Nunes is a common Portuguese surname originating as a patronymic, meaning "son of Nuno." The name Nuno itself is of medieval Portuguese and Spanish origin, possibly derived from Latin nonus ("ninth") or nunnus ("grandfather"). Notably, Saint Nuno (Nuno Álvares Pereira) was a 14th-century Portuguese general who defeated a Castilian invasion and was later canonized, contributing to the name's popularity.
Etymology and History
The surname Nunes developed as a typical Iberian patronymic, using the suffix -es (meaning "son of") attached to the given name Nuno. This pattern is shared with Spanish Núñez, the cognate form. The name is particularly prevalent in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking regions. Some Sephardic Jews adopted Nunes as a surname, often after converting to Christianity or as a crypto-Jewish name.
- Meaning: Son of Nuno
- Origin: Portuguese patronymic surname
- Related Name: Spanish Núñez
- Usage Regions: Portuguese-speaking world (Portugal, Brazil, Lusophone Africa)
Sources: Wikipedia — Nunes