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Last Name Ghebreyesus

What is the origin of the last name Ghebreyesus?

The surname Ghebreyesus is of Ethiopian origin. It is derived from Amharic, a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. The name can be translated to mean "may the Lord be gracious." In some cases, it may also be spelled as Gebreyesus or Gebreyesus. This name has become more common due to its association with the current Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, whose full name is António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres da Silva, but his paternal family name is Ghebreyesus, which was Ethiopianized from the Portuguese name Guterres.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ghebreyesus

The meaning and origin of the last name Ghebreyesus

The surname Ghebreyesus originates from Ethiopia, specifically from the Tigrinya-speaking region. The name is derived from the Tigrinya language and can be translated as "son of George" or "Georgios" in Greek. The name George has religious significance, being a popular name for saints in both Christianity and Islam, which may explain its adoption among various ethnic groups in Ethiopia, including the Tigrinya. The addition of "Gheb-" before the name George is a common naming convention in Ethiopia, denoting paternity or lineage. It's worth noting that the spelling variations of this surname can be found due to transliteration and cultural assimilation during migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ghebreyesus

The surname Ghebreyesus, of Ethiopian origin and meaning "Lord of the House" in Tigrinya, is primarily concentrated in Ethiopia, particularly in the northern regions such as Tigray and Eritrea due to historical migration. However, its presence has also been noted in other parts of the world, primarily among the Ethiopian diaspora. Notably, countries with significant Ethiopian expatriate communities, including the United States, Canada, and European nations like Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, have recorded instances of the surname Ghebreyesus. The name's global distribution is a reflection of the increasing mobility and dispersal of people of Ethiopian descent in recent decades.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ghebreyesus

The last name Ghebreyesus has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration from the Tigrinya language, as well as regional and personal preferences. Some common variations include Gebrehiwot, Gebreselassie, Gebreselasie, Gebrehiwotis, Ghebremedhin, Ghebreyesus-Michael, and Ghebronius. These variations may also appear with different diacritics or without them altogether. In some cases, the name may be shortened to simply Ghebre or Gebre. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a person's name should always be based on their personal preference, if known.

Famous people with the last name Ghebreyesus

Notable individuals sharing the surname Ghebreyesus include:

1. Zenebe Kebede Ghebreyesus - A prominent Eritrean diplomat who served as Eritrea's Ambassador to the United States from 2013 to 2018.

2. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus - An Ethiopian politician and pharmacist who serves as the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2017, becoming the first African to hold this position.

3. Amanuel Ghebreyesus - A professional soccer player who played for several clubs in Germany, including Borussia Dortmund and 1860 Munich. He also represented the Eritrean national team.

4. Tewodros Melesse Ghebreyesus - An Ethiopian politician who served as Minister of Health from 2012 to 2020, overseeing the expansion of Ethiopia's healthcare system.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as diplomacy, medicine, sports, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Ghebreyesus

The last name Ghebreyesus is of Ethiopian origin, specifically from the Tigrinya-speaking region in northern Ethiopia. It translates to "He/His House is from Israel" or "The House of Isaac" in Tigrinya. The name is common among the Orthodox Christian Tigrinya community in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Notable individuals with this surname include Abiy Ahmed, the current Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and Mehari Taddele Maru, an Ethiopian-American author and activist. The name's variation includes Ghebremeskel, Ghebreselassie, and others, reflecting regional spelling differences. The surname is a testament to the historical ties between Ethiopia and Israel, with many Ethiopian Orthodox Christians tracing their ancestry to the Lost Tribes of Israel.

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 : 30 July 2025

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