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This is a list of Portuguese words that come from Germanic languages. Many of these words entered the language during the late antiquity, either as words introduced into Vulgar Latin elsewhere, or as words brought along by the Suebi who settled in Gallaecia (Northern Portugal and Galicia) in the 5th century, and also by the Visigoths who annexed the Suebic Kingdom in 585. Other words were incorporated to Portuguese during the Middle Ages, mostly proceeding from French and Occitan languages, as both cultures had a massive impact in Portuguese during the 12th and 13th centuries. More recently other words with Germanic origin have been incorporated, either directly from English or other Germanic languages, or indirectly through French.
Some of these words existed in Latin as loanwords from other languages. Some of these words have alternate etymologies and may also appear on a list of Galician words from a different language. Some words contain non-Germanic elements. Any form with an asterisk (*) is unattested and therefore hypothetical.
Dutch
bombordo: port side of a ship: from Frenchbabord "portside", from Dutch bakboord "left side of a ship", literally "back side of a ship" (from the fact that most ships were steered from the starboard side), from bak "back, behind", (from Germanic (*)bakam) + boord "board, side of a ship", see borde below (in Germanic section). Also see estibordo "starboard" below in the Germanic section
'berbequim': carpenter's brace: from regional Frenchveberquin (French vilebrequin), from Dutch wimmelken, from wimmel "auger, drill, carpenter's brace" + -ken, a diminutive suffix, see maniquí below in Middle Dutch section.
aguentar = to endure, bear, resist: from Italianagguantare "to retain, take hold of" (originally "to detain with gauntlets"), from a- + guanto "gauntlet", from Frankish (*)want (see guante below) + verbalsuffix '-are' (suffix changed to -ar in Spanish).
alojar = to lodge, to house, to provide hospitality: from Old Frenchloge, see lonja below.
alojamento = lodging (hospitality): from Old Frenchlogo "dwelling, shelter", from Frankish (*)laubja "covering, enclosure", from Germanic (*)laubja "shelter" (implicit sense "roof made of bark")
bordar = to embroider: from Frankish (*)bruzdon (source of Old Frenchbrouder, brosder and Frenchbroder), from Germanic (*)bruzd- "point, needle", from the IEroot (*)bhrs-dh-, from (*)bhrs-, from (*)bhar-, "point, nail."
canivete = penknife, Swiss army knife: from Frankish *knif via old Fra canivet
crossa or croça = crosier (religion): from Frankish *krukkja (stick with a bent extremity) akin to French crosse, Dutch kruk, German Krücke, English crutch, Norwegian krykkja.
destacar, destacamento (military) = to detachtroops: from Frenchdétachar (influenced by Spanish atacar), from Old Frenchdestachier "to unattach", from des- "apart, away" + atachier, a variation of estachier, from estaca, from Frankishstakka, see estaca below in Germanic section.
destacar = to stand out, to emphasize: from Italianstaccare "to separate", from Old Frenchdestacher, destachier, see destacar above.
estandarte = noun. a military standard: from Old Frenchestandart, probably from Frankish (*)standhard "standard that marks a meeting place", (implicit sense: "that which stands firmly"), from (*)standan "to stand", (from Germanic (*)standan, from the IEroot (*)sta- "to stand".) + (*)hard "hard, firm", see ardid below in Germanic section.
guante = glove, gauntlet: from Catalanguant "gauntlet", from Frankish (*)want "gauntlet."
loja = market, building where merchants and sellers gather: from Old Frenchlogo "dwelling, shelter", from Frankish (*)laubja "covering, enclosure", from Germanic (*)laubja "shelter" (implicit sense "roof made of bark"), from the IEroot (*)leup- "to peel."
raspar = to scrape, tear, shave: from Frankish *hraspōn, from Proto-Germanic *hraspōną, a derivative of Proto-Germanic *hrespaną (“to tear”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)krebʰ- (“to turn; bend; shrink”). Related to Old High German raspōn (“to scrape together; rasp”), Middle Dutch raspen, Middle Low German raspen, Old English ġehrespan (“to plunder”). https://en.wiktionary.org/r%C3%A2per
amarrar = to moor a boat, to tie, to fasten: from Frenchamarrer, "to moor", from Middle Dutch aanmarren "to fasten", from aan "on" (from Germanic (*)ana, (*)anō, from the IEroot (*)an-) + marren "to fasten, to moor a boat."
manequim = a mannequin, dummy, puppet: from Frenchmannequin, from (probably via Catalanmaniquí) Dutchmanneken, mannekijn "little man", from Middle Dutch mannekijn, from man "a man" (see alemán below in Germanic section) + the diminutive suffix-ken, -kin, -kijn, from West Germanic (*)-kin (cf. Modern German-chen)
bote = a small, uncovered boat: from Old Frenchbot, from Middle Englishbot, boot, from Old Englishbāt, from Germanic (*)bait-, from the IEroot (*)bheid- "to split".
caneco = jug: from Old English *can- derived from cunnan
caneca = mug: *see above 'can'
leste = east: from Frenchest, from Middle Englishest, from Old English ēast, from Germanic (*)aust-, from the IEroot (*)awes-, aus "to shine".
norte = north: from Old Frenchnord, from Old Englishnorth, from Germanic (*)north-, from the IEroot (*)nr-to "north", from (*)nr- "wikt:under, to the left"
oeste = west: from Middle Englishwest, from Old Englishwest, from Germanic (*)west-, from (*)wes-to-, from (*)wes-, from (*)wespero- "evening, dusk"
sul = south (combining form): from Old Frenchsud "south", from Old Englishsūth, from Germanic (*)sunthaz, from the IEroot (*)sun-, swen-, variants of (*)sāwel- "sun"
banco = bench: from Old High German banc "bench, board"
banco = bank: from Frenchbanque "bank", from Italianbanca "bench, money changer's table", from Old High German banc, see banco= bench above
feltro = felt, from OHG 'filz'or Frankish 'filtir'
feltrar, enfeltrar = to tangle or mat together, to turn smthg. into felt
Old Norse
bife = steak, beefsteak: from Englishbeefsteak, from beef (ultimately from Latinbōs, bovis "cow", from the IEroot (*)gwou- "ox, bull, cow" ) + steak, from Middle Englishsteyke, from Old Norse steik "piece of meat cooked on a spit", from Germanic (*)stik-, see estaca below in the Germanic section.
