Araújo

Araújo or Araujo or Araúxo, and various other spellings, (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐɾɐˈuʒu], Spanish: [aɾaˈuxo], Galician pronunciation: [aɾaˈuʃʊ]) is a Galician and Portuguese surname of noble medieval origin. The name is topographic and derives from various places named "Araújo" found on both sides of the bordering regions. The most prominent origin is likely the parish of Araújo in Valença, Portugal, near the Spanish border. The meaning of "Araújo" is debated, but a common theory traces it back to the Latin "altariculus" or "arauciculus," meaning "small altar." This suggests the original settlements named Araújo may have been located near ancient religious sites or places of worship. Therefore, it likely originated with people who lived in or were associated with these "Araújo" locations, with the name spreading as families migrated and established themselves elsewhere. Don Rodrigo Anes (or Annes) de Araujo, lord of the ruined Araujo Castle and its lands located in present-day Ourense, Galicia, was the first to adopt the use of the surname. His great-grandson Pedro Anes de Araújo relocated to the Kingdom of Portugal, around 1375, being the first Araújo to settle there.