Discover people named Iolanda Freitas

The last name Freitas has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Portugal and Spain, where it is derived from the Portuguese word "freitas," meaning "straw" or "hay." This surname is believed to have originally referred to someone who lived near a place where straw was abundant or perhaps indicated a profession related to agriculture or farming. The name is often associated with the region of Trás-os-Montes in northern Portugal, where many families bearing this surname can trace their lineage. Variations of the surname can be found in different cultures, such as "Freitas" in Portuguese-speaking countries, and "Freitas" or "Freytes" in Spanish-speaking regions, reflecting slight differences in spelling and pronunciation. The surname is relatively common in Brazil, where many Portuguese immigrants settled, further spreading its use. Overall, Freitas is a surname that encapsulates both geographical and occupational heritage, linking its bearers to the agrarian lifestyle of their ancestors.