Gonçaves Surname

Gonçaves Surname: Exploring its Origins and Distribution

The surname Gonçaves is a common surname found in various countries around the world, with its origins rooted in Portugal. In this extensive article, we will delve into the history and distribution of the Gonçaves surname, exploring its prevalence in different regions and shedding light on its significance.

Origins of the Gonçaves Surname

The surname Gonçaves is of Portuguese origin, derived from the given name Gonçalo, which itself is of Germanic origin. The name Gonçalo is believed to have originated from the Visigothic name Gundisalvus, which is composed of the elements "gund" meaning "battle" and "salvus" meaning "safe" or "sound."

Over time, the name Gonçalo evolved into the surname Gonçaves, which is a patronymic surname indicating "son of Gonçalo." This practice of forming surnames based on the father's given name was common in Portuguese naming conventions.

Distribution of the Gonçaves Surname

The Gonçaves surname is most prevalent in Portugal, where it has a high incidence rate of 75. This indicates that a significant portion of the population in Portugal carries the surname Gonçaves. In Brazil, the surname is also relatively common, with an incidence rate of 60.

Outside of Portugal and Brazil, the Gonçaves surname is found in smaller numbers in countries such as Angola, France, São Tomé and Príncipe, Benin, Cape Verde, Spain, New Zealand, the United States, and Venezuela. While the incidence rates in these countries are lower, it is evident that the Gonçaves surname has spread to various parts of the world.

Significance of the Gonçaves Surname

Like many surnames, the Gonçaves surname holds cultural and historical significance for those who bear it. For individuals with Portuguese heritage, the surname Gonçaves serves as a link to their ancestral roots and heritage.

Furthermore, the distribution of the Gonçaves surname across different countries reflects the movement of people and the intertwining of cultures throughout history. The presence of the Gonçaves surname in countries such as Brazil and Angola is a testament to the Portuguese colonial legacy in these regions.

In conclusion, the Gonçaves surname is a notable surname with a rich history and widespread distribution. Its origins in Portugal and its prevalence in various countries make it a surname of significance for those who bear it. By exploring the origins and distribution of the Gonçaves surname, we gain a deeper understanding of the diverse and interconnected nature of surnames and their role in shaping identities and histories.

The surname Gonçaves within the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same occurs when it comes to Gonçaves, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname which can be present in the majority of the nations regarding the world. In the same manner there are countries by which truly the density of men and women aided by the surname Gonçaves is higher than far away.

The map for the Gonçaves surname

View Gonçaves surname map

The chance of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Gonçaves on the planet, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves on the map, on a concrete nation, we can see the concrete number of people with the surname Gonçaves, to have this way the particular information of the many Gonçaves as you are able to currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to comprehend not just where the surname Gonçaves originates from, but also in excatly what way individuals who're originally part of the family members that bears the surname Gonçaves have relocated and relocated. In the same manner, it is possible to see in which places they will have settled and grown up, which explains why if Gonçaves is our surname, it seems interesting to which other nations for the globe it is possible that certain of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Gonçaves worldwide

  1. Portugal Portugal (75)
  2. Brazil Brazil (60)
  3. Angola Angola (16)
  4. France France (2)
  5. Sao Tome and Principe Sao Tome and Principe (2)
  6. Benin Benin (1)
  7. Cape Verde Cape Verde (1)
  8. Spain Spain (1)
  9. New Zealand New Zealand (1)
  10. United States United States (1)
  11. Venezuela Venezuela (1)