Surname Magalhas - Meaning and Origin
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Magalhas: What does the surname Magalhas mean?
The surname Magalhães is of Portuguese origin. Its exact meaning is not clear, as it likely derives from an old place name or geographical term. Many believe that Magalhães is a topographic name for someone who lived near a certain type of terrain, possibly a ridge or a peak.
One of the most famous persons with this surname is the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães in Portuguese), who initiated the expedition that first circumnavigated the Earth.
Despite the uncertainty about the meaning of "Magalhães", it is quite likely it holds some significance tied to geography or a specific location, given the conventions of naming in the era and region it originates from.
Additionally, the surname has variations like Magalhães, Magalhaes or Magallanes depending on regions and languages, like Spain or Philippines. Even with these changes, the basic root of the name remains consistent, suggesting a shared historical or geographical significance. In Brazil, a common variation is Magalhas.
Order DNA origin analysisMagalhas: Where does the name Magalhas come from?
The surname Magalhas originates from Portugal. It is derived from "Malha", a term for a type of fabric, specifically a mesh. The term was often used metaphorically to refer to a net for catching birds, so the surname could have originally been a nickname for a fowler. Over the years, the spelling has evolved to its current form, with "Magalhães" being the modern Portuguese spelling and "Magalhas" being a variant. Despite its Portuguese origin, it can be found in Spanish-speaking countries as well, due to historical Spanish dominance and influence over Portugal. Today, the surname Magalhas remains common in Portugal and Brazil due to historical ties and migration patterns. Additionally, it can be found, albeit less commonly, in other countries with Portuguese emigrant communities, such as the United States, Canada, and countries throughout Africa and Asia. It is particularly recognized worldwide because of the Portuguese explorer, Fernando de Magalhães, widely known as Ferdinand Magellan in the English-speaking world, who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe in the 16th century.
Variations of the surname Magalhas
The surname Magalhas is of Portuguese origin and variants of it can vary due to region, dialect, or even translation over time. It is likely derived from a geographical location or a distinctive geographical feature.
There are no well-documented variations or different spellings of the surname Magalhas. However, it could potentially have been altered to Magalhaes, especially in places where the special character "ã" might not have been included in alphabet or commonly used. This is a common Portuguese surname that is connected to a Portuguese noble family.
The most famous person with a similar surname was Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer, known as Fernão de Magalhães in Portuguese, noteworthy for his excursions around the world. His surname was Anglicized to Magellan. Spelling variations of this name have also included Magellanes or Magellano in Spanish and Italian.
Remember that the scattering and mutation of surnames are entirely dependable on historical, linguistic, and migratory factors. Individual families might have preferred different spellings over time, based on personal, professional, or regional reasons.
Famous people with the name Magalhas
- Francisco Magalhães: Portuguese jazz guitarist
- José Magalhães: Portuguese movie director
- Antonia Magalhães: Brazilian actress
- João Magalhães: Portuguese author and literary critic
- Pina Magalhães: Brazilian actress
- Maria Helena Magalhães: Portuguese historian and academic
- Rita Magalhães: Brazilian folk singer
- Carolina Magalhães: Brazilian journalist
- Márcia Magalhães: Portuguese poet
- Jay Magalhães: Portuguese television producer and presenter
- Rui Magalhães: Portuguese football player
- Sangue de Magalhães: Portuguese rock band
- Henrique Magalhães: Portuguese actor and theatre director
- Daniel Magalhães: Brazilian surgeon and professor
- Dagmar Magalhães: Brazilian-American entrepreneur
- Alex Magalhães: Brazilian soccer player
- Brigite Magalhães: Brazilian opera singer
- César Magalhães: Brazilian film director
- André Magalhães: Portuguese comic book artist
- Francisco Magalhães: Brazilian poet