sobrenome

Sobrenome is the family name or last name of a person, used to identify the broader kin group to which they belong. It is usually inherited and passed down from one generation to the next, alongside given names.

Etymology and usage: The term comes from Portuguese sobre, meaning “above,” and nome, meaning “name.” In many naming orders, the sobrenome appears after the given name, signaling a family lineage rather than a personal nickname.

Origins and types: Surnames arise from various origins. Patronymic or matronymic surnames indicate ancestry through a paternal or maternal line. Toponymic surnames refer to places or geographic features associated with ancestors. Occupational or descriptive surnames describe a trade or characteristic. In Lusophone contexts, common examples include da Costa, da Silva, Pereira, Martins, Lopes, and de Oliveira, among others. Prepositions such as da, de, do, and with partículas in the name are typical elements in Portuguese surnames.

Naming conventions: In Portugal and most Portuguese-speaking countries, a full name typically includes given names followed by one or more sobrenomes. The order often places the paternal surname last, with maternal and paternal surnames both present in the sequence. In Brazil, the pattern is similar, but individuals may choose different orders or use only one surname in everyday life.

Legal and social aspects: Surnames are generally stable, but changes can be possible through legal procedures in some jurisdictions, for example upon marriage or personal choice. In official forms, the field for “sobrenome” may accept one or more surnames; informal use sometimes features a single surname or a shortened form.

See also: Nome próprio, apelido, naming conventions in Portuguese-speaking countries.