vieira

Vieira is a surname of Portuguese origin. In Portuguese, vieira means scallop, a shellfish common along the Atlantic coast. The name is widely found in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, as well as in communities descended from Lusophone emigration.

Origin and usage figures: The surname likely arose from occupational or toponymic roots, potentially linked to families living near scallop beds or involved in harvesting and trade of shellfish. Over time, Vieira has become a common family name across Atlantic-facing regions and among the Portuguese-speaking diaspora.

Notable bearers: The surname is associated with a variety of individuals in sports, politics, and culture. One well-known bearer is Patrick Vieira (born 1976), a French former professional footballer and manager who played for Arsenal and captained the French national team. Other notable Vieiras appear in public life in Brazil, Portugal, and other Portuguese-speaking communities, spanning several generations and professions.

Variants and related names: The spelling and pronunciation of Vieira vary by language and region. Related surnames include Vieyra and Viera, reflecting orthographic differences across Iberian and Hispanic contexts. In some cases, these forms are distinct family names with separate lineages, while in others they converge through migration and transliteration.

See also: Vieira may also appear in toponyms and family lineages connected to coastal areas in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting its maritime origins.