Arantes

Arantes is a Portuguese-language surname commonly found in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting historical patterns of migration and naming in Lusophone regions. In Portuguese naming customs, given names are often followed by family surnames, so Arantes can appear as a middle name or as part of a compound surname, and may be carried through generations.

The most widely recognized bearer is Edson Arantes do Nascimento (1940–2022), known globally as Pelé, the Brazilian footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Pelé’s birth name includes Arantes, illustrating its role within Portuguese-derived naming conventions.

Beyond Pelé, the surname Arantes appears among individuals in Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking contexts across various fields, including sports, academia, and public life. The distribution of the name reflects broader patterns of surname transmission within Iberian and Lusophone cultures, where names can convey lineage, regional origin, or familial connections.

Overall, Arantes functions primarily as a surname of Portuguese origin, with its presence most prominently noted in Brazil and Portugal through historical and contemporary usage.