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Last Name Geraldo

What is the origin of the last name Geraldo?

The surname Geraldo is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the given name "Geraldo," which is a variant of the name "Gerald." The name Gerald is of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "wald" meaning "rule." Over time, the name Geraldo became a surname, and it is now found predominantly in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal and Brazil.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Geraldo

The meaning and origin of the last name Geraldo

The surname Geraldo is of Portuguese and Spanish origin, deriving from the Germanic name Gerwald, which combines the elements "ger" meaning spear and "wald" meaning rule. The name Geraldo is therefore believed to have originated as a given name for someone who was a skilled warrior or leader. Over time, this name evolved into a surname that was passed down through generations. The Geraldo surname is often found in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal, Brazil, and former Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia. Today, individuals with the surname Geraldo can be found all over the world due to historical migration patterns and globalization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Geraldo

The last name Geraldo is most commonly found in the countries of Brazil, Portugal, and the Philippines. In Brazil, it is particularly prevalent, with many individuals bearing this surname across various regions of the country. The name is of Portuguese origin, which explains its popularity in both Portugal and former Portuguese colonies such as Brazil and the Philippines. In Portugal, the name Geraldo is most commonly found in the central and southern regions of the country. In the Philippines, it is also relatively common, especially in regions with historical ties to the Spanish and Portuguese colonial eras. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Geraldo reflects its Iberian roots and the influence of Portuguese colonization in various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Geraldo

The last name Geraldo can have a few variations and spellings. Some common variations include Gerardo, Geraldez, and Giraldo. These variations may appear due to changes in pronunciation, regional dialects, or misspellings over time. Other possible spellings could include Geraldes, Jeraldo, or Garaldo. These variations can be found in different countries where the surname Geraldo is present, such as Portugal, Spain, and Brazil. Despite the slight differences in spelling, the meaning and origin of the last name generally remain the same. Geraldo is believed to have originated from the Germanic name Gerwald, which means "spear ruler" or "spear strength." The variations and spellings of Geraldo demonstrate the evolution and adaptability of surnames throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Geraldo

One famous person with the last name Geraldo is Geraldo Rivera, an American television journalist, attorney, and talk show host. Rivera gained national fame for his reporting on the Watergate scandal in the 1970s and later became a prominent figure in the world of television journalism, hosting various news and talk shows on networks like ABC, CNBC, and Fox News. He has received numerous awards for his work, including several Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Rivera is known for his controversial reporting style and willingness to tackle tough issues head-on. His long and varied career in media has made him a recognizable and influential figure in the world of journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Geraldo

Research on the last name Geraldo reveals that it is of Portuguese origin, derived from the personal name Geraldo, which itself is a variant of the Germanic name Gerald. The name Gerald is composed of the elements "ger" meaning spear, and "wald" meaning rule, thus indicating someone who rules with a spear. The Geraldo surname is believed to have first emerged in medieval Portugal, with individuals bearing this name migrating to other parts of Europe and the Americas. Records show that individuals with the surname Geraldo have been found throughout history in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, and the United States. The name may have variations in spelling due to differences in language and dialect, but the core meaning and origin remain consistent across different regions.

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 : 11 April 2025

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