vaz-de-Sousa signifies 'son of' (or descendant of) someone originally from Sousa who was involved in transportation or porterage.

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

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

The surname Vaz de Sousa is a Portuguese patronymic name, derived from the given names Vasco (meaning 'ship' or 'boat') and São (Portuguese for Saint), and the locative prefix "de" (from) followed by "Sousa," which refers to a specific geographical location. The Sousa region, located in northern Portugal, was historically an important area during the Middle Ages, being home to various Portuguese noble families. The name Vaz de Sousa first appeared during this period, and its bearers often held positions of power and influence. Over time, the surname has been carried by individuals who migrated from Portugal, spreading its usage across the globe, particularly in regions with significant Portuguese colonization, such as Brazil, Goa (India), Angola, Mozambique, and Macau.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vaz-de-sousa

The surname Vaz-de-Sousa is predominantly found in Portugal, specifically in regions such as Minho and Trás-os-Montes, where it originates from the medieval parishes of Vaz and Sousa. It has also spread to other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Angola due to migration during the colonization period. In Brazil, the name is most frequent in the states of Pernambuco, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. In Angola, it is common in the provinces of Huíla, Cuanza Sul, and Benguela, reflecting the historical Portuguese influence there. Additionally, due to emigration from these countries, Vaz-de-Sousa can also be found in other parts of the world where their descendants have settled, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

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

The surname Vaz-de-Sousa has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to historical influences and regional differences. Some common variations include: Vas de Sousa, Vaz dos Santos, Vaz Souza, Vas de Souza, Vaas de Sousa, and Wass de Souza. The name originates from Portugal, with "Vaz" being a common Portuguese surname derived from the given name Vasco, and "de Sousa" or "Souza" indicating descent from someone who lived on a farm or estate called Sousa. The hyphenated form, Vaz-de-Sousa, is also commonly used to distinguish it from other similarly-named families. It's important to note that spellings may differ depending on personal preference, cultural influences, and historical records.

Famous people with the last name Vaz-de-sousa

Notable individuals bearing the surname Vaz de Sousa include:

1. João Vaz Corte-Real (died c. 1480), a Portuguese explorer who is considered one of the first Europeans to sight North America, during John Cabot's voyage in 1497.
2. Álvaro Vaz de Sousa (c. 1500–1569), a Portuguese navigator and colonial administrator, who played an important role in the early settlement of Brazil. He served as the first governor of São Vicente, founded in 1532.
3. André Vaz de Sousa (died 1582), a Portuguese adventurer who participated in several expeditions to Africa and Asia under Afonso de Albuquerque, and was the founder of the Fort of Bassein (Modern-day Vasai) near Mumbai, India.
4. João Vaz Corte-Real (1839–1910), a Portuguese composer, conductor, and music teacher who contributed to the revival of traditional Portuguese music in the 19th century.
5. Pedro Nunes de Sousa Vaz (1554–1607), also known as Pedro Nunes, a Portuguese mathematician, astronomer, and geographer who made significant contributions to trigonometry, navigation, and cartography during the Age of Exploration.
6. António Manuel de Sousa Vaz (1942–2018), a Portuguese actor who had an extensive career in cinema, television, and theater. He received several awards for his work, including the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his role in "The House of Mirth" (2000).
7. José Vaz de Sousa (1943–), a Brazilian politician who served as the Governor of Minas Gerais from 1995 to 2002 and as Minister of Finance during Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's first term as President of Brazil.

These individuals represent various fields, including exploration, politics, music, mathematics, and acting. Their achievements have left a lasting impact on their respective areas.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaz-de-sousa

The Vaz-de-Sousa surname originates from Portugal, with roots tracing back to the medieval era. The name is a compound one, derived from the elements "Vaz" and "de Sousa." "Vaz" is a common Portuguese patronymic from the personal name Vasco, which was popularized by the explorer Vasco da Gama in the 15th century. "De Sousa," on the other hand, is a toponymic surname indicating origin from one of several places named Sousa throughout Portugal. Notable figures with this surname include João Vaz Corte-Real, a Portuguese explorer who discovered Newfoundland in the early 16th century, and Francisco de Almeida Vaz, a prominent Portuguese naval commander in the 16th century. The Vaz-de-Sousa family has a significant history in Portugal's maritime explorations and military service.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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