Surname Gomes - Meaning and Origin

An Unforeseen Journey of Self Identity: Unearthing Sephardic Jewish Roots within the Gomes Surname through iGENEA DNA Test

A shifting paradigm on the personal identity front, post the revelation of my iGENEA DNA test results, reshaping my perception of the Gomes family name. The test unraveled an unexpected Sephardic Jewish lineage under the ostensibly Portuguese family name- a testament to survival, cultural evolution, and resilience of ancestors who braved religious persecution.

S. Gomes

Gomes: What does the surname Gomes mean?

Gomes is a popular surname in Portugal, Spain, and countries of Latin America, as well as in Goa (India) due to Portuguese colonization. The origin of the surname is patronymic and it derives from the given name "Gome" or "Gomo", which means "man". The "s" at the end indicates "son of", making the meaning of Gomes "son of Gome". Additionally, in Old Galician and Portuguese, the word "gomes" referred to "protection" or "defender". There are variations to this surname depending on the regions, like Gomez in Spain and Gomis in Catalonia. A number of theories suggest that it traces back to ancient Visigothic nobility. It is commonly used by Sephardic Jews as well. Notably, people with the Gomes surname are not always related due to its wide adoption throughout the Portuguese and Spanish empires.

Gomes: Where does the name Gomes come from?

The last name Gomes has its roots in Spanish and Portuguese culture. It is derived from the given name "Gome," which means "man" in Old Spanish. Later, the "s" was added to the end of the name which indicates "son of Gome," thus forming the surname "Gomes."

Today, the surname is common in regions that have historical Portuguese or Spanish influence. In Portugal and Spain, the name is distinctively recognized. However, due its historical association with colonization and immigration, the name has spread globally, particularly to former colonies or territories. Hence, it is also commonly found amongst populations in Brazil, India (primarily in Goa, a former Portuguese colony), and Africa, specifically in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. It can also be found in regions of the United States of America and parts of Asia.

Though the surname Gomes is widespread, the usage may slightly vary between cultures. For instance, in Portugal, it is commonly spelled "Gomes" whereas in Spain, the common variant is "Gomez".

Variations of the surname Gomes

The surname Gomes is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Visigothic name "Guma," which means "man." This surname is also prevalent in Spain, parts of Latin America, and other regions where Portuguese and Spanish influences exist.

Alternative spellings for Gomes vary depending on the region and linguistic variations. The Spanish equivalent is typically "Gomez," with an 'z' instead of 's'. In Galician, it is written as "Gómiz." In Catalan, it is "Gomis".

Another important variant is "Gomis" which is more prevalent in France. "Gomm" and "Gomme" are variations most commonly found in England.

Similarly, the surname has transformed into "Gommers" in the Netherlands.

"Gommes" and "Gommez" are additional variations of the original name, though less common.

As for the surnames from the same origin, they include "Gomiz," "Gomar," and "Goman."

It's interesting to note that in some cultures, the surname is sometimes prefixed by "de," making it "de Gomes" or "de Gomez," indicating a geographical origin or lineage. The prefix "des," as in "des Gomes," is also seen but in a lesser context.

Famous people with the name Gomes

• Selena Gomez: An American singer, actress, and producer who gained recognition for her role in Disney's “Wizards of Waverly Place.”
• Francis Gomes: Bangladeshi novelist, short-story writer, and film director.
• Mario de Araujo Cabral Gomes: A Portuguese professional footballer who usually plays as a striker.
• Andrade "Neco" Gomes: A Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Fluminense Football Club.
• Jessica Gomes: An Australian model who appeared in the Swimsuit Issue of the American Publication Sports Illustrated every year from 2008 to 2015.
• Lynden Gooch: An American professional soccer player who plays for Sunderland and the United States men's national team.
• Pedro Mendes Moreira Gomes: A Portuguese former footballer who played as a forward.
• Nelson Antonio Haedo Gomes: A retired Paraguayan footballer.
• Yasmine Amanda Gomes: A Swiss footballer who plays as a forward for the Switzerland women's national team.
• Nani Gomes: A Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer and the Portugal national team.
• Eric Gomes: A Brazilian football player who currently plays as a centre-back for the Indian club East Bengal FC.
• Ricardo Alberto Silveira de Carvalho Gomes: A Brazilian retired footballer who played as a central defender, and most recently was the manager of Fluminense.

Other surnames

GomersalGomersallGomersellGomersonGomeryGomez