Medeiros is a surname originating in northern Portugal, and is known worldwide. Due to Portugal's extensive exploration and creation of the world's first global empire, Medeiros and other Portuguese surnames have spread to every continent on the planet. Knights named Medeiros participated in ending the Moorish subjugation of Iberia, as well as fighting the Spanish in order to maintain Portugal's sovereignty. Medeiros's have also participated in settling the Azores Islands, the Madeira Islands, and Brazil. Medeiros heraldry and coat of arms is genuine and well known. This information is not all inclusive.