Old Swedish
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Visigothic
agasalhar = from Visigothic *gasalja (partner, colleague)
agasalho = coat, warm clothes. From Visigothic *gasalja
broa = 'corn and rye bread' from Visigothic *brauth
esgrima = fencing, from Visigothic *skirmja (protection)
esmagar (v) = to smash, squeeze, crush or grind. From Suebian *magōn 'stomach'
gabar (v) = to flatter, to bray, to boast, to brag about. From Suebian *hurnjanan 'to blow a horn'
grampo = clamp, clip, cramp. From *kramp
grampear, grampar = to clamp, to staple * same as above
grampa = clip, metal hook, clasp * same as above
carampão = cramp, clench * same as above
grampeador = stapler * same as above
gravar (v) = to carve, record, inscribe. From Suebian/OGrm *graba 'graft'
gravura = engraving, etching. From *graba 'graft'
gravação= recording (voice/music/audiovisual). From *graba 'graft'
guarda = guard, bodyguard, protection: from Visigothic wardja "a guard", from Germanic wardaz, from the IEroot (*)wor-to-, see guardar below in Germanic section.
guardião = guardian: from Visigothic wardjan accusative of wardja, see guardia above.
atacar (v) = to attack: Old Italianattaccare "to fasten, join, unite, attack (implicit sense: to join in a battle)", changed from (*)estacar (by influence of a-, common verbalprefix) "to fasten, join", from Visigothic stakka "a stick, stake", from Germanic (*)stak-, see estaca in Germanic section.
ataque = attack, raid. Same as above
faísca = spark, from Visigothic or Suebian *falwiskan. From medieval 'falisca', cognate of Swedish falaska, Mid-High German valwische (*falwiskō), Norse fọlski.
faiscar (v) = lightning, sparking. Same as above
fita = ribbon, tape. From Visigothic/Suebian *veta 'ribbon'
gavião = hawk, from Visigothic *gabila, akin to German Gabel 'fork'.
rapar (v) = to shave (hair): from Visigothic *𐌷𐍂𐌰𐍀𐍉𐌽r=hrapōn, from Prot-Germanic *hrapōną||to scrape, from Indo-European *(s)kreb-||to turn; to touch.
rapado = shaved head, skinhead
tosquiar = to shear, to cut very short, from Visigothic *skairan
Germanic
abandonar = to abandon: from Old Frencha bandon, from a + bandon "control" from ban "proclamation, jurisdiction, power", from Germanic (*)banwan, (*)bannan "to proclaim, speak publicly"
abandono = abandonment, solitude
abandonado = abandoned, rejected, derelict
abordar = to board a ship, to approach, to undertake: from a- + bordo "side of a ship", variation of borde, see borde below
abotoar = to button: from a- + botão "button", see botão below
abrasar = to burn, to parch: from a- + brasa "a coal, ember" (see brasa below) + the verbalsuffix -ar
aguentar = "to put up with" (< maybe It agguantare, from guanto "gauntlet" < Old Provençal < OFr guant < Frankish *want)
aguardar = to wait, wait for: from a- + guardar, see guardar below.
balão = a large ball: from Italianballone, pallone, balla (see bala above) + -one, an augmentive suffix, related to and possibly the source of Spanish -ão (in balão). see here.
banda = ribbon, band, sash: from Old Frenchbande "knot, fastening", from Germanic '*band-', from the IEroot (*)bhondh-, from (*)bhendh-
banda = band, troop, musical group: from Germanic '*bandwa-', "standard, signal", also "group" (from the use of a military standard by some groups), from the IEroot (*)bha- "to shine" (implicit sense "signal that shines").
bandeira = banner: from Vulgar Latin (*)bandaria "banner", from Late Latinbandum "standard", from Germanic (*)bandwa, see banda = group below
bandido = bandit, gangster: from Italianbandito "bandit", from bandire "to band together", from Germanic *banwan, see abandonar above
banco = "bench; bank" (OFr bank < Germanic *banki)
banqueiro = "banker, financier"
banca = "bench, seat"
bancada = "row of seats, stall"
Abancar = "to settle somewhere"
banquete = a banquet: rom Old Frenchbanquet, diminutive of banc "bench, long seat", of Germanic origin, of the same family as the Old High Germanbanc, see banco= bench above in Old High German section.
bloqueado = "something or someone which is blocked, halted, trapped"
boémio or boêmio (Brazil) = a bohemian, of Bohemia, vagabond, eccentric, Gitano, Gypsy: from bohemio/Bohemia (from the belief that the Gitanos came from Bohemia), from Latinbohemus, from Boihaemum, literally "place of the Boi/Boii (from Celtic, see bohemiohere) + Latin-haemum "home", from Germanic (*)haima "home", from the IEroot (*)koi-mo-
bola = ball from Proto-Germanic *balluz, *ballô (“ball”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰoln- (“bubble”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰel- (“to blow, inflate, swell”)
bolas = colloquial bollocks, coward, popular interjection idiom 'ora bolas!' oh my! or damn it!, to express frustration or disapproval. From Proto-Germanic *balluz
bosquejo = a sketch, outline, rough draft: from Spanish bosquejar "to sketch, to outline", probably from Catalanbosquejar from bosc, see bosque above.
