VAZ

Vaz is a surname of Lusophone origin and, less commonly, a given name. It is widely found in Portuguese-speaking communities and in regions historically influenced by Portugal. The exact etymology is not definitively documented, but Vaz is generally regarded as part of Iberian naming traditions and has appeared in medieval and early modern records in Portugal and in Portuguese-ruled territories.

Geographic distribution and usage: Vaz is common in Portugal and in Goa, India, where Portuguese influence was historically strong. It is also well established in Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and East Timor, as well as among diaspora communities around the world with roots in these regions. In these contexts, Vaz functions primarily as a surname but can occasionally appear in given-name usage in certain families or communities.

Cultural and contemporary context: As a surname, Vaz is associated with a broad range of professions and social strata, reflecting the widespread reach of Portuguese culture and migration. In modern times, individuals bearing the name Vaz appear across politics, academia, arts, sports, and business in multiple countries. The name persists as part of the cultural and historical fabric of Lusophone communities, as well as among descendants of Portuguese colonial-era settlers and immigrants.