FREIRE
Freire
Freire is a British surname with a fascinating history rooted in both Portuguese and Spanish origins. The name is of patronymic origin, derived from the Old Spanish word "freire," which means "brother" or "friar."
The surname Freire is believed to have been brought to the British Isles by Portuguese and Spanish immigrants during the medieval period. It is thought to have been anglicised over time, while still retaining its original Iberian roots.
Individuals bearing the surname Freire can be found across various regions of the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas that historically had close ties with Portugal and Spain. The name has likely experienced variations in spelling over the centuries, reflecting the evolving linguistic landscape of the British Isles.
Today, the surname Freire continues to be passed down through generations, with descendants proudly carrying on the legacy of their Iberian ancestors. The prevalence of the surname serves as a reminder of the migration patterns and cultural exchanges that have shaped British society over the centuries.
There are approximately 165 people named Freire in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Freire.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Bruno
- De
- Diogo
- Eduardo
- Garry
- Jorge
- Jose
- Joseph
- Juan
- Manuel
- Paulo
Female
- Ana
- Kerry
- Louise
- Manuela
- Margarida
- Maria
- Natalie
- Paula
- Sonia
- Vera
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.