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Last Name Zeca

What is the origin of the last name Zeca?

The last name Zeca is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from a common nickname or diminutive form of the first name José, which is the Portuguese version of Joseph. Therefore, the last name Zeca means "son of José" or "descendant of José." This surname is common in Portugal and among Portuguese communities around the world.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Zeca

The meaning and origin of the last name Zeca

The surname Zeca is of Portuguese origin and is believed to be a diminutive form of the given name José. José is a common Spanish and Portuguese given name that is derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "God will add" or "May God give increase". The surname Zeca may have originally been used as a patronymic surname to indicate descent from an ancestor named José. Over time, it became a distinct surname in its own right. Surnames in Portugal often evolved from given names or occupation-based nicknames, and Zeca likely followed this pattern. Today, individuals with the surname Zeca can be found in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking communities around the world, with variations in spelling such as Zecca or Zeza.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zeca

The last name Zeca is predominantly found in Brazil, particularly in the northeastern region of the country. It is a relatively common surname among the Portuguese diaspora in Brazil, with a significant presence in states such as Bahia, Pernambuco, and Ceará. In addition to Brazil, the surname Zeca can also be found in smaller numbers in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola and Mozambique. The name may have originally originated from a Portuguese or Brazilian family and has since been passed down through generations. While the exact origins of the surname are unclear, its distribution indicates a strong connection to Portuguese colonial history and migration patterns within the former Portuguese empire.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zeca

The last name "Zeca" may have variations and spellings such as Zeka, Zecah, Zechah, Zeecha, and Zecca. These variations may come from different regions or dialects where the name is commonly found. Another possible spelling could be Zecher or Zech, as families may have altered the name over time for personal or cultural reasons. The surname Zeca may also have different forms in other languages, such as Zecka in Polish or Zeča in Croatian. These variations in spelling and pronunciation can result in the name being written and pronounced differently depending on the region or background of the individual. Despite the different spellings, the surname Zeca remains a unique and distinctive name that carries its own history and significance.

Famous people with the last name Zeca

There are not many famous people with the last name Zeca. One notable individual is Alexandru Zeciu, a Romanian footballer who has played for teams such as FC Steaua București and FC Rapid București. Another well-known figure with the last name Zeca is Pedro Geromel Zelaya, a Brazilian-born footballer who currently plays as a defender for Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense in Brazil. Despite the limited number of famous individuals with the last name Zeca, both Alexandru and Pedro have made significant impacts within the world of sports through their talent and dedication to their respective teams.

Genealogical research on the last name Zeca

The last name Zeca originates from Eastern Europe, particularly from countries such as Romania, Albania, and Bulgaria. It is believed to be of Slavic origin, with variations such as Zec and Zek found in different regions. The name Zeca may have originated as a nickname or a descriptive term, possibly referring to someone with a quick or agile personality. Genealogical research on the Zeca surname reveals a long and diverse history, with individuals bearing this name found in various historical records such as birth certificates, census data, and immigration records. The Zeca family tree may trace back several generations, showing connections to different regions and possibly providing insight into the migration patterns of Eastern European populations. Through further research and analysis, more information on the origins and evolution of the Zeca surname can be uncovered.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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