bota = a boot: from or simply from the same source as Frenchbotte "boot", from Old Frenchbote "boot", probably from the same source as Modern Frenchpied bot "deformedfoot" in which bot is from Germanic (*)būtaz, from the IEroot (*)bhau- "to strike", see botar below.
botar = to throw, to bounce, to jump: from Old Frenchboter, bouter "to open, to hit, to strike, to perforate", from Romancebottare "to strike, to push, to shove", from Germanic (*) buttan "to hit, to strike" from the IEroot (*)bhau-
botão = button: from Old Frenchboton, bouton "button", from boter, bouter "to open, perforate", see botar above
bóia = a buoy: probably from Old Frenchboie, from Germanic, possibly from Old High Germanbouhhan, from Germanic (*)baukna- "signal", from the IEroot (*)bha- "to shine"
chouriço, choiriça = Latinezed SAURICIUM, from Suebian/Gothic SAURAZ 'dried, smoked'
churrasco, churrasqueira, churrascaria, churrascar = from Suebian/Gothic SAURUS
estaca = a stake: from Germanic (*)stak-, from the IEroot (*)steg- "pale, post pointed stick".
estibordo = starboard side of a ship: from Old Frenchestribord "starboard", (Modern Frenchtribord), from a Germanic source (confer Old Englishstēorbord). From Germanic (*)stiurjō "to steer", + Germanic
faca = knife from a Germanic source, uncertain if Old Germanhappa (hatchet, sickle) or Frankish *happja, cognate of French hache, Spanish hacha, English hatchet or axe
Derivatives: facalhão 'eustace', faqueiro 'cutlery or cutlery cabinet', facada 'stabbing', colloquial facada nas costas 'to stab (someone) behind the back'
gaita = bagpipe Uncertain, but likely from Old Suebian, akin to Visigothic *agaits- 'goat' from Proto Indo-European *ghaido-. Most logical origin as bagpipes were traditionally made from goats skin.
Derivatives: gaiteiro '(bag)piper', gaita 'penis, or swearword akin to "cock"'(colloquial), gaita-de-foles, gaita-de beiços, 'different types or names for bagpipes, gaitar 'to sob or to fail an exam' (colloquail).
Derivatives: agrupar 'to group, to organise into a section', agrupado 'part of a group', agrupamento 'act of grouping, a team'.
guardar = to guard, watch over, keep, observe (a custom): from Germanic (*)wardōn "to look after, take care of", from the IEroot (*)wor-to-, "to watch", from (*)wor-, (*)wer- "to see, watch, perceive"
oboé = an oboe: from Frenchhautbois from haut (ultimately from Latinaltus "high") + bois "wood", see bosque above.
trupe = group, band, gang, student group, artistic group
trupar = to knock someone's door
trotar = to run, a horse running
tungsténio = tungsten
vanguarda = vanguard: from Old Spanishavanguardia, from Catalanavantguarda from avant "before, advance", (from Latinab- + ante "before") + guarda "guard", from Germanic wardaz, see guardia above in Visigothic section.
vagão, vagonete, vagoneta = "wagon"
valquiria = valkyrie
vandalo = "vandal, destructive person"
vandalismo = "vandalism" (second element only)
varão, varonil = "male, manly"
venda = blindfold, from Proto-Germanic *binda; see Old High German binta
vermute = vermuth
wagneriano = "Wagnerian"
Names
Forenames
Ancient Roman-derived names are the most numerous in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries. Together with Germanic-derived names they constitute the majority of those (and similarly to most European/Western countries inherited also a number of ancient Greek and Hebrew names) today:
Alberto, Adalberto = from the Germanic name Adalbert, composed of the elements adal "noble" and beraht "bright". This name was common among medieval German royalty. Used in Western Europe mainly: Aubert (French), Adalbert, Adelbert, Albrecht (German), Adalbert (Polish), Adelbert, Albertus (Dutch), Adalberht, Adalbert, Albertus (Ancient Germanic), Alpertti, Altti, Pertti (Finnish), Abbe, Abe (Frisian), Alberte (Galician), Adalberto, Alberto (Italian), Bèr (Limburgish), Albertas (Lithuanian), Adalberto, Alberto (Spanish)
Albertina, Alberta = same as above
Albina = Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Slovene, Polish, German, Ancient Roman form of 'ALBINUS'
Adelaide = from Germanic Adalheidis, which was composed of the elements adal "noble" and heid "kind, sort, type". It was borne in the 10th century by Saint Adelaide, the wife of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great.
Adelardo, Abelardo = from the ancient Germanic name Adalhard, composed of the elements adal "noble" and hard "brave, hardy
Adelino = from Germanic “Athal-win”, meaning of noble birth
Ademar =
Adolfo =
Adosinda = from a Visigothic name derived from the Germanic elements aud "wealth" and sinþs "path".
