# Machado

MACHADO is a surname of Portuguese origin meaning "axe" or "hatchet", with the surname attested as far back as the 12th century. It is commonly found in Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Hispanic America, the Philippines, India (former Portuguese colony of Goa, Mangalore, Southern Tamil Nadu and Southern Kerala), as well as former Portuguese colony of Macao in China and several former Portuguese territories in Africa. It is also attested among Sephardic Jews, while in Italy, the surname may be associated with Jewish heritage, particularly in Genova; Jews are attested in Genova since Roman times, and the surname is one of the most frequent found in documents from Genova's Synagogue.