Last names provide us with a bridge to our heritage. In a country as diverse as Brazil, family history can be both rich and complex. The most common Brazilian last names connect those who bear them to Portuguese roots, as Portugal had such a large colonial presence in the country. Other Brazilian last names have Spanish influences, while a significant number of Brazilians carry Italian and German last names.

We’ve compiled a list of some common Brazilian last names and their meanings, as well as the language they stem from. Read on and see if yours is on the list!

Silva
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Forest or woodland.
Mota
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Someone who lives near a fort.
Lima
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Someone who lives near a river.
Ferreira
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Blacksmith.
Batista
Origin: Spanish/Portuguese
Meaning: Baptist.
Gomes
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Man.
Rocha
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Rock or boulder.
Alves
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Son of Alvaro.
Macedo
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Apple grove.
Schmidt
Origin: German
Meaning: Blacksmith.

Le PicBois
Correia
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Leather belt-maker.
Ramos
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: A person who lives near a forest.
Morais
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Blackberry.
Azevedo
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Holly.
Cavalcante
Origin: Italian
Meaning: This name comes from the Latin word for ‘to ride,’ meaning it was probably given to horse riders or horse trainers.
Moreira
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Mulberry tree.
Santos
Origin: Spanish/Portuguese
Meaning: Holy.
Melo
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: A person who came from Melo, Portugal.
Neves
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Snow.
Teixeira
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Yew tree.
Campos
Origin: Portuguese/Spanish
Meaning: Countryside.