Adriano = Portuguese for Adrian in English, Romanian, Polish, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Russian, form of 'Hadrianus'
Afonso = from Ancient Germanic Adalfuns, Alfons, Hadufuns, Hildefons. Used in Western Europe
Afonsina =
Agildo =
Agnaldo =
Aldo =
Alda, Aldina = originally a short form of Germanic names beginning with the element ald "old", and possibly also with adal "noble"
Alfredo =
Aloísio =
Álvaro = cognate of Nordic ALVAR. From Ancient Germanic Alfher, Alfarr, name composed of the elements alf "elf" and hari "army, warrior". Mainly Nordic= Alvar (Estonian), Elvar (Icelandic), Alvar (Swedish), Alvaro (Spanish)
Alzira = relatively rare name. 'Alzira' or 'Alzire' is a Germanic name meaning `Beauty, Ornament`
Amalia, Amália, Amélia, = Portuguese, Italian, Romanian, Dutch, German, from Latinized form of the Germanic name 'Amala', a short form of names beginning with the element amal meaning "work".
Amaro = from the Germanic name 'Audamar', derived from the elements aud "wealth, fortune" and meri "famous". Variants: Otmar (Czech), Othmar, Otmar, Ottmar, Ottomar (German), Amaro (Spain, specially Galicia and Asturias)
Américo = Portuguese form of Ancient German 'Emmerich'. In other languages: Emery, Amery, Emory (English), Émeric (French), Emmerich (German), Imre, Imrus (Hungarian), Amerigo (Italian), Imrich (Slovak)
Anselmo = from the Germanic elements ans "god" and helm "helmet, protection". Used in Western Europe
Arlete = variation of French Arlette, from Germanic 'Herleva' possibly a derivative of hari "army", era "honour", or erla "noble" (or their Old Norse cognates). This was the name of the mother of William the Conqueror, who, according to tradition, was a commoner.
Armando, Armindo = a derivation of Herman, from Ancient Germanic Hariman, Herman, Hermanus
Armanda, Arminda = same as above
Arnaldo = from Proto-Germanic Arnold, used in Western Europe = Arnau (Catalan), Arnoud, Aart, Arend (Dutch), Arnold, Arn, Arnie (English), Arnaud (French), Ane, Anne (Frisian), Arnold, Arend, Arndt, Arne (German), Nöl, Nölke (Limburgish)
Arnaldina =
Anselmo = Portuguese variation of German, English (Rare), Ancient Germanic 'ANSELM' from the elements ans "god" and helm "helmet, protection".
Astolfo =
Ataúlfo =
Aubri = from the Germanic Alberich, derived from the elements alf "elf" and ric "power".
Austragésilo =
Baldemar, Baldomero = from Ancient Germanic Baldomar, derived from the elements bald "bold, brave" and meri "famous
Balduíno =
Belmiro =
Beltrão = from the Germanic element beraht "bright" combined with hramn "raven. Used in Western Europe: Beltran (Catalan) Bertrand (English), Bertrand (French) Bertram (German), Bertrando (Italian)
Barbara = Portuguese, English, Italian, French, German, Polish, Hungarian, Slovene, Croatian, Late Roman derived from Greek βαρβαρος (barbaros) meaning "foreign"
Bernardo = from the Germanic name Bernard, derived from the element bern "bear" combined with hard "brave, hardy"
Bernardino, Bernardim = Same as above
Bernardina, Bernadete, Bernardete = Same as above
Branca, Bianca = from the Germanic word "blanc" (white, fair). European variants: Blanka (Croatian), Blanka (Czech), Blanche (English), Blanche (French) Branca (Galician), Bianka (German), Bianka, Blanka (Hungarian), Bianca (Italian), Bianka, Blanka (Polish), Bianca (Romanian), Blanka (Serbian), Blanka (Slovak), Blanca (Spanish)
Bruno = Portuguese, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Croatian, Polish, from Ancient Germanic element brun "armour, protection" or brun "brown"
Brunilde = from Ancient Germanic variant of 'BRÜNHILD'
Carlos, Carlo = from the Germanic name Karl, which was derived from a Germanic word meaning "man". An alternative theory states that it is derived from the common Germanic element hari meaning "army, warrior". Used all over Europe
Carolina, Carla, Carlota = female versions of the Germanic name 'Karl' above
Clodoaldo =
Clodomir =
Clodovil =
Clotilde = form of the Germanic name Chlotichilda which was composed of the elements hlud "fame" and hild "battle". Saint Clotilde was the wife of the Frankish king Clovis, whom she converted to Christianity. Used in France, Portugal, Italy, Spain
Clóvis =
Conrado = from the Germanic elements kuoni "brave" and rad "counsel". This was the name of a 10th-century saint and bishop of Konstanz, in southern Germany. Variants: Konrad, Kurt (German), Dino (Croatian), Konrád (Czech), Konrad (Danish), Koenraad, Koen, Koert (Dutch), Konrád (Hungarian), Corrado, Corradino, Dino (Italian), Konrad (Norwegian), Kondrat, Konrad (Polish), Konrád (Slovak), Konrad (Slovene), Conrado (Spanish), Konrad (Swedish)
Cremilde =
Deolinda = from the Germanic name Theudelinda, derived from the elements theud "people" and linde "soft, tender". In decline, mainly used in Portugal, Brazil and Galicia
Duarte = "Edward", from Germanic Ead "rich" and Weard "guardian"
Dieter = from ancient Germanic Theudhar, derived from the elements theud "people" and hari "army"
Djalma =
Eberardo =
Edgar =
Edite, Edith = from the Old English name Eadgyð, derived from the elements ead "wealth, fortune" and gyð "war". It was popular among Anglo-Saxon royalty, being borne for example by Saint Eadgyeth;, the daughter of King Edgar the Peaceful. Variants: Edyth, Edytha (English), Edit (Swedish), Edita (Croatian), Edita (Czech), Édith (French), Edit (Hungarian), Edita (Lithuanian), Eda (Medieval English), Edyta (Polish), Edita (Slovak), Edita (Slovene)
Edmar =
Edmundo = Portuguese form of EDMUND. In other European languages: Eadmund (Anglo-Saxon), Edmund, Ed, Eddie, Eddy, Ned (English), Edmond, Edmé (French), Edmund (German), Ödön, Ödi (Hungarian), Éamonn, Eamon, Éamon (Irish), Edmondo (Italian), Edmao, Mao (Limburgish), Edmund (Polish)
Edna =
Eduardo = see 'Duarte' above
Eduarda =
Eduvigis =
Edvaldo =
Edvino = Portuguese form of Edwin, from the Old English elements ead "wealth, fortune" and wine "friend"
Egil = from the Old Norse name Egill, a diminutive of names that began with the element agi "awe, terror"
Elba =
Elder =
Elgar = from Old English ælf ("elf") and gar ("spear")
Elidérico = from Germanic Aldric derived from the elements ald "old" and ric "ruler, mighty".
