Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

First name (Optional)

Middle name (Optional)

Last name* (Required)

Advanced Search Options

Exact match

(Show only records that exactly match the information entered.)

Birth year (Optional)

Death year (Optional)

Birth location (Optional)

Death location (Optional)

Pereira Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Pereira Surname

The Pereira surname, originating from the Portuguese and Galician languages, is deeply rooted in the Iberian Peninsula. The name is toponymic, derived from the Latin word "pirum" or "pyrus," which means pear or pear tree. This connection to the natural world reflects the surname's historical origins and its early adoption by noble Christian families during the Middle Ages. Over time, Pereira became one of the most prevalent surnames, especially in regions like Portugal, Galicia, and Brazil, as well as among the Sephardic Jewish diaspora.

Throughout the centuries, the Pereira surname expanded beyond its original geographic origins. By the 13th century, the name was flourishing within Portugal, with records indicating its growth in popularity. This expansion continued as the surname spread to other parts of the world, including the Americas and Europe. The 17th century marked a significant period when many Pereiras migrated to Brazil as part of the colonial movement, planting deep roots in South America. Variants of the name, such as Pereyra and Perera, can also be found in countries like Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and India, showcasing its diverse cultural adaptations.

YourRoots data affirm the historical presence of the Pereira surname in Portugal, tracing its lineage back to the medieval era. This aligns with the documented spread of the name during the 13th and 15th centuries, as families established extensive genealogical lineages. The YourRoots dataset enriches our understanding by highlighting how the Pereira family tree expanded through migration patterns to Brazil and beyond, particularly during the 17th and 19th centuries.

Today, Pereira genealogy records provide a comprehensive view of the surname's global journey, offering valuable insights for those tracing their family history. The YourRoots database serves as a key resource for uncovering connections and understanding the broad impact of the Pereira surname across continents, enriching the study of one's lineage and heritage.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Pereira Family Tree

Search more Pereira trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Pereira for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Pereira Family Lineage

Origin of the Pereira Family: Where does the Pereira surname come from?

The Pereira surname first appears in historical records in Portugal, marking the beginning of its rich genealogical lineage. This early presence signifies the roots of many family trees that would develop over the centuries, connecting countless descendants to their heritage. The medieval context of Portugal during this time laid the foundation for many families that would carry the Pereira name forward through generations.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Pereira

In the following centuries, the Pereira family expanded significantly within Portugal, establishing a strong presence in various regions. During the 13th century, the surname began to flourish, with records indicating a notable increase in families adopting the name. This growth continued into the subsequent centuries as branches of the Pereira family tree emerged, reflecting the dynamics of society and migration patterns of the time.

By the 15th century, the Pereira surname was well-established, and families were building extensive lineages that would later connect to broader European history. These early family trees often intertwined with local nobility and commoners alike, demonstrating the versatile nature of the Pereira lineage. As families settled into new areas, they contributed to the evolving tapestry of Portuguese culture and society.

Tracing the Pereira Family Tree Through the Centuries

The expansion of the Pereira surname continued beyond the borders of Portugal, particularly during the 17th century, when many families migrated to Brazil as part of the colonial movement. This marked a significant geographic shift as the name took root in South America, leading to a flourishing community of Pereira descendants. By the 18th century, the Pereira surname also began making its way into the United Kingdom, illustrating the diverse paths that families with this name undertook.

As the centuries progressed, the 19th century saw a notable presence of Pereira families in the United States, further highlighting their global journey. This migration was often driven by the search for new opportunities and a better life, leading to the establishment of vibrant Pereira communities across North America. The global spread of the surname reflects not only the resilience of the Pereira family but also their ability to adapt and thrive in new environments.

Where to Find Pereira Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, the Pereira surname can be found across various continents, with significant populations in both the Americas and Europe. The rich history of this name continues to unfold, providing a wealth of genealogical records for those interested in tracing their lineage. Readers are encouraged to explore the YourRoots database to uncover connections within their own family trees and delve deeper into the fascinating history of the Pereira surname.

