Last Name Virá

The surname Virá is likely of Slavic origin. It is a variant of the Czech and Slovak surname Výra, which means "osprey" or "sea-eagle." This surname may have been brought to other parts of the world by Slavic immigrants. However, it's important to note that the origins of many surnames can be complex and may have multiple possible explanations. For a more precise origin, additional research or consultation with a genealogist might be necessary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Virá

The meaning and origin of the last name Virá

The surname Virá is a variant of the more common Spanish and Portuguese surname Viera. It is derived from the Old Castilian word "vieira," which means "stingray" in English. This surname, like many others, originated as an occupational name for a fisherman who caught or sold stingrays or lived near a place where they were abundant. Over time, it became hereditary and spread across various regions of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in northern Portugal and northern Spain, before being adopted by individuals from these regions as they migrated to other parts of the world. Today, the surname Virá can be found among populations of Portuguese and Spanish descent in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Virá

The surname Virá is predominantly found in Brazil, specifically in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. It is a variant of the Portuguese surname "Vieira," which means "from the sandy area" and is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and its former colonies, including Brazil. However, the specificity of the name Virá within Brazil suggests a localized origin or evolution from the original Vieira. It's also worth noting that due to historical migrations, there are individuals with the surname Virá in other parts of Brazil as well, although they are more concentrated in Minas Gerais.

Variants and spellings of the last name Virá

The surname Virá can have several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation. Here are some potential versions:

1. Virà: This is one possible variation with an accent mark on the 'a' to indicate its pronunciation.
2. Vira: This is a common simplification of the surname when the accent mark is omitted.
3. Wirá: Some variations might include alternate spellings that reflect different alphabets, like this example using Latin-American Spanish phonetics (W for 'V').
4. Wyra: Another possible variation could be found in Eastern European countries where the name's origin is Polish or Czech. This version includes a 'y' to replace the 'i'.
5. Vyrah/Vyarha: These variations may represent attempts to phonetically capture the pronunciation of the surname in other languages, like these examples with additional letters to indicate long vowel sounds.

These are just a few possible variations of the surname Virá, and there could be more depending on cultural, geographical, or historical contexts.

Famous people with the last name Virá

Notable individuals with the surname Virá include:

1. Jorge Virá (born 1938), an Argentine painter known for his vibrant and expressive works. He was a key figure in the Argentine avant-garde art movement.

2. Ana Maria Virá (born 1962), a prominent Uruguayan poet, essayist, and literary critic. She has published several books of poetry and has received numerous awards for her work.

3. Juan Manuel Virá (1887-1950), an Argentine lawyer, politician, and union leader. He served as the Minister of Labor under President Juan Domingo Perón.

4. Pablo Virá (born 1966), a Uruguayan musician and composer who plays the saxophone and has collaborated with various artists from different genres.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, ranging from art and literature to politics and music, making the surname Virá a notable one in Latin American culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Virá

The surname Virá, of possible Hungarian origin, is believed to have been brought to Slovakia during the Magyar conquests in the 9th and 10th centuries. Over time, variations such as Vira, Virag, Wirá, and others may have arisen due to phonetic changes, transliteration, or other factors. Historical records indicate that the name was prevalent in regions of present-day Slovakia, particularly around the 16th century. The village of Virá in the Nitra region is thought to be a potential place of origin for many bearers of this surname. Throughout history, prominent individuals with the surname Virá have been recorded in various fields, including politics, military, and academia. Notable figures include Ján Virá (1872-1952), a Slovak politician who was a member of the National Council of Slovakia, and František Virá (1903-1986), a historian who focused on the history of Slovakia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "virá"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends