What does my last name mean?

Question:

What does my last name mean?

My last name is Almeida........ i have never been able to figure out what it means...... any help

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Almeida is from the Portugese town of the same name in the province of Beira. Translates loosely as "The family (Al) who lives on the plateau (ma'ida)", and dates back to the 12th century when the Moors (or Arabs) invaded the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). Almeida family nameholders have had 3 Coats of Arms (2 from Portugal and 1 from the former Kingdom of Sicily) awarded to it.