DSouza

DSouza is a surname commonly found among Konkani-speaking communities in India, particularly in Goa, and among their diaspora. It is a variant of the Portuguese surname de Sousa, a toponymic name meaning “from Sousa,” a place in Portugal. The D’ or de prefix in the original form reflects Portuguese naming conventions, and the form DSouza arises through anglicization or typographical choices that drop the apostrophe.

Etymology and history: The surname de Sousa originated in Portugal and spread to Goa during centuries of Portuguese rule. In Goa and other Konkan communities, many families adopted D’Souza as a Christian surname, integrating local naming practices with Portuguese roots. The spelling without the apostrophe, DSouza, is also encountered in records, schools, and media, reflecting regional or personal preferences.

Geographic distribution and culture: In India, DSouza is especially common among Goan Catholics and Konkani-speaking people in coastal regions of Goa and Karnataka. The name is also present in the Indian diaspora and in former Portuguese territories, with communities in Africa, North America, Europe, and the Caribbean retaining the surname in various spellings.

Variants and related names: Variants include de Sousa, Sousa, D’Souza, and DSouza. The presence or absence of the apostrophe often depends on region, religion, or transliteration conventions rather than a strict linguistic boundary.

Notable people: A well-known figure with a closely related spelling is Dinesh D’Souza, an American political commentator, author, and filmmaker.