Sobreira Surname

About the Surname Sobreira

The surname Sobreira is an interesting and unique surname with origins in various countries around the world. It is not as common as some other surnames, but it has a rich history and cultural significance in the regions where it is found.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Sobreira has its origins in the Portuguese and Spanish languages, where it is derived from the word "sobreiro", which means cork oak tree. This suggests that the surname may have started as a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearer of the surname lived near a cork oak tree or in a place where cork oak trees were common.

In Brazil, the surname Sobreira is found in a variety of regions, with the highest incidence in the country. This suggests that the surname may have spread to Brazil through colonization and immigration from Portugal and Spain.

Historical Significance

The surname Sobreira has a long history in the regions where it is found. In Portugal and Spain, cork oak trees have been an important natural resource for centuries, used for producing cork for wine bottles and other products. This suggests that families with the surname Sobreira may have been involved in the cork industry or lived in areas where cork oak trees were abundant.

In Brazil, the surname Sobreira may have been brought over by Portuguese and Spanish settlers during the colonial period. It is likely that these families played a role in the early development of Brazil and may have been involved in agriculture, forestry, or other industries where cork oak trees were important.

Global Distribution

While the surname Sobreira is most prevalent in Brazil, it is also found in other countries around the world. In Portugal, the surname has a moderate incidence, suggesting that it may have originated there and spread to other Portuguese-speaking regions.

In France, Spain, the Philippines, Mexico, and South Africa, the surname Sobreira is present with varying levels of incidence. This indicates that the surname may have traveled to these countries through colonization, trade, or immigration from Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions.

In countries like the United States, Argentina, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, the surname Sobreira is less common but still exists. It is likely that these families have roots in Portugal, Spain, or other regions where the surname is more prevalent.

Cultural Impact

The surname Sobreira has a cultural significance in the regions where it is found. Families with this surname may have a strong connection to the cork industry, forestry, or the natural environment. They may also have a shared history of immigration and colonization, which has shaped their identity and cultural practices.

Overall, the surname Sobreira is a unique and interesting surname with a rich history and diverse global distribution. It reflects the cultural and historical connections between Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and other countries where the surname is found.

The surname Sobreira in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same takes place in the case of Sobreira, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in the majority of the countries of this globe. Just as you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people because of the surname Sobreira is more than in other countries.

The map of this Sobreira surname

1. Brazil (20624)
2. Portugal (1085)
3. France (262)
4. Spain (144)
5. Philippines (41)
6. Mexico (37)
7. South Africa (33)
8. Canada (27)
9. United States (21)
10. Argentina (11)
11. Switzerland (11)
12. England (5)
13. China (2)
14. Angola (1)
15. Australia (1)
16. Belgium (1)
17. Bolivia (1)
18. Chile (1)
19. Germany (1)
20. Italy (1)
21. Japan (1)
22. Paraguay (1)
23. Uruguay (1)