Last Name Vieira-melo

Vieira Melo is a Portuguese surname, specifically Galician. The name "Vieira" is derived from the occupational name for a keeper of a vineyard, from the Medieval Latin 'vitearius', meaning "one who tends vines". The suffix "-Melo" is a common patronymic in Portugal and Galicia, denoting son or descendant of Melo. The combination Vieira-Melo likely indicates that the individual was originally known as Vieira and then took on the additional surname Melo for various reasons, such as acknowledging a family relation or geographical origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vieira-melo

The meaning and origin of the last name Vieira-melo

The surname Vieira-Melo is of Portuguese origin, derived from two distinct elements: "Vieira" and "Melo."

The name Vieira, which means 'sea anemone' in Portuguese, was initially used as a nickname for someone who lived near a place where sea anemones were abundant or had some characteristic reminiscent of the marine creature. Melo, on the other hand, is a common toponymic surname, originating from places named Melo across Portugal, such as in the district of Leiria, and it may have been used as a geographical indication, referring to someone's place of birth or residence.

The combination of these two surnames, Vieira-Melo, would have been formed to differentiate individuals with similar names within the same family or community. It reflects the blending of personal and regional identities common in Portuguese naming traditions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vieira-melo

The surname Vieira-Melo has its origins from Portugal and is predominantly found in regions such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Lisbon. However, it has also been dispersed due to migration, particularly to Brazil, where it is one of the most common Portuguese surnames. The name can be found primarily in the northeastern states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte, as well as in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, there are significant populations with the Vieira-Melo surname in Angola, another former Portuguese colony, due to historical migrations. In Europe, apart from Portugal, it can be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Mozambique and East Timor.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vieira-melo

The surname Vieira-Melo has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription, and translation. Here are some of the common ones:

* Portuguese (original): Vieira-Melo
* English (transliteration): Veira-Melo, Veiramelo, Viera-Mello
* Spanish (transliteration): Veira-Melo, Viera-Melo, Veiramelo, Viera-Mello
* French (transliteration): Veira-Melo, Veiramelo, Viera-Mello
* German (transliteration): Veira-Melo, Veiramelo, Viera-Mello

In English-speaking countries, it is not uncommon for the hyphen to be dropped, resulting in spellings such as VeiraMelo or Vieira Melo. Additionally, there may be regional variations due to different rules for combining surnames and first names (e.g., Veiramelos in some Hispanic cultures). It's important to note that the correct spelling of a name can often depend on the individual's personal preference or the conventions of their country or region.

Famous people with the last name Vieira-melo

Notable individuals sharing the surname Vieira-Melo include:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo Vieira de Melo, a Brazilian footballer who played as a midfielder and is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, having won numerous titles including five UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, and two UEFA European Championships with Portugal's national team.

2. João Vieira de Melo, a Portuguese journalist, writer, and political activist. He was a prominent figure in the Portuguese Carnation Revolution of 1974 and later became one of the founders of the Portuguese Communist Party's youth organization.

3. António Vieira de Melo, a Portuguese politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2006 during the Second Constitutional Government led by Prime Minister José Manuel Durão Barroso.

4. Eduardo Vieira de Melo, a Brazilian diplomat and politician who served as Brazil's ambassador to several countries, including Spain, Portugal, and France. He was also the founder of the Instituto Rio Branco.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, journalism, politics, and diplomacy.

Genealogical research on the last name Vieira-melo

The surname Vieira-Melo is of Portuguese origin, derived from two distinct elements: "Vieira," meaning "eel fisher" or "vender of eels," and "Melo," which refers to honey or sweet.

The name Vieira-Melo can be traced back to the medieval period in Portugal. The Vieiras were a noble family from the Minho region, while the Melos were originally from the Algarve. The combined surname Vieira-Melo may have emerged as a result of marriages between families or individuals with these surnames over time.

During the Age of Discoveries (15th to 18th centuries), many individuals with the surname Vieira-Melo emigrated from Portugal to Brazil, establishing themselves in various regions such as Pernambuco, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. The name is also present in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India).

In the United States, Vieira-Melos have primarily settled in states with a large Portuguese-American population such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California, Florida, and Louisiana. The surname has also been found in Canadian provinces with significant Portuguese communities like Ontario and Quebec.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vieira-melo"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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