Portugal Naming Customs

Online Tools
Sometimes, deciphering a given name in an old handwritten document is not as easy as one might suppose. This could be due to the widespread use of abbreviations or to the difficulty in reading the handwriting. Use this lists of names to assist you in interpreting the names mentioned in the documents.
 * List of Surnames
 * List of Given Names
 * Abbreviations

Surnames
A Portuguese name is typically composed of one or two given names, and a number of family names (rarely one, but often two or three, sometimes more). The first additional names are usually the mother's family surname(s) and the father's family surname(s). For practicality, usually only the last surname (excluding prepositions) is used in formal greetings.

There has never been a standardized method of establishing surnames. However, there are several prevalent patterns.
 * Historically, daughters were commonly given their mother's surname, and sons were given their father's surname.
 * It was also common for children to receive both of their parents' surnames. When this combination occurred, the mother's surname would typically precede the father's surname.
 * Women tended to retain their maiden surname throughout their life.
 * In the late 19th century, the it became common for women to adopt adopting their husband's surname, but this practice faded by the end of the century.
 * From the mid 20th century onward, individuals tended to include their last (father's) surname in formal settings.

Given Names
In Portugal, given names have been regulated since the creation of the Portuguese Republic, with couples allowed to choose only from a defined list of names. Because of this regulation, common given names have changed little over time.

For a full list of allowable given names in modern Portugal, visit the Instituto dos Registros e do Notariado.