Surname Sousa - Meaning and Origin

Exploring the Sousa Lineage: An Insight Into iGENEA's Accurate DNA Testing and Its Relevance

Exploiting iGENEA's DNA testing services, I descended into the ancient lineage of the surname Sousa. The scientific process utilised sophisticated methods to ascertain my ancestral descent while ensuring accuracy and precision. The results validated the Iberian roots of Sousa, elucidating the shared genetic markers within the population of this region. This insightful journey has amplified my understanding of the Sousa surname, inspiring me to delve deeper into my heritage and family history.

E. Sousa

Sousa: What does the surname Sousa mean?

The last name Sousa is of Portuguese origin and it means "rock" or "stone". It is derived from the Portuguese word 'Sousa', which is originally from the Latin word 'saxa'. It is believed to be a toponymic surname, referring to someone who lived near a prominent rock or stone. This surname is common in Portuguese-speaking countries and regions such as Portugal, Brazil, and parts of Africa. It is believed to have first been used by families living in the Sousa Valley, which is located in northern Portugal. Some also relate the surname to a noble ancient lineage from that region. Overall, the surname Sousa carries a strong historical significance in Portuguese culture.

Sousa: Where does the name Sousa come from?

The last name Sousa is quite common today and can be found in several countries around the world, including Portugal, Brazil, the United States, and Spain. In Portugal, the name is especially popular in the northern parts of the country, particularly in the provinces of Braga and Corunha. In Brazil, it can be found in many places, particularly Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo. In the United States, the name is quite common in the Southwestern parts of the country, as well as in California, Florida, and Texas. In Spain, it is most often found in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

The name Sousa originated in Portugal with roots in the Latin word "sus" meaning pig, making the name translate to "son or descendant of pig". It is quite a popular name in the Azores and Galicia in Portugal where it made its entrance into other countries through immigration. In Brazil, the name is more common among the descendants of immigrants who came from the north of Portugal in the 19th century.

Today, the name Sousa is still found in all these countries, with its origins in Portugal evident in the popularity of the name. Despite having a quite common name, many Sousas have gone on to make great accomplishments in sports, science, music, business, and many other fields. Particularly in Brazil, people with the name Sousa have earned a great reputation and today the name is associated with many successes.

Variations of the surname Sousa

The surname Sousa is of Portuguese origin and can be spelled in multiple ways. The most common spelling of the surname is Sousa, with the primary accent on the second syllable. However, alternate spellings and variants include Souza, DeSousa, DaSousa, and Souzas.

The Portuguese version of the spelling is Souza, and is pronounced soo-ZA. In Portuguese, the accent is placed on the first syllable. This spelling variant is most commonly seen in Brazil, where Portuguese is the official language. The Portuguese spelling is often seen in the United States and other countries where Portuguese immigrants resided.

The variants include DeSousa and DaSousa, and are believed to originate from the Portuguese town of Sousa. In this case, the prefixes “de” and “da” are used to indicate origin from a particular place.

Finally, the given surname Sousa can also be seen as the plural form of the surname. This plural form is Souzas. Some individuals who bear this surname may also use the Portuguese spelling variant Souzas. This spelling variant is also used to accommodate the pronunciation difference of Portuguese.

In conclusion, the surname Sousa, along with its spellings and variant names, has its roots in the Portuguese language. The most common spelling is Sousa, and other variants include Souza, DeSousa, DaSousa, and Souzas. No matter what spelling is used, the name carries strong Portuguese heritage.

Famous people with the name Sousa

• John Philip Sousa: Known as "The March King," he was a bandmaster and composer of American patriotic tunes and marches, such as “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
• John Victor Sousa: American conductor and composer of band music.
• Mark L. Sousa: American scores composer for films and television.
• Paul Sousa: British-American record producer, songwriter, singer and musician who has worked with top artists, such as Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson and James Brown.
• Ignacio López Sousa: Spanish jazz vocalist and composer.
• Magda Sousa: Portuguese pop singer, songwriter and television presenter.
• Baldomero Lobo Sousa: Spanish singer, songwriter and composer from Galicia.
• João Sousa: Portuguese musician, producer, engineer and composer.
• Robert Sousa: American composer, songwriter, producer and engineer.
• Francisca Sousa: Portuguese singer, songwriter, and producer.

Other surnames

Souser