Last Name Gaspar

The surname Gaspar is of Hebrew origin and means "treasurer" or "money-changer". It is a variant of the biblical name Gaspar, one of the three Magi (also known as the Three Wise Men) who visited Jesus at his birth. In various parts of Europe, Gaspar has been Latinized to Caspar or Jaspar over time. The name spread across Europe with the Christian faith and is common in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, and other countries with significant Catholic populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gaspar

The meaning and origin of the last name Gaspar

The surname Gaspar is primarily of Hebrew, Greek, and Iberian origin. In Hebrew, it is derived from the name "El-Gavri-El," meaning "God is my strong man." In Greek, it is related to the name "Evangelos," meaning "good news" or "messenger of God." In Iberia (the region comprising modern-day Portugal and Spain), it may have been a variant of the biblical name Gaspar, one of the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus at his birth as recounted in the New Testament. The surname has spread across Europe and the Americas due to historical events such as the Christian Reconquista of Iberia, migration patterns, and the colonial era. The name is common among various ethnicities and cultures, reflecting its diverse origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gaspar

The surname Gaspar has a significant presence across various regions globally, with Portuguese-speaking countries exhibiting one of the highest concentrations. This is due to its origin from Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain that was colonized by Portugal. A large number of individuals with the name Gaspar can be found in Brazil, as a result of Portuguese immigration during the colonial period. In addition, it is also common in Portugal itself and other former Portuguese colonies like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. Beyond Lusophone countries, Gaspar can also be found among Sephardic Jewish communities due to historical migrations from Iberia following the expulsion of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition. Minor occurrences of the name Gaspar exist in English-speaking countries, such as the United States and Canada, mostly among descendants of immigrants or intermarriage with families of Portuguese origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gaspar

The surname Gaspar has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. In English, it is commonly spelled as Gaspar. However, there are also alternate spellings such as Gaspary, Gaspare, Gasperi, and Gaspari, which may be found in Italian or Slavic contexts. In Portuguese, the name can be Gaspar, Gasparin, or Gasparinho. Spanish speakers may encounter versions such as Gaspar, Gasparín, and Gasparito. The name has German roots and can also be spelled as Gaspard or Gaspart in French, while its Dutch equivalent is Gasperd. Variations like Jaspar, Iaspar, Yaspar, or Japser may arise due to phonetic adaptations or transcriptions in various languages and cultures.

Famous people with the last name Gaspar

Notable individuals bearing the surname Gaspar include:

1. Gaspar de Lemos (16th century), a Portuguese explorer and captain who participated in the circumnavigation of the world under Portuguese Captain-Major Tristão da Silva in 1525–1528.

2. Gaspar Aguilar (1549–1615), a Spanish Franciscan missionary and one of the first European settlers in California, where he played a crucial role in converting indigenous peoples to Christianity.

3. Gaspar Saladino (born 1970), an Italian singer, songwriter, and television presenter who gained popularity as the lead vocalist of the group Pooh from 1984 to 2001.

4. Gaspar Noé (born 1963), an Argentine filmmaker known for his provocative and stylistically innovative films such as "Irreversible," "Enter the Void," and "Climax."

5. Gaspar Yanga (c. 1548–1628), a West African-born slave who escaped to form the first free black settlement in the Americas in present-day Mexico, leading to the eventual emancipation of all Africans in New Spain.

Genealogical research on the last name Gaspar

The Gaspar surname originates from the Iberian Peninsula, with roots traced back to Galicia and Portugal, where the name derives from the given name Gaspar, which means "treasurer" or "bringer of treasure" in Hebrew. The Gaspar lineage has a rich historical background. In medieval Spain, the name was common among Jewish communities, with some Gaspars converting to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition and preserving their name. Notably, there were also Gaspars who emigrated from Portugal to Brazil during the 16th century as part of colonial expansion. The Gaspar family spread across Europe over centuries, with significant populations found in countries such as France, Italy, and Germany. Throughout history, Gaspars have made notable contributions to various fields, including art, literature, science, and politics.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gaspar"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 12 June 2025

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