Rodrigues
Origin and History
The name Rodrigues is of Portuguese origin and is a patronymic form of the given name Rodrigo, meaning "son of Rodrigo". The name Rodrigo itself is derived from the Germanic name Roderick, which means "famous power". It is a common surname in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries. It is also prevalent in regions that were once under Portuguese rule, such as parts of India, Macau, and some African countries read more.
The surname Rodrigues has been in use since the Middle Ages and was first recorded in the Kingdom of Portugal during the 12th century. It was a period of significant growth and expansion for Portugal, which played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery read more.
Notable People
There have been many notable individuals with the surname Rodrigues. Some of them have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Here are a few examples:
- Américo Rodrigues, a Portuguese poet, actor, and director known for his work in experimental poetry and sound art read more. - Nelson Rodrigues, a Brazilian playwright and journalist, often considered the greatest Brazilian playwright of all time read more. - Vasco Rodrigues, a Portuguese explorer who was part of Vasco da Gama's first voyage to India in the late 15th century read more.
Distribution
The Rodrigues surname is widespread in many countries, particularly those with a significant Portuguese-speaking population or a history of Portuguese colonization. The highest concentration of people with the Rodrigues surname is in Brazil, followed by Portugal and Angola. It is also common in other Portuguese-speaking countries and territories, including Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Macau read more.
Rodrigues Island
Rodrigues is also the name of an autonomous outer island of the Republic of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It was named after the Portuguese explorer Diogo Rodrigues in 1528. The island is known for its serene beauty, unique flora and fauna, and vibrant Creole culture read more.
