Common Surnames in Guinea-Bissau

Surnames reflect Portuguese colonial legacy, local naming customs, and Islamic influence:

• Portuguese-origin (most common): Fernandes, Gomes, Correia, da Silva, Mendes, Pereira, da Costa, Camará, Alves, Lopes, Carvalho, Dias, Monteiro.
• Guinea-Bissau Creole/Kriol specific: Djaló, Sanhá, Embaló, Baldé, Cassamá, Queta, Intchama, Nhaga, Mané, Sissoco.
• Islamic/Fula influence: Diallo, Bah, Barry, Sow, Camara (also Portuguese), Sidibé, Touré.

Many people use compound surnames (e.g., *Gomes Fernandes*, *Djaló Baldé*) combining paternal/maternal lines or clan affiliations.