Last Name Geraldes

The surname Geraldes is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the regions of Galicia and Minho in northern Portugal. It derives from the personal name Geraldo, which was popularized by Saint Gerald (São Geraldo), a 6th-century bishop of Braga, who played an important role in the Christianization of Portugal. The surname is formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-es" to Geraldo, similar to other Portuguese surnames like Dias, Rodrigues, and Ferreira.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Geraldes

The meaning and origin of the last name Geraldes

The surname Geraldes is of Portuguese origin, derived from the medieval personal name Gerald. The name Gerald is believed to have Germanic roots, composed of the elements 'geri' (spear) and 'wald' (rule or power). This name was introduced into the Iberian Peninsula by the Visigoths in the 5th century. Over time, the personal name Geraldo evolved into the surname Geraldes in Portugal, serving as a marker of familial lineage. The surname Geraldes is also found among Portuguese descendants in South America and other regions where Portuguese immigrants settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Geraldes

The surname Geraldes is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, due to its origins from the Iberian Peninsula. In Portugal, it is most common in the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Alentejo, reflecting historical migration patterns within the country. In Brazil, Geraldes is dispersed throughout the nation but has higher concentrations in states with Portuguese immigrant settlements such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo. It is also found in other Portuguese-speaking African countries like Angola and Mozambique due to the historical influence of Portugal. Outside of Lusophone communities, Geraldes can be found among Portuguese diaspora populations in other parts of the world, particularly North America and Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Geraldes

The surname Geraldes has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time, as well as regional dialects. Some common variations include Geraldi, Geraldes, Geraldus, Geraldo, Gerald, Geralt, and Geralde. These variations may originate from the same root name and can be found across different countries, particularly in Portuguese-speaking regions such as Portugal and Brazil, due to its derivation from the personal name Geraldo, which is a form of the name Gerard in Old French. Additionally, some individuals with this surname may have Anglicized or Americanized their names over time, leading to further variations like Jerry, Geraldy, Geraldiis, and Geraldiz.

Famous people with the last name Geraldes

Notable individuals bearing the surname Geraldes include:

1. José Saramago (1922-2010), a Portuguese author who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998 for his novel "The Gospel According to Jesus Christ."

2. Almeida Garrett, born António Augusto de Santo Anastácio José Francisco Xavier de Almeida Garrett Geraldes (1799-1854), a prominent Portuguese writer, playwright, and politician during the Romantic period.

3. Ana Paula Tavares Geraldes (born 1980), a Portuguese footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for FC Porto and the Portugal national team.

4. João Geraldes do Espírito Santo (1532-1604), a Portuguese Jesuit missionary and linguist who played a significant role in the evangelization of Japan during the late sixteenth century.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, politics, and sports, demonstrating the versatility and accomplishments of those bearing the surname Geraldes.

Genealogical research on the last name Geraldes

The surname Geraldes originates from Portugal and is a variant of the more common Spanish and Portuguese name "Garcia," both meaning "spearman" or "brave with a spear." The Geraldes family has roots that can be traced back to medieval Portugal, where they were among the noble families during the reign of King Sancho I in the 12th century. Notable members of this lineage include Pedro Geraldo, a knight who played an important role in the Portuguese Reconquista during the Middle Ages, and Francisco de Almeida, the first viceroy of India under the Portuguese Empire. The Geraldes family has also been represented in various professions and fields throughout history, including politics, military, and religion. Today, the Geraldes surname is distributed across Portugal, Brazil, and other countries with significant Portuguese diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Geraldes"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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