Many Brazilian families carry stories in their surnames that cross oceans, linking them to Europe. These surnames, common in Brazil today, are vestiges of colonization times and waves of European immigration.
Therefore, we brought six surnames that reveal a European heritage, showing how the history of a people can be told through the names that pass from generation to generation.
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The surname “Pereira” is typical of Portugal and has a very direct and simple origin: it refers to people who were born in regions where pears were grown.
There are no mysteries or connections with royalty in its origin, it is a direct homage to the fruit and the tree that produces it.
“Camargo” is a common surname in Spain, originating in the 13th century. It is associated with the Camargo Valley in Santander, Cantabria. The exact origin of the term is uncertain, but it is believed that it may have connections with the Celtic language of 3 BC. W.
Carvalho is another surname of Iberian origin, popular among Portuguese Jews. It symbolizes longevity and resistance, characteristics associated with the oak tree itself.
Surnames ending in “es” or “ez”, common in Portugal and Spain, generally mean “son of”. Thus, “Fernandes” indicates “son of Fernando”. It was a surname widely used in the Middle Ages and can also appear as “Hernández”.
The surname “Nogueira” originates from the Torre de Nogueira region, in Portugal. It not only refers to a specific locality but is also associated with trees that produce almonds and walnuts.
Finally, “Macedo” is another surname that points to a specific region of Portugal, suggesting an origin in areas full of apple trees.
These surnames are small clues that reveal Brazil's historical and cultural connections with Europe. Each one carries a part of history and reflects the diverse influences that have shaped Brazilian society over the centuries.