Vieira Surname
The Origins of the Surname Vieira
The surname Vieira is a common surname originating from Portugal and Brazil. It is derived from the Portuguese word "vieira," which refers to a scallop shell. The scallop shell has been an emblem of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, which is a famous pilgrimage site for Christians. As such, the surname Vieira is often associated with Christian pilgrimage and spirituality.
In Portugal, the surname Vieira is believed to have originated in the northern region of Galicia, where there is a strong tradition of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The scallop shell is a symbol of St. James, the patron saint of Spain, whose shrine is located in Santiago de Compostela. It is believed that pilgrims who visited the shrine would take a scallop shell as a souvenir, and upon returning home, they would adopt the name Vieira to signify their pilgrimage.
The Spread of the Surname Vieira
Brazil
In Brazil, the surname Vieira is one of the most common surnames, with over 1.5 million people bearing the name. The Portuguese colonization of Brazil in the 16th century brought many Vieiras to the country, where they established themselves as prominent landowners, merchants, and politicians. The surname Vieira is found in all regions of Brazil, with a particularly high incidence in the northeast, where many of the early Portuguese settlers arrived.
Portugal
In Portugal, the surname Vieira is less common than in Brazil, with around 65,000 people bearing the name. The surname is most prevalent in the northern regions of Portugal, particularly in the province of Minho, where the tradition of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is strongest. Many Vieiras in Portugal can trace their ancestry back to Galicia in Spain, where the surname originated.
Other Countries
Outside of Portugal and Brazil, the surname Vieira is also found in several other countries, albeit with much lower incidences. In Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, the United States, and France, there are significant populations of people with the surname Vieira. In countries like Cape Verde, Venezuela, East Timor, and Canada, the surname is less common but still present.
Notable People with the Surname Vieira
Brazil
In Brazil, the surname Vieira is associated with several notable individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. One such person is Antônio Vieira, a 17th-century Jesuit priest and diplomat who played a key role in the Portuguese colonization of Brazil. Vieira was known for his eloquent sermons and his advocacy for the rights of indigenous peoples in Brazil.
Portugal
In Portugal, the surname Vieira is associated with famous explorers and navigators who played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery. One such person is João Rodrigues Vieira, a 16th-century navigator who sailed with Vasco da Gama on his voyage to India. Vieira's expertise in navigation and cartography helped da Gama reach his destination and establish Portuguese trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
United States
In the United States, the surname Vieira is associated with individuals who have made their mark in various fields, including sports, entertainment, and politics. One famous example is Meredith Vieira, a well-known television personality and journalist who has worked on programs such as "The View" and "The Today Show." Vieira's success in the media industry has made her a household name in the United States.
The Legacy of the Surname Vieira
Overall, the surname Vieira has a rich history that dates back to the medieval period in Portugal. The association of the surname with pilgrimage and spirituality has given it a symbolic significance that is still relevant today. The spread of the surname Vieira to countries across the world highlights the influence of Portuguese colonization and migration on global demographics.
As more people with the surname Vieira continue to make their mark in various fields and industries, the legacy of the name will only continue to grow. Whether in Brazil, Portugal, or other countries, the surname Vieira remains a reminder of the enduring connections between people and places, past and present.
The surname Vieira within the globe
Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar occurs in the case of Vieira, 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 the globe. Just as you will find nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals with all the surname Vieira is greater than in other countries.
The map of the Vieira surname
The possibility of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Vieira on earth, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves on the map, for a tangible country, we can understand tangible number of people because of the surname Vieira, to obtain in this manner the precise information of all the Vieira that one can presently find in that country. All this also assists us to understand not merely in which the surname Vieira originates from, but also in what manner the folks who're initially an element of the household that bears the surname Vieira have moved and moved. In the same manner, you are able to see by which places they've settled and developed, and that's why if Vieira is our surname, it seems interesting to which other countries of the world it will be possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.
Countries with more Vieira in the world
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Brazil (1539341)
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Portugal (65389)
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Mozambique (35174)
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Guinea-Bissau (26936)
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United States (12281)
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France (7342)
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Cape Verde (5281)
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Venezuela (4061)
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East Timor (4010)
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Canada (3419)
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Spain (3315)
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South Africa (2932)
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Argentina (1758)
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England (1245)
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Switzerland (614)
