Andrada Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

What Does the Andrada Surname Mean?

Portuguese and Spanish habitational surname from places called Andrade or Andrada in Galicia and Portugal

The Andrada Family Through History

The Andrada surname has been part of the English landscape since the medieval period. The development of hereditary surnames in England accelerated after the Norman Conquest, as record-keeping became more systematic and families needed fixed identifiers for legal and property purposes.

Historical records trace the Andrada surname to 1200s, with the name associated with Galicia / Portugal. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Andrada name carries notable connections to the British peerage, including Galician-Portuguese nobility; the Andrade family was prominent in the medieval Kingdom of Galicia and held the title of Counts of Vilalba. These connections place the family within the broader network of titled families that have shaped British history. The peerage system recognises five ranks of nobility—Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron—and families connected to this system held positions of influence in Parliament, the military, and the administration of the realm.

The Andrada name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. Jose Bonifacio de Andrada, Brazilian statesman and patriot (1763-1838), known as 1763-1838, demonstrated the family name's reach beyond the traditional aristocracy. Andrada de Oliveira, Brazilian senator (1800s), 1800s, further illustrates the diverse contributions of those bearing this surname. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Andrada legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Andrada arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Peerage & Noble Ties

This surname has significant connections to noble families and titled individuals.

• Galician-Portuguese nobility; the Andrade family was prominent in the medieval Kingdom of Galicia and held the title of Counts of Vilalba

The Andrada name features in records of the British peerage system, connecting this lineage to the aristocratic traditions that helped define British governance and society. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Celebrated Figures Named Andrada

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar Portuguese/Spanish origin and may have historical connections to the Andrada family.

Explore England Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Andrada family's Portuguese/Spanish heritage.