Elmar, Elmer = from the Old English name ÆÐELMÆR
Elvira =
Elsa, Elza =
Erica/Erika =female version of Eurico, see below
Eurico, Érico, Eric, Erik = From Old High German êwa "time, age, law" combined with rîcja "powerful, strong, mighty." The second element is also closely related to Celtic rîg or rix and Gothic reiks, which all mean "king, ruler." However, this name can also be a short form of Eburic. Euric was the name of a 5th-century king of the Visigoths.
Ermenegildo =
Ermelindo =
Ernesto = Portuguese form of Ancient Germanic 'ERNST' used in German, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch, English 'ERNEST'
Ernestina =
Etelvina =
Evaldo = from the ancient Germanic name Ewald, composed of the elements ewa "law, custom" and wald "rule"
Evelina, Ivelina, Avelina, Evelyne, Evelin = from the Norman French form of the Germanic name Avelina, a diminutive of AVILA. Variants: Eileen, Evelina, Avaline (English), Ava, Avelina, Aveza, Avila (Ancient Germanic), Evelien, Eveline (Dutch), Evelin (Estonian), Eveliina (Finnish), Eveline, Évelyne (French), Ava, Evelin (German), Evelin (Hungarian), Eibhlín, Eileen, Aileen (Irish), Evelina, Lina (Italian), Ewelina (Polish), Aileen (Scottish), Evelina (Swedish)
Francisco, Francisca = FRANCISCUS, FRANZISKA from Ancient Germanic form of Franciscus (see FRANCIS, Franz, Frans, François, Francisque, Francesco, Francesc, Pranciškus)
Fernando, Fernão, Fernandino = from a Germanic name composed of the elements fardi "journey" and nand "daring, brave". The Visigoths brought the name to the Iberian Peninsula, where it entered into the royal families of Spain and Portugal. From there it became common among the Habsburg royal family of the Holy Roman Empire and Austria, starting with the Spanish-born Ferdinand I in the 16th century. A notable bearer was Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521), called Fernão de Magalhães in Portuguese, who was the leader of the first expedition to sail around the earth. Variants: Fernand (French), Ferdinand, Ferdi (German), Ferdinand, Ferdi (Dutch), Ferdie, Ferdy (English), Veeti, Vertti (Finnish), Ferran (Catalan), Ferdinánd, Nándor (Hungarian), Ferdinando (Italian), Ferdynand (Polish), Fernando, Hernando, Hernán, Nando (Spanish)
Fernanda = same as above
Frederico, Fred = form of a Germanic name meaning "peaceful ruler", derived from frid "peace" and ric "ruler, power". This name has long been common in continental Germanic-speaking regions, being borne by rulers of the Holy Roman Empire, Germany, Austria, Scandinavia, and Prussia. Variants: Bedřich (Czech), Frederik (Danish), Frederik, Fred, Freek, Frits, Rik (Dutch), Fredrik, Veeti (Finnish), Frédéric, Fred (French), Fedde (Frisian), Friedrich, Fiete, Fred, Fritz (German), Frigyes (Hungarian), Friðrik (Icelandic), Federico, Federigo, Fredo (Italian), Fricis, Frīdrihs (Latvian), Fredrik (Norwegian), Fryderyk (Polish), Friderik (Slovene), Federico (Spanish), Fredrik (Swedish)
Genival =
Geraldo =
Germano =
Germana =
Gertrudes = from Ancient Germanic Geretrudis, Gertrud. Used all over Europe with variations
Gilberto, Gil =
Gildo =
Gilmar =
Giraldo =
Gisele, Gisela =
Godiva =
Godofredo = from Germanic Godafrid, which meant "peace of god" from the Germanic elements god "god" and frid "peace"
Gonçalo = from Ancient Germanic Gundisalvus. See Gonçal (Catalan), Gonzalo (Spanish)
Gualberto = from the Germanic name Waldobert, composed of the elements wald "rule" and beraht "bright". Variants: Gaubert (French), Wob, Wubbe (Dutch), Wob, Wobbe, Wubbe (Frisian)
Gualter = see also Valter/Walter
Guido =
Guilherme = Portuguese equivalent of William in English, from Ancient Germanic Wilhelm or n Willahelm. See Breton: Gwilherm. Used all over Europe in numerous variations
Guilhermina =
Guímaro, Guimaro = derived from old Visigothic ‘Vímar, Vímara’, from ‘Weimar’, a name from any of several places called Weimar in Hesse and Thuringia, from Old High German wīh "holy" and mari "standing water".
