Have you ever wondered about the last name meaning? Many surnames have deep roots that tell fascinating stories about a family's ancestry and accompany great curiosities.
For those interested in exploring the past and discovering more about their ancestors, the Brazilian National Archives Information System (SIAN) is a valuable tool.
In this article, we'll show you how you can use SIAN to discover the story behind your surname and delve into your family roots, so don't waste time and keep following our content.
What is the National Archives Information System (SIAN)?
SIAN is an online system maintained by the National Archives of Brazil that contains a vast amount of information on historical documents, immigrant records, passports, court cases and much more.
It is a true treasure trove for those who wish to trace their family history and better understand their genealogy, simply by consulting the system to search for documents relating to their history.
Through the information, you can discover the last name meaning and also the origin, in addition to providing various information related to family members.
How to find out the meaning of your surname with SIAN
The SIAN is currently available for access by anyone interested, simply by having a device with internet on hand to access it. To discover the last name meaning through it, follow the instructions:

- To begin your journey in search of the meaning of your surname, access SIAN through official website from the National Archives of Brazil;
- Log in to the platform through your Gov.br account, and if you don't already have one, just create it;
- Go to the “Funds/Collection” menu and click on “Free Research”;
- In SIAN, you can perform searches using keywords, such as your surname. Use the search field and enter the surname you want to search for;
- After searching, you will see a list of results related to your last name. Results may include historical documents, immigrant records, passports, and other types of records. Explore these results to find relevant information about the source or history of your surname;
- When you select a specific result, you will be able to view the associated document. These documents can contain valuable information such as an immigrant's arrival date in Brazil, details about their occupation, city of origin and other details that can reveal the story behind the surname.
Remember that SIAN is just one of many sources available for genealogical research. You can also explore other resources such as court records, church documents, and personal family files for additional information about the history of your surname.
Additional Tips for Your Genealogy Research
While you use the Brazilian National Archive Information System (SIAN) to discover the last name meaning, here are some additional tips that can enrich your genealogical research:
- Record Your Discoveries: Keep an organized record of the information you find. This includes names, dates, locations and any other relevant information. This will make it easier to create a solid family tree;
- Talk to Relatives: Talk to older relatives and family members to gather additional information about your family tree. They can provide stories, names of distant relatives, and old documents;
- Delve into Local History: research the local history of your family's region of origin. This can provide historical and cultural context that helps you better understand the last name meaning and the origin;
- Use Other Sources: in addition to SIAN, explore other online resources, such as genealogy websites, immigrant databases, cemetery records and registry office files;
- Be Prepared for Challenges: Genealogical research can be challenging, especially when it comes to old records. Be prepared to deal with variations in spelling of surnames and lack of records in some cases;
- Collaborate with Other Researchers: Participate in genealogy forums, research groups, or genealogy-focused social networks. Sharing your discoveries and challenges with other researchers can be very helpful;
- Visit Local Archives: If possible, visit local archives, registry offices and churches in the areas where your family is from. They often have valuable records that are not available online.