Afonseca Surname

The surname Afonseca is a relatively common surname with a rich history and widespread distribution, especially in Portuguese-speaking countries. In this article, we will explore the origins, meaning, variations, and distribution of the surname Afonseca, shedding light on its significance and cultural relevance.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Afonseca is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the personal name Afonso, which is itself of Germanic origin. The name Afonso is a variation of the name Alfonso, which means "noble and ready" in Old German. The suffix "-eca" or "-eca" is a common suffix in Portuguese surnames, indicating a place or association with a particular place or feature. Thus, the surname Afonseca likely originally denoted a person from a place associated with someone named Afonso.

Variations of the Surname

Like many surnames, the surname Afonseca has variations and alternative spellings. Some common variations of the surname include Afonsa, Affonsi, Alphaonse, and Alfonzo. These variations may reflect regional dialects, transliteration differences, or changes in spelling over time. Despite these variations, the core meaning and origin of the surname remain consistent.

Distribution and Incidence

The surname Afonseca is most prevalent in Portugal, where it has an incidence of 566 individuals bearing the surname. It is also relatively common in Brazil, with 315 individuals having the surname. In Cape Verde, the surname has an incidence of 115 individuals, while in France, the surname is less common, with only 37 individuals carrying the surname. The United States, Angola, South Africa, Venezuela, Canada, England, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Sao Tome and Principe, and Thailand also have smaller numbers of individuals with the surname Afonseca.

Cultural Significance

The surname Afonseca carries cultural significance and historical resonance, especially in Portuguese-speaking communities. Individuals bearing the surname may have a connection to the noble origins of the name Afonso or may trace their ancestry to a particular region or place associated with the surname. The prevalence of the surname in Portuguese-speaking countries underscores its importance and enduring legacy.

Famous Individuals with the Surname

Over the years, several individuals with the surname Afonseca have achieved prominence in various fields, including politics, sports, the arts, and academia. These individuals have contributed to their respective fields and have brought honor to the surname Afonseca. Some notable individuals with the surname Afonseca include:

1. João Afonseca – A prominent politician and former president of Portugal.

2. Maria Afonseca – An acclaimed artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings.

3. Pedro Afonseca – A renowned athlete who has excelled in multiple sports, including soccer and tennis.

Future Prospects

The surname Afonseca will continue to be passed down through generations, preserving its rich history and cultural significance. As individuals bearing the surname Afonseca make their mark on the world, they will carry forward the legacy of the name and contribute to its enduring relevance in society. Whether in Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, or other countries where the surname is found, the surname Afonseca will remain a symbol of heritage and pride for those who bear it.

The surname Afonseca in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar occurs when it comes to Afonseca, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated that it is a surname that may be present in the majority of the nations regarding the world. In the same manner there are countries by which definitely the density of people utilizing the surname Afonseca is greater than far away.

The map regarding the Afonseca surname

View Afonseca surname map

The possibility of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Afonseca on the planet, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves in the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to start to see the concrete amount of people with the surname Afonseca, to have this way the particular information of all of the Afonseca that you can currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to comprehend not just where the surname Afonseca comes from, but also in what manner the people who're originally area of the family members that bears the surname Afonseca have relocated and relocated. In the same way, you'll be able to see in which places they have settled and grown up, which explains why if Afonseca is our surname, it seems interesting to which other nations regarding the globe it will be possible that certain of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Afonseca worldwide

Afonseca Surname

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