Menezes

Menezes is a surname of Portuguese and Galician origin. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a place name. The most likely origin is the town of Menezes in the province of Ourense, Galicia, Spain. The name itself is believed to be of pre-Roman or Celtic origin, possibly related to the word "men" meaning stone or rock.

The surname Menezes is found predominantly in Portugal and Brazil, owing to historical Portuguese colonization. It is also present in other countries with Portuguese-speaking communities. Notable individuals with the surname Menezes span various fields, including politics, sports, and the arts. The family lineage is ancient, with historical records tracing back to noble families in the Iberian Peninsula. Over centuries, the surname has spread and diversified, becoming a common family name in many parts of the world. Its etymological roots suggest a connection to the land and its geographical features.