What is the origin of the last name Vinagreira?

The surname Vinagreira is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the occupational name "vinegar-maker" or a geographical name referring to a place known for its vineyards. The name is composed of two elements: "vinagre," meaning vinegar, and "eira," which means field or vineyard. This surname may have been originally given to someone who worked as a vinegar producer or lived in an area with many vineyards.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vinagreira

The meaning and origin of the last name Vinagreira

The surname Vinagreira is of Portuguese origin, derived from the occupational name "vindimiar," which referred to someone who was responsible for grape harvesting or wine making. The term "vindimiar" comes from the Latin "vinum," meaning wine, and "demarius," indicating possession or service related to it. Over time, the name underwent several phonetic changes, eventually evolving into Vinagreira, which could be interpreted as a reference to someone associated with vinegar-making due to the similarity between the words for wine ("vinho") and vinegar ("vinaigre") in Portuguese. The surname is now widely spread throughout Portugal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vinagreira

The surname Vinagreira is predominantly found in Portugal, where it originates from. It is most concentrated in the northern regions, particularly in the Minho and Douro provinces, due to historical settlement patterns. The name has also been carried by Portuguese immigrants to various parts of the world, notably Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Angola, reflecting the migration history of Portugal over the centuries. In Brazil, it is most common in the southeastern states such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In the United States, significant populations bearing the surname can be found in California, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. The name's distribution mirrors historical Portuguese colonial expansion and post-colonial migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vinagreira

The surname Vinagreira has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, transliteration, and family traditions. Some of these include Vinagreiro, Vinagreiros, Vinaigreira, Vinaigreiro, and Vinaigreiros. These variations may arise from subtle differences in pronunciation or the use of different diacritical marks. Additionally, some individuals may have modified their surnames over time due to immigration, assimilation, or simply personal preference. In Portuguese, the name Vinagreira is derived from "vinagre," meaning vinegar, suggesting an occupational name for a vintner or producer of vinegar.

Famous people with the last name Vinagreira

Notable individuals sharing the surname Vinagreira include:

1. António José da Silva Vinagreira (1759-1834), Portuguese politician who served as Minister of the Navy and Overseas under Prime Minister Marquês de Pombal.
2. Lourdes Vinagreira (born 1960), a Spanish actress known for her roles in movies like "The Sea Inside" and "The Orphanage."
3. Jorge Vinagreira Ferreira (1887-1953), Brazilian educator, writer, and politician who was the Minister of Education during Getúlio Vargas's first term as President.
4. Ana Vinagreira (born 1962), a Portuguese actress and theater director, notable for her work in the Portuguese television series "Morangos com Açucar."
5. Manuel Vinagreira de Faria (1835-1907), a prominent Brazilian physician, educator, and politician who served as Minister of Justice during the presidency of Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca.

Genealogical research on the last name Vinagreira

The surname Vinagreira is primarily found in Portugal and Brazil, with origins dating back to the medieval period. In Portugal, it originated from the city of Viseu, where a notable figure named João Peres de Vinagreira lived during the 14th century. The name is derived from the occupation of a wine maker (vinagreiro), or it could be associated with a geographical location near vineyards.

The surname spread throughout Portugal and eventually migrated to Brazil during the Portuguese colonial era. Notable Vinagreiras in Brazilian history include Antonio da Silva Vinagreira, a judge and politician of the late 18th century, and Joaquim José de Souza e Silva Vinagreira, a prominent military figure who served as governor of Rio Grande do Norte from 1846 to 1852.

Today, the Vinagreira family is widely dispersed across Portugal and Brazil, with notable concentrations in Viseu, Porto, Lisbon, and Minas Gerais. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this interesting surname's history and its significant contributions to Portuguese and Brazilian society.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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