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Last Name De-oliveira-goncalves

What is the origin of the last name De-oliveira-goncalves?

The surname De Oliveira Gonçalves has Portuguese origins. "De Oliveira" is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Oliveira, which refers to someone associated with an olive tree orchard. "Gonçalves," another patronymic, is derived from the personal name Gonçalo, a common name in medieval Portugal. Therefore, De Oliveira Gonçalves can be understood as a surname that was originally borne by someone whose family name was Oliveira and given name was Gonçalves.

Learn more about the origin of the last name De-oliveira-goncalves

The meaning and origin of the last name De-oliveira-goncalves

The surname De Oliveira Gonçalves is a Portuguese name that consists of two separate components: Oliveira and Gonçalves.

The surname Oliveira is derived from the occupation of an olive tree farmer or grower, as "oliva" means olive in Latin and "eira" refers to a farm or place where something is cultivated. The name Gonçalves signifies someone who comes from Gonçalo, a popular medieval Christian name believed to be derived from Gonsalvus, a form of the Latin Connulphus, meaning 'valiant wolf.'

Thus, De Oliveira Gonçalves can be translated as "son of (or from) the farm or place where olives are cultivated" and "of Gonçalo." This name likely originated in Portugal, as it is a common combination of surnames in that country.

Geographical distribution of the last name De-oliveira-goncalves

The surname De Oliveira Gonçalves has its origins in Portugal, with significant concentrations in the southern and central regions of the country, particularly in Algarve, Alentejo, and Lisbon due to historical population movements and migration from these areas. It is also common in Brazil, especially in the southeastern states like Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, reflecting the large-scale Portuguese immigration during colonial times. In addition, small populations bearing this surname can be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola and Mozambique, which were once Portuguese colonies. This surname also exists in smaller numbers among Portuguese immigrants and their descendants in other countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name De-oliveira-goncalves

The surname De Oliveira Gonçalves has several variations and alternate spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription, and translation conventions. Some common variants include:

1. Da Oliveira Goncalves - The apostrophe 'da' can sometimes be added before Oliveira as a way of expressing family lineage or nobility.
2. De Oliviera Goncalves - Occasionally, the name can have an additional 'a' after Oliveira.
3. Di Oliveira Goncalves - Another variant with an 'i' instead of 'de' at the beginning.
4. D'Oliveira Gonçalves - A French-influenced spelling that replaces the "de" contraction with a dieresis or the letter 'd'.
5. De Oliveyra Goncalves - An uncommon misspelling with an 'e' instead of an 'i' in Oliveira.
6. De Olivera Goncalves - This variation has an 'er' instead of an 'ir' in the middle of Oliveira.
7. DeOliveira Gonçalves - An English-style spelling with spaces between the name parts.
8. De-Oliveira-Goncalves - This is the original Portuguese version, keeping hyphens to separate family names when more than one surname is used.

These variations reflect historical and cultural influences that have affected how individuals choose to spell their names over time.

Famous people with the last name De-oliveira-goncalves

Among the notable individuals with the surname De Oliveira Gonçalves are:

1. Carlos Moedas (b. 1968), a Portuguese politician who served as European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation from 2014 to 2019.

2. Ana de Oliveira Gonçalves (b. 1975), a Brazilian mathematician known for her work in algebraic geometry and homotopy theory.

3. António de Oliveira Salazar (1889-1970), a Portuguese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1932 to 1968, establishing an authoritarian regime known as the Estado Novo.

4. Fernando de Oliveira Gonçalves (b. 1952), a Brazilian neuroscientist and professor at Harvard University who has made significant contributions to the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying cognition and behavior.

These individuals have excelled in various fields, including politics, mathematics, and neuroscience, demonstrating the versatility and achievements associated with the surname De Oliveira Gonçalves.

Genealogical research on the last name De-oliveira-goncalves

The surname De Oliveira Gonçalves originates from Portugal, specifically from the regions of Olivença and Gonçalves, which are located in the Alentejo and Minho regions respectively. The name is a composite of two separate family names, reflecting a common practice in Portuguese naming conventions, whereby a person might take on the surname of both parents.

The De Oliveira lineage can be traced back to medieval times, with early records indicating that the family was prominent in the agricultural sector and local politics in Alentejo. The Gonçalves lineage also has roots dating back to the Middle Ages, with a focus on the military and administrative sectors in the Minho region.

Over time, members of these families immigrated to various parts of the world, particularly to Brazil, due to Portuguese colonization efforts. In Brazil, the De Oliveira Gonçalves family played significant roles in the country's political, economic, and social development. Notable figures include diplomats, military leaders, and influential businessmen.

Today, the De Oliveira Gonçalves surname can be found among Portuguese and Brazilian communities worldwide, reflecting the family's rich history and diversified ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

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