Guiomar = from the Germanic name Wigmar, which is formed of the elements wig "war, battle" and meri "famous"
Gumercindo =
Gustavo = from Gundstaf, possibly means "staff of the Goths", derived from the Old Norse elements Gautr "Goth" and stafr "staff". Used all over Europe
Haroldo = from Old Norse Haraldr derived from the elements here "army" and weald "power, leader, ruler". Variants: Hariwald (Ancient Germanic), Hereweald (Anglo-Saxon), Harald (Danish), Harold (English), Harri (Finnish), Harald (German), Haraldur (Icelandic), Aroldo (Italian), Harald (Norwegian), Haroldo (Spanish), Harald (Swedish), Harri (Welsh)
Hedda =
Hélder, Helder, Elder = maybe from the name of the Dutch town of Den Helder (meaning "hell's door" in Dutch) or derived from the Germanic given name HULDERIC; elments hulda "merciful, graceful" and ric "power, rule".
Helga =
Hélmut = from the Germanic name Helmut, formed of the elements helm "helmet" and muot "spirit, mind"
Heloísa =
Henrique = Germanic name Heimirich meaning "home ruler", composed of the elements heim "home" and ric "ruler". It was later commonly spelled Heinrich, with the spelling altered due to the influence of other Germanic names like Haganrich, in which the first element is hagan "enclosure". Used throughout Europe and the Caucasus: Heimirich, Heinrich, Henricus(Ancient Germanic) Henrik(Armenian) Endika(Basque) Enric(Catalan) Henrik(Croatian) Jindřich, Hynek, Jindra(Czech) Henrik, Henning(Danish) Hendrick, Hendrik, Henricus, Heike, Heiko, Hein, Henk, Hennie, Henny, Rik(Dutch) Hendrik, Indrek(Estonian) Harri, Henri, Henrikki, Heikki(Finnish) Henri(French) Heike, Heiko(Frisian) Anri(Georgian) Heinrich, Hendrik, Henrik, Heiner, Heinz, Henning(German) Henrik(Hungarian) Hinrik(Icelandic) Anraí, Einrí(Irish) Enrico, Arrigo, Enzo, Rico(Italian) Indriķis, Ints(Latvian) Henrikas, Herkus(Lithuanian) Hinnerk, Hinrich, Heike, Heiko(Low German) Herry(Medieval English) Henrik, Henning(Norwegian) Henryk(Polish) Henrique(Portuguese) Eanraig, Hendry(Scottish) Henrich(Slovak) Henrik(Slovene) Enrique, Kike, Quique(Spanish) Henrik, Henning(Swedish) Harri(Welsh)
Henriqueta = Portuguese and Galician feminine form of HENRIQUE.
Heraldo = from the Old English name Hereweald, derived from the elements here "army" and weald "power, leader, ruler". The Old Norse cognate Haraldr was also common among Scandinavian settlers in England. This was the name of five kings of Norway and three kings of Denmark. See also Harold and Harald.
Herberto, Heriberto =
Herman, Hermano = from the Germanic elements hari "army" and man "man". Used in English, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Slovene
Hermenegildo = from a Visigothic name which meant "complete sacrifice" from the Germanic elements ermen "whole, entire" and gild "sacrifice, value". It was borne by a 6th-century saint, the son of Liuvigild the Visigothic king of Hispania. Used in Western Europe: Erminigild (Ancient Germanic), Ermenegilde (French), Hermenegild (German), Ermenegildo (Italian), Hermenegildo (Spanish)
Hermínio =
Herminia =
Hilda, Ilda = From Proto-Germanic Hildr (Ancient Scandinavian), Hild, Hilda (Anglo-Saxon), used in Western Europe= Hilda (Danish), Hilda, Hilde (Dutch), Hilda (English), Hilda, Hilde (German), Hildur (Icelandic), Hildr (Norse Mythology), Hilda, Hilde, Hildur (Norwegian), Hilda (Spanish), Hilda, Hildur (Swedish)
Hildeberto, Hildiberto = Portuguese variant of Hildebert, Hilbert, from the Germanic elements hild "battle" and beraht "bright"
Hildebrando =
Hildegardo =
Hugo =
Humberto =
Idália, Idalina, Ida = Originally a medieval short form of names beginning with the Old Frankish element idal, extended form of Old Frankish id meaning "work, labour" (cf. Ida). Used in Western Europe
Ildefonso = from Ancient Germanic Hildefons
Inga =
Ingrid =
Isilda = * possibly Germanic, perhaps from a hypothetic name like Ishild, composed of the elements is "ice, iron" and hild "battle". Could be an early version of Isolda.
Isnard =
Ivo = Germanic name, originally a short form of names beginning with the Germanic element iv meaning "yew". Alternative theories suggest that it may in fact be derived from a cognate Celtic element. This was the name of several saints (who are also commonly known as Saint Yves or Ives). Variants: Yvo (German), Yvo (Dutch), Erwan, Erwann (Breton), Yves, Yvon (French), Ives (History), Iwo (Polish)
Ivone = female version of Ivo
Juscelino, Joscelino = from a Germanic masculine name, variously written as Gaudelenus, Gautselin, Gauzlin, along with many other spellings. It was derived from the Germanic element Gaut, which was from the name of the Germanic tribe the Gauts, combined with a Latin diminutive suffix.
