The surname Cerqueira is of toponymic origin being derived from the name of the place of residence of the founder of this lineage. There are places in the province of Pontevedra, in Galicia, Spain and also in Portugal which bear the name Cerqueira.
This family is one of the most ancient and noble families of Portugal being mentioned in a list, compiled under the orders of Don Pedro I, of those who gave assistance to the Monastery of Grijó.
Notable bearers of this surname include: D.Luis Cerqueira Portuguese Jesuit and missionary (1552-1614) who was named bishop of the church in Japan. Francisco de Souza Cerqueira Genealogist of the eighteenth century. José Cerqueira Church Official, in the year 1864
BLAZON OF ARMS: Gules, a lion rampant or, armed and langued azure, with a collar gules, studded or.
Translation: Gules (red) symbolyzes Mars and denotes Military Fortitude and Honour.
