FERREIRA Origin of surname
FERREIRA
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name derives from an occupation (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade).
Ferreira is a Spanish variant of the Latin Ferrarius, literally related to "iron" and "smith", thus indicating a "blacksmith" or a "seller of metals". Since in the Hebrew alphabet the letters "f" and "p" are interchangeable, Ferreira is also linked to Pere(i)ra, the Spanish and Portuguese for "pear tree", indicating a family who grew or sold fruits.
Ferreira may also be a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives. It is associated with the Italian city of Ferrara, where Jews lived since at least the 13th and possibly already the 11th century.
Ferrerius is documented as a Jewish family name in 1215, Fararius and Ferrarius in the 13th century, Ferrer in 1413, Ferrier in 1431, Ferrus in the 15th century, Farrar and Ferrar in the 16th century, Ferriera in 1601, Ferreira in 1614, De Ferrara in the 17th century, Ferro in 1704, and Ferreyre in 1730.
Pereira is recorded in 1618, De Pereira in 1623, Pereyra in 1644, Perera in 1661, Pereyre in 1670, and Pereire in 1720.
Ferreira is documented as a Jewish family name in Bordeaux, France, in 1614.
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name derives from an occupation (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade).
Ferreira is a Spanish variant of the Latin Ferrarius, literally related to "iron" and "smith", thus indicating a "blacksmith" or a "seller of metals". Since in the Hebrew alphabet the letters "f" and "p" are interchangeable, Ferreira is also linked to Pere(i)ra, the Spanish and Portuguese for "pear tree", indicating a family who grew or sold fruits.
Ferreira may also be a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives. It is associated with the Italian city of Ferrara, where Jews lived since at least the 13th and possibly already the 11th century.
Ferrerius is documented as a Jewish family name in 1215, Fararius and Ferrarius in the 13th century, Ferrer in 1413, Ferrier in 1431, Ferrus in the 15th century, Farrar and Ferrar in the 16th century, Ferriera in 1601, Ferreira in 1614, De Ferrara in the 17th century, Ferro in 1704, and Ferreyre in 1730.
Pereira is recorded in 1618, De Pereira in 1623, Pereyra in 1644, Perera in 1661, Pereyre in 1670, and Pereire in 1720.
Ferreira is documented as a Jewish family name in Bordeaux, France, in 1614.