Lars =
Leonardo =
Leonildo =
Leonor, Eleonor, Eleonora = from Occitan Aliénor derived from Ancient Germanic Eanor
Leopoldo = from the Germanic elements leud "people" and bald "bold". The spelling was altered due to association with Latin leo "lion". Used in Western Europe
Liduína = female form derived from Ludwin, Leutwin or Liutwin. There are instances where the first element of the name can also be derived from Old High German hlûd "famous"
Lindolfo =
Lorelei =
Lotário =
Luís, Luiz, Aloisio, Aloysio, Ludovico = from Ancient Germanic Chlodovech, Clodovicus, Ludovicus, Clovis, Hludowig. Used all over Europe
Luisa =
Mafalda = variant of ‘Matilde’ (Matilda) in Portuguese and Italian. From the Germanic name Mahthildis meaning "strength in battle", from the elements maht "might, strength" and hild "battle". Saint Matilda was the wife of the 10th-century German king Henry I the Fowler. The name was common in many branches of European royalty in the Middle Ages.
Manfred =
Matilde = from the Germanic name Mahthildis meaning "strength in battle", from the elements maht "might, strength" and hild "battle". Used mainly in Western Europe: Mathilda, Maud, Maude(English) Mathilda(Swedish) Mahthildis, Mathilda(Ancient Germanic) Matylda(Czech) Mathilde, Tilde(Danish) Machteld, Mathilde, Mechteld, Maud, Til(Dutch) Mahaut, Mathilde, Maud(French) Mathilde, Mechthild, Mechtilde(German) Matild(Hungarian) Mafalda, Matilde(Italian & Portuguese) Til(Limburgish) Mathilde(Norwegian) Matylda(Polish) Matilde(Spanish) Mallt(Welsh)
Nivaldo =
Norberto = from the Germanic elements nord "north" and beraht "bright". Variants: Norberto (Italian), Norbaer, Baer, Bèr, Nor (Limburgish), Norberto (Spanish)
Odorico =
Olavo = from Old Norse Áleifr meaning "ancestor's descendant", derived from the elements anu "ancestor" and leifr "descendant". This was the name of five kings of Norway, including Saint Olaf (Olaf II). Used mainly in Northern Europe: Olaf, Olav, Oluf, Ole (Danish), Olaf (Dutch), Olev (Estonian), Olavi, Uolevi, Olli (Finnish), Olaf (German), Ólafur (Icelandic), Amhlaoibh (Irish), Olaf, Olav, Ola, Ole (Norwegian), Olaf (Polish), Amhlaidh, Aulay (Scottish), Olof, Olov, Ola, Olle (Swedish)
Osmar =
Osvaldo, Oswaldo = Portuguese variant of Oswald, from the Old English elements os "god" and weald "power, ruler". See also Old Norse name Ásvaldr.
Osvalda, Osvaldina = female form of Osvaldo
Oto, Otto = short form of various names beginning with the Germanic element aud meaning "wealth, fortune". Used mainly in Northern & Western Europe: Audo, Odilo, Odo, Otto (Ancient Germanic), Otto (Danish), Otto (Dutch), Otto (English), Otto (Finnish), Otto, Udo (German), Ottó (Hungarian), Ottó (Icelandic), Oddo, Ottone, Ottorino (Italian), Ode (Medieval English), Eudes (Medieval French), Otto (Norwegian), Otto (Swedish)
Raimundo = from Proto-Germanic *raginaz («council») and *mundō («protection»), Raymund
Ramiro = Latinized form of the Visigothic name 'Ramirus' (Raginmar) derived from the Germanic elements ragin "advice" and meri "famous". Rare, mainly in Portugal and Spain.
Raul =
Reginaldo, Reinaldo, Ronaldo, Reynaldo = from the Germanic name Raginald, made of elements ragin "advice" and wald "rule". Used in Western Europe: Ragnvald (Danish), Reinoud, Reinout (Dutch), Reino (Finnish), Renaud, Reynaud (French), Reinhold (German), Raghnall (Irish), Rinaldo (Italian), Ragnvald (Norwegian), Raghnall, Ranald, Ronald (Scottish), Reynaldo (Spanish), Ragnvald (Swedish), Rheinallt (Welsh)
Ricardo = from the Germanic elements ric "power, rule" and hard "brave, hardy". Used all over Europe: Ricard (Catalan), Richard (Czech), Rikard (Danish), Richard (Dutch), Richard, Dick, Rich, Richie, Rick, Rickey, Ricki, Rickie, Ricky, Ritchie (English), Rikhard, Riku (Finnish), Richard (French), Richard (German), Richárd, Rikárd (Hungarian), Risteárd (Irish), Riccardo (Italian), Rihards (Latvian), Ričardas (Lithuanian), Rikard (Norwegian), Ryszard (Polish), Rihard (Slovene), Rikard (Swedish), Rhisiart (Welsh)
Roberto =
Roberta =
Rodrigo = from Germanic Hrodric/Hrēðrīc/Rørik/Hrœrekr (Roderick, Rodrick, Roderich; a compound of hrod ‘renown’ + ric ‘power(ful)’), from the Proto-Germanic *Hrōþirīk(i)az; it was borne by the last of the Visigoth kings and is one of the most common Lusophone personal names of Germanic origin.
