Mascarenhas (surname)

Mascarenhas is a Luso-Indian surname originating from the Portuguese colonization of Goa and other territories in India. It is primarily found among people of Goan Catholic descent, as well as within other communities in the former Portuguese territories of India (such as Daman and Diu). It is also found amongst the wider diaspora of these communities, particularly in Portugal, Brazil, and other countries.

Origin and Meaning:

The surname Mascarenhas is of Portuguese origin. Its derivation is debated, but one prevailing theory links it to a place name in Portugal. Another possibility connects it to a noble family in the region. The exact meaning of the surname, therefore, is not definitively established.

Distribution:

The surname is most prevalent in Goa, India. Due to historical emigration patterns, it is also found in significant numbers in:

• Portugal
• Brazil
• The United Kingdom
• Canada
• The United States
• Australia

Notable People with the Surname:

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Related Names:

Variations of the surname may exist, but "Mascarenhas" is the most common form.

References:

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