Meireles

Meireles is a British surname with origins in Portugal. The name is thought to have been brought to the United Kingdom by Portuguese immigrants.

Etymology

The surname Meireles is derived from the Portuguese word "meirel" which refers to a type of bird, the blackbird. The name may have been used as a nickname for someone who resembled or had characteristics of a blackbird.

Distribution

The surname Meireles is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with most individuals bearing this surname having Portuguese ancestry. The name can be found in small communities with Portuguese populations, particularly in areas where there was a history of Portuguese migration.

Notable Individuals

As the surname Meireles is not a common one in British society, there are no widely known figures with this name. However, there may be individuals with Portuguese heritage who have made notable contributions to various fields.

Trivia

  • The pronunciation of the surname Meireles is often anglicised to "Mear-ells" in the British context.
  • The name Meireles is a reminder of the historical connections between Portugal and the United Kingdom.

In conclusion, Meireles is an intriguing surname that reflects the diverse cultural influences in British society, particularly through the contribution of Portuguese immigrants to the country's demographic landscape.

There are approximately 39 people named Meireles in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Meireles.

Origin: Iberian

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Portugal

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Portuguese

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Jorge
  • Paulo

Female

  • Shelley

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