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Last Name De-gois

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What is the origin of the last name De-gois?

The surname "de Gois" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Old Portuguese word "gois," which means "from the town." In this case, a family would have taken their surname from a specific place named Gois or lived near such a location. However, it's important to note that precise origins can often be difficult to determine as many families adopted surnames based on various factors over time, including occupation, place of residence, or patronage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name De-gois

The meaning and origin of the last name De-gois

The surname De-Gois is of Portuguese origin, derived from the occupation or geographical location of an individual. The term "de" is a common prefix in Portuguese and Spanish nobility names, indicating 'of' or 'from'. The suffix "Gois" is believed to originate from the medieval Kingdom of Coimbra, specifically the region around Gois, a municipality located in central Portugal. Over time, this surname may have been adopted by individuals who were either originally from this region or had some association with it. Throughout history, variations of the name De-Gois can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Angola due to migration and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name De-gois

The surname De-Gois is predominantly found in Portugal and its diaspora, particularly in Brazil due to historical Portuguese colonization. In Portugal, it is most common in the northern regions, specifically in the provinces of Minho, Douro Litoral, and Aveiro. In Brazil, it is frequently observed in the states of Pernambuco, Alagoas, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte, reflecting the Portuguese immigration waves during the 16th to 19th centuries. The name may also be found among the Portuguese communities in other parts of the world, such as Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India), due to the extensive colonial history of Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name De-gois

The surname De Gois, originating from Portugal, has various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some common versions include De Goes, De Goyas, and De Góis. These variations stem from the original Portuguese spelling "De Goés," which was derived from the place name Goés, a municipality in the district of Leiria, Portugal. Over time, some individuals may have slightly altered the spelling based on regional pronunciation or the specific dialect they were using. Additionally, when emigrating to other countries, variations could have arisen due to differences in language and orthography. For example, in English-speaking countries, the name might be anglicized as De Goes or De Goyas. In summary, while the original Portuguese spelling is "De Goés," there are several variations and spellings of this surname that have evolved over time.

Famous people with the last name De-gois

Notable individuals with the surname de Gois include:

1. Jose de Goes Calderari (1926-1987), a Brazilian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as President of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People from 1985 until his death.

2. Eduardo de Goes e Souza (born 1934), a Brazilian diplomat, politician, and historian. He served as the Brazilian ambassador to several countries, including Portugal and Spain.

3. Miguel de Gois (1480-1551), a Portuguese humanist scholar and Bishop of Coimbra. He is known for his works on classical literature and philosophy.

4. Pedro de Goes (c. 1460–1529), a Portuguese explorer, writer, and poet. He was one of the first Europeans to describe the Amazon River and was involved in early Portuguese explorations in South America.

5. Luis de Gois (born 1987), a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Gil Vicente F.C. as a goalkeeper.

Genealogical research on the last name De-gois

The surname De Gois, derived from the Portuguese word "goito" meaning marshy or boggy land, has its roots in medieval Portugal. It was originally a geographical name given to someone who lived near a swampy area. The first recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 13th century when it appeared as "Degois" in the archives of the Igreja de Sao Martinho de Porto, Portugal.

The De Gois family migrated to Brazil during the Portuguese colonization in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. They played significant roles in the establishment and development of various regions in Brazil. Notable De Goises include João de Gois, a captain-major of Minas Gerais in the 17th century, and José Gonçalves de Goes, who served as the first governor of Rio de Janeiro.

In Portugal, the family branches spread across various regions such as Porto, Braga, and Lisbon, with notable members being the De Gois-Souza e Albuquerque family, who were ennobled by King Manuel I in 1507. The surname has also been traced to other countries like the United States and Canada due to subsequent migrations.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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