History and Significance of the Surname Da sousa

The History of the Surname "da Sousa"

The surname "da Sousa" is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the name of the Sousa River, which flows through northern Portugal. It is a toponymic surname, meaning that it is based on a place name. In this case, the surname originates from the region around the Sousa River.

Over the centuries, the surname "da Sousa" has spread beyond Portugal to other parts of the world. It is found in countries such as Brazil, Angola, South Africa, France, Spain, England, India, Australia, Luxembourg, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela, Argentina, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Peru, Sao Tome and Principe, and the United States.

Portugal

In Portugal, the surname "da Sousa" is most common in the northern regions, particularly in the areas surrounding the Sousa River. It has a prevalence rate of 155 per 1 million people in the population, making it a relatively common surname in the country.

Brazil

Brazil has the highest incidence of the surname "da Sousa" outside of Portugal, with a prevalence rate of 36 per 1 million people. This can be attributed to the historical ties between Portugal and Brazil, as well as the large Portuguese immigrant population in Brazil.

Angola

Angola also has a significant number of individuals with the surname "da Sousa," with an incidence rate of 14 per 1 million people. This can be traced back to the Portuguese colonization of Angola and the migration of Portuguese settlers to the region.

Other Countries

In addition to Portugal, Brazil, and Angola, the surname "da Sousa" is found in a number of other countries around the world. It has a relatively low prevalence rate in countries such as France, Spain, and England, with incidence rates of 7, 5, and 3 per 1 million people, respectively.

Similarly, countries like India, Australia, Luxembourg, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela, Argentina, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Peru, Sao Tome and Principe, and the United States have small populations with the surname "da Sousa," each with an incidence rate of 3 or less per 1 million people.

Overall, the surname "da Sousa" has a rich history and global presence, reflecting the Portuguese diaspora and the spread of Portuguese culture and heritage around the world.