Famous People with Pereira (and Their Family Tree)

Alex Pereira

Alex Sandro Silva Pereira, born on July 7, 1987, is a renowned Brazilian mixed martial artist and former kickboxer. Competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the UFC, Pereira is celebrated for being the former UFC Light Heavyweight and Middleweight Champion. He is the ninth fighter to claim UFC titles in two different weight classes and uniquely, the first to achieve this in both middleweight and light heavyweight categories. Additionally, his kickboxing accolades include being a former Glory middleweight and light heavyweight champion, marking him as a two-division world champion in both MMA and kickboxing, a feat that underscores his legacy as one of the greatest combat athletes.

Aurélio Pereira

Aurélio da Silva Pereira, born on 1 October 1947 in Lisbon, was a legendary Portuguese football coach and scout known for his pivotal role at Sporting Clube de Portugal (Sporting CP). With a career spanning decades, he founded Sporting CP's renowned Recruitment and Training Department in 1988, discovering stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Figo. His dedication to youth development earned him multiple accolades, including Sporting CP's Stromp Award and the UEFA Order of Merit. Pereira's legacy is immortalized with the naming of the main pitch at Sporting CP's academy and the Escola Academia Aurélio Pereira.

Aurélio Pereira was the brother of Carlos Pereira, a former player and coach at Sporting CP, further cementing the family's deep ties to the club and Portuguese football.

Andreas Pereira

Andreas Hugo Hoelgebaum Pereira is a Brazilian professional footballer, renowned for his role as an attacking midfielder for both Fulham in the Premier League and the Brazil national team. Born in Duffel, Belgium, Pereira's career began at PSV Eindhoven's youth academy before a pivotal move to Manchester United in 2011. He made his Premier League debut in 2015 and has since had loan spells at Granada, Valencia, Lazio, and Flamengo. Known for his versatility and skill, Pereira has made significant contributions to his teams, including scoring crucial goals in various competitions, and was named Manchester United's under-21 player of the year in 2014–15.

Andreas Pereira is the son of former Brazilian professional footballer Marcos Pereira. His birth in Belgium coincided with his father's playing career in the region, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to football through family heritage.

Danilo Pereira

Danilo Luís Hélio Pereira, known as Danilo Pereira, is a professional footballer renowned for his roles as a defensive midfielder and center-back. Born on September 9, 1991, in Guinea-Bissau, he has built a successful career playing for clubs like Porto, where he won two Primeira Liga titles and a Taça de Portugal, and Paris Saint-Germain, where he secured a Ligue 1 title. As a Portuguese international, Danilo was part of the squad that won UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. He currently plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.

Danilo Pereira was born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, as the oldest child of Quinta Djata, a nurse. His family moved to Portugal when he was five years old.

Mito Pereira

Guillermo "Mito" Pereira Hinke, born on March 31, 1995, is a prominent Chilean professional golfer who competes in the LIV Golf League. Pereira's career highlights include winning the 2008 Optimist International Junior Golf Championship and securing a bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games. He achieved significant success on the Korn Ferry Tour, earning an instant promotion to the PGA Tour in 2021. Pereira's exceptional skills were showcased when he tied for third place at the 2022 PGA Championship. In 2023, he joined LIV Golf, playing for Torque GC alongside fellow Chilean Joaquín Niemann. His story was featured in the Netflix documentary series "Full Swing," boosting his visibility in the golfing world.

Pereira Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Pereira" originates from the Portuguese and Galician languages and is derived from the Latin word for "pear" or "pear tree." It began as a noble Christian toponym in the Middle Ages, linked to the feudal estate of Pereira in Portugal. The name became widespread among Sephardic Jews of Portuguese origin and remains common in South America and Europe, with various spelling variants found in countries like Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, India, and France.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Pereira

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Pereira family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Pereira surname to learn more.