Surname Magalhes - Meaning and Origin
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Magalhes: What does the surname Magalhes mean?
The last name Magalhães is of Portuguese origin and is geographical in nature. It is specifically derived from the town of Santa Marinha do Zêzere, formerly called "Magalhães." Therefore, it is likely that individuals bearing this surname are descendants of those from this Portuguese town. The exact meaning of Magalhães is unclear, but it may possibly relate to an ancient family or term in the region. This name has been borne by several notable people throughout history, including the famous Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães in Portuguese), known for leading the first expedition that circumnavigated the Earth.
Order DNA origin analysisMagalhes: Where does the name Magalhes come from?
The surname Magalhães originated from Portugal, named after a place in the northern region of the country. The name literally means "from beyond the sea" or "foreigner," derived from the Portuguese words "maga" meaning "from beyond" and "alhães" meaning "sea." It can be traced back as far as the 13th century, most notably connected to the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães in Portuguese), who organized the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522.
Today, the last name Magalhães is still common in Portugal. However, it has also spread to former Portuguese colonies such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Goa in India, and Macau in China. It can also be found among Portuguese diaspora communities around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. It is particularly prevalent within Brazil due to its historical ties with Portugal. Despite the various ways it may be spelled in different countries, the surname denoting the same lineage or ancestry remains identifiable.
Variations of the surname Magalhes
The surname Magalhães has its origin in Portugal and it is often associated with the famous Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães in Portuguese).
There are several variants and spellings of the surname, often due to regional dialects, assimilation into different languages, and variation over time. Variants and spelling modifications include:
1. Magallanes: it is the Spanish version of the surname, made famous by the Strait of Magellan in Southern Chile, named after Ferdinand Magellan.
2. Magalhaes: This is a version without the diacritical mark (ã), which is commonly used in non-Portuguese speaking countries.
3. Magellan: This is an anglicized version of the name, used predominantly in English speaking countries.
4. Magalhans, MaGalhens, or Magalhaens: these are misspelled versions, but have been found on record and may exist as surnames.
5. Magalhaens: is a relatively rare variant.
Some closely related surnames, as they come from the same root "magal" meaning "big", are Magal, Magalas, and Magaldi among others.
Please note that some of these spellings might not be common and often the original Magalhães is used, even in non-Portuguese speaking countries.
Famous people with the name Magalhes
- Nuno Magalhães: Portuguese musician
- Fernando Magalhães: Portuguese archer and Olympic champion
- Fernanda Magalhães: Brazilian actress
- Pedro Magalhães: Portuguese historian and author
- Jamilly Magalhães: Brazilian actress
- Paulo Magalhães: Portuguese weightlifter and Olympic champion
- Arlete Sousa Magalhães: Brazilian singer
- Miguel Magalhães: Portuguese footballer
- Thiago Magalhães: Brazilian surfer
- Mariana Magalhães: Brazilian model
- Júlio Magalhães: Portuguese volleyball player
- Lorena Magalhães: Brazilian television presenter
- Edith Magalhães: Brazilian swimmer
- Bruna Magalhães: Brazilian actress and singer
- Michel Magalhães: Brazilian footballer
- Pascoal Magalhães: Mozambican poet
- Heloy Magalhães: Brazilian actor
- Tiago Magalhães: Portuguese dancer
- Rômulo Magalhães: Brazilian footballer
- Pedrofran Magalhães: Brazilian singer