Rodolfo = Portuguese variation from Ancient Germanic 'Hrodulf', 'Hrolf', 'Hrólfr', Hróðólfr (Ancient Scandinavian), Hrothulf, Hroðulf (Anglo-Saxon), Rudolf (Armenian), Rudolf (Croatian), Rudolf (Czech), Rolf, Rudolf (Danish), Roelof, Rudolf, Rodolf, Roel, Ruud (Dutch), Rolf, Rollo, Rudolph, Rodolph, Rolph, Rudy (English), Rodolphe, Rodolph (French), Rolf, Rudolf, Rodolf, Rudi (German), Ruedi (German (Swiss)), Rudolf, Rudi (Hungarian), Roul (Medieval English), Roul (Medieval French), Rolf, Rudolf (Norwegian), Rudolf (Polish), Rudolf (Russian), Rudolf (Slovene), Rolf, Rudolf, Roffe (Swedish)
Rogério = from Proto-Germanic Hrodger, Hróarr, Hróðgeirr (Ancient Scandinavian), Hroðgar (Anglo-Saxon), used in Western Europe = Roger (Danish), Roger, Rogier, Rutger (Dutch), Roger, Rodge, Rodger (English), Roger (French), Roger, Rüdiger (German), Ruggero, Ruggiero (Italian), Ruth (Limburgish), Roar, Roger (Norwegian), Roger (Swedish)
Rolando, Orlando, Roldão = from Proto-Germanic Hrodland used all over Europe = Roeland, Roland, Roel (Dutch), Roland, Rolland, Roly, Rowland, Rowley (English), Roland (French), Roland (German), Loránd, Lóránt, Roland (Hungarian), Orlando, Rolando (Italian), Rolan (Russian), Rolando, Roldán (Spanish), Roland (Swedish)
Romildo =
Rosalina, Rosalinda = from Ancient Germanic Roslindis. Used in Western Europe
Rui = Equivalent to English Roy (Roderick) from Ancient Germanic Hroderich. Used in Western Europe: Roderic (Catalan), Roderick, Rod, Roddy (English), Rodrigue (French), Rodrigo, Roi (Galician), Rodrigo (Italian), Rodrigo, Ruy (Spanish)
Ubaldo =
Ulrico =
Wagner =
Waldemar, Valdemar =
Waldevino, Balduíno = from Proto-Germanic Baldovin, Baldwin, used in Western Europe= Boudewijn (Dutch), Baldwin (English), Baudouin (French), Baldovino, Baldo (Italian), Balduino (Spanish), Maldwyn (Welsh)
Waldir =
Waldo =
Walfredo =
Walter, Valter =
Wanda, Vanda =
Wania, Vânia =
Wilfried, Vilfredo = from Proto-Germanic Willifrid, Wilfrith, Wilfrið (Anglo-Saxon), used in Western Europe= Guifré (Catalan), Vilfred (Danish), Wilfred, Wilfrid, Wil, Wilf (English), Wilfried (German), Vilfredo (Italian) Wilfredo (Spanish)
Wolfgang =
Surnames
Abreu = toponymic, from “Avredo” (avi + redo) derived from Gothic 'avi' grace and 'redo' to give, to offer. See Norman-French Évreux
Afonso = patronymic of the same name
Antunes = patronymic form of Antonio
Aires = Germanic hypocorism of 'Hari' or 'Hêri' meaning army
Araújo, Araujo = toponymic, from Gothic 'Ruderic'
Arnaldes = patronymic of Germ. 'Arnold(us)'
Arouca = toponymic, derived from Frankish or Gaulish *rusk (iris) maybe via old French 'rouche'
Alencar, Alenquer = toponymic, derived from Ancient Germanic “Alankerk” (Alan + kerk, temple of the Alans) referring to the Alans
Alves, Álvares = patronymic form of Álvaro
Bandeira = from Ancient Germanic *bandwa, band-
Beltrão = patronymic of the same name
Berenguer, Beringer, Berengar = derived from Ancient Germanic 'Geir', 'Ger' meaning bear and spear (see Geraldo= Gerald)
Bernardes = patronymic form of Bernardo
Branco = from Germanic 'blank' (white, fair)
Esteves = patronymic form of Estêvão
Fernandes = patronymic form of Fernando, archaic Fernão
Geraldes, Giraldes = patronymic form of Geraldo
Gomes = patronymic derived from the Visigothic word guma meaning "man".
Gonçalves = patronymic form of Gonçalo
Gondesendes, Gondesende = toponymic form of Germanic 'Gondesindus', 'Gondisalvus'
Guarda, Guardão = from Germanic 'wardon' (to guard, watch)
Guedes = patronymic form of Guede < Latinised vădu, < Germanic vâd or Weit
Guerra = from Gothic 'wirro' (war)
Guerrinha = from Gothic 'wirro' (war)
Guerreiro = from Gothic 'wirros' (warrior)
Gusmão = from Gothic 'gutsman' (goodman)
Guterres = patronymic form of Guterre
Henriques = patronymic form of Henrique
Martins = patronymic form of Martim, Martinho
Mendes = patronymic form of Menendo (short form of Hermenergildo)
Moniz = patronymic form of archaic Moninho or Munio
Norberto = patronymic of the same name, from Germanic Nordberctus, elements 'nort' (north)+ berth (illustrious)
Nunes = patronymic form of Nuno
Resende, Rezende = toponymic of Resende, from Suebian 'sinde' and 'sende', derived from the Germanic "sinths" (military expedition)
Ródão = from ancient Germanic H1reiH- 'flow, river'
Rodrigues = patronymic form of Rodrigo
Roldão = patronymic form of the same name, variant of Roland
Sá = from Germanic 'sal' (room, building)
Saavedra = combination of Germanic 'sal' + Latin 'vetus< vetera (old)
Salas = from Germanic 'sal' (room, building)
Sousa, Souza = Visigothic toponymic, from archaic 'Souza'
Velêz, Velez = from Visigothic baptismal name 'Vigila' (Wigila), patronymic of Vela (Veila, derived from Vigila).
Viegas= patronymic form of Egas
List
A
abandonar; abandono = "to abandon" ; "abandon"
atacar = "to attack"
abordar = "to attack (a problem)"
B
bala =
balcão = "balcony"
bandeira =
bandoleiro = "bandit"
banquete =
barão =
bébé or bebê (Brazil) = "baby"
bife = "beefsteak"
bigode = "moustache" (from German Bei Gott, "By God")
