Barros

Barros is a surname of Portuguese and Galician origin, derived from barro, meaning clay or mud. As a toponymic and family name, Barros has spread widely in Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking regions and among communities with Portuguese and Brazilian heritage.

The name is connected to geographic features or soils rich in clay, which historically influenced settlement patterns and land use. In addition to its use as a surname, Barros appears in various place names in Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and other countries with Portuguese or Spanish influence, reflecting the common practice of naming locations after local terrain.

As a surname, Barros is found across a broad range of professions and public life. Numerous individuals bearing the name have achieved recognition in politics, sports, the arts, and academia, reflecting its long-standing presence in communities around the world.

In cultural and linguistic contexts, Barros is related to the singular Barro in Portuguese and Spanish, terms that refer to clay or mud. The plural form Barros commonly appears in family names and in toponymic usage, contributing to its continued presence in modern naming and geographic references.

See also Barro, a related term in both Portuguese and Spanish that denotes clay or mud, and may appear in similar toponymic or surname-related contexts.