Azoia

Azoia is a Portuguese surname of likely toponymic origin, meaning "from Azoia". Azoia is the name of several villages and localities in Portugal, most notably in the municipalities of Sesimbra and Aljezur. The surname likely arose as a way to identify individuals who originated from one of these places.

The etymology of the toponym "Azoia" itself is debated. Some theories suggest a pre-Roman or Roman origin, possibly related to Latin terms for elevated or strategic locations. Others propose an Arabic root, although specific connections are not definitively established. Regardless of the exact linguistic origins of the place name, the surname Azoia spread through Portugal, and over time, individuals with this surname have emigrated to various parts of the world, including Brazil, the United States, and other countries with Portuguese diaspora communities. Genealogical research often traces the family origins back to specific regions within Portugal where the toponym Azoia is found. The surname is not particularly common but is recognizable within Portuguese-speaking countries.