Show ContentsRapoza History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The noble Portuguese surname Rapoza is of nickname origin, as it is derived from a physical or personal characteristic of the original bearer. In this instance, the surname Rapoza comes directly from the Portuguese word "Rapoza," translated as "male fox" and in turn derived from the Portuguese "raboso" meaning "tail," with reference to the beautiful furry tail of that animal.

Early Origins of the Rapoza family

The surname Rapoza was first found in the regions of Portugal. The Rapoza family were descended from the barons of Meneses and prospered throughout the Middle Ages.

Early History of the Rapoza family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rapoza research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rapoza History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rapoza Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Raposos, Raposa, Raposas, Rapoza, Rapozo and others.

Early Notables of the Rapoza family

Another 25 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rapoza Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rapoza Ranking

In the United States, the name Rapoza is the 14,783rd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1


United States Rapoza migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rapoza Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Maria Rapoza, aged 50, arrived in New York City in 1896 aboard the ship "Oevenum" from St. Miguel 2
Rapoza Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Amelia Rapoza, aged 9, originally from St. Michael's, arrived in New York in 1900 aboard the ship "Dona Maria" from St. Michael 2
  • Maria Rapoza, aged 13, originally from St. Michael's, arrived in New York in 1900 aboard the ship "Dona Maria" from St. Michael 2
  • Alfredo Rapoza, aged 1, originally from St. Michael's, arrived in New York in 1900 aboard the ship "Dona Maria" from St. Michael 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Rapoza (post 1700) +

  • Phillip Rapoza, American former jurist, Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court (1998-2015)


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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