Surnames – we all have them, right? Some have one, others have two, and then there are those who have so many they seem like heirs to the Portuguese nobility. But the truth is, some surnames are way more common than others. Is yours among the top 10 most frequent in the country? Let’s find out!
10. Sousa
We’re starting our countdown! In tenth place among the most common surnames in Portugal, we have the Sousa family. With over 300,000 people bearing this surname, they make up about 2.95% of the Portuguese population. But we’re still far from the most popular surname in the country.
9. Jesus
In honor of the famous coach Jorge Jesus, perhaps? About 2.99% of the Portuguese population has the Jesus surname. Many of these people come from families with strong ties to Christianity, the predominant religion in Portugal. Whether it’s due to faith or football, the Jesus surname is pretty popular.
8. Martins
Derived from the Latin Martinus, the Martins surname takes eighth place on our list. This name is dedicated to the Roman god of war, Mars. Currently, 3.23% of the Portuguese population bears this surname. Let’s hope none of them feel inspired to start a war for the top spot on this list!
7. Rodrigues
The seventh spot belongs to the Rodrigues, making up 3.57% of the population. This surname originated in the 14th and 15th centuries in families whose patriarch was named Rodrigo. And no, they’re not all children of the same Rodrigo… at least, we hope not!
6. Costa
The Costa surname is very common in Portugal, representing 3.68% of the population. If you didn’t understand the joke “Ai Costa… a vida Costa,” it’s probably because you’re from a younger generation. Regardless, the Costa family continues to be a strong presence in the country.
5. Oliveira
We’re down to the top five with the Oliveira surname. About 3.71% of the Portuguese population has this surname, which is associated with olive growers. With so many people named Oliveira, we can rest assured that olive oil production in Portugal is in good hands for many years to come.
4. Pereira
The Pereira surname is the second one related to fruit trees on this list. About 4.88% of the population has this surname, which originated from a farm in Vila Nova de Famalicão in the 12th century. The difference between Oliveira and Pereira is over 1%, which translates to more than 100,000 people!
3. Ferreira
We’re entering the top three with the Ferreira family! This surname is present in 5.25% of the Portuguese population. Originally, the name was given to those who worked with iron or lived in lands rich in minerals. Today, it remains one of the most popular names in the country.
2. Santos
In second place, we have the Santos, making up 5.96% of the population. This surname was originally given to people born on All Saints’ Day, November 1st. It’s one of the oldest surnames in Portugal, dating back to before the creation of the County of Portucalense.
1. Silva
And at the top of the list, the most common surname in Portugal is Silva! Almost 1 in 10 Portuguese people, or 9.44% of the population, has this surname. The origin of the name dates back to before the founding of Portugal and means “forest” or “jungle.” Considering that the Silva family crest features a lion, we can say that the Silva family is the true king of the jungle of surnames.
Conclusion
So, is your surname on the list? If so, you’re not alone, since millions of Portuguese people share these top 10 most common surnames. Regardless of the surname, each name tells a story and reflects a part of the country’s culture and traditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most common surname in Portugal?
A: The most common surname in Portugal is Silva, with 9.44% of the population bearing this name.