NomOrigine Background

Last Name Gilgamesh

What is the origin of the last name Gilgamesh?

The last name "Gilgamesh" is of Sumerian origin. It is derived from the ancient epic poem of "The Epic of Gilgamesh," which is one of the oldest known works of literature. The name is associated with the legendary king Gilgamesh who ruled the city of Uruk in Mesopotamia.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gilgamesh

The meaning and origin of the last name Gilgamesh

The surname Gilgamesh originates from the ancient Mesopotamian epic poem "The Epic of Gilgamesh," which is considered one of the earliest surviving works of literature. The name Gilgamesh comes from the protagonist of the story, a legendary Sumerian king who is said to have reigned in the city of Uruk. The epic follows Gilgamesh on his quest for immortality and his journey to become a better ruler. The name may have originally meant "old man is a young man" in Sumerian, signifying wisdom and eternal youth. Over time, the story of Gilgamesh has become a symbol of heroism and the struggle for meaning in human existence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gilgamesh

The last name Gilgamesh is most commonly found in the Middle East, particularly in countries such as Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. It is also prevalent in regions with significant Assyrian, Kurdish, and Armenian populations. In addition, there are smaller concentrations of individuals with the surname Gilgamesh in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European nations. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Gilgamesh suggests a connection to the historical and cultural heritage of the Middle East, particularly regions with a significant presence of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gilgamesh

The variations and spellings of the last name Gilgamesh include Gilgames, Gilgameshi, Gilgamech, and Gilgameš. These variations may be found in different cultures and languages depending on how the name is transliterated or translated. The name Gilgamesh originates from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, specifically from the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known works of literature. It is a popular name in literature, art, and popular culture, often symbolizing power, wisdom, and heroism. Due to its historical significance and widespread recognition, the name Gilgamesh has been adapted and modified in various forms across different regions and communities.

Famous people with the last name Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh is a legendary figure in ancient Mesopotamian mythology and is known for being the protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest works of literature. The most famous people with the last name Gilgamesh include the historical king Gilgamesh of Uruk, who is the central character in the epic poem. In addition, there have been various fictional and artistic interpretations of Gilgamesh in modern culture, such as in video games, films, and literature. Some notable individuals who have taken on the name Gilgamesh in their work include writers, artists, and musicians who have drawn inspiration from the epic tale of the ancient hero. Overall, Gilgamesh remains a prominent figure in both ancient history and contemporary art.

Genealogical research on the last name Gilgamesh

Genealogy research on the name Gilgamesh reveals a fascinating story that goes back to the ancient Mesopotamia. It is believed that this surname is of Sumerian origin and comes from the legendary figure of King Gilgamesh, who ruled the city of Uruk in the third millennium BC. Over the centuries, Gilgamesh's offspring spread across different regions of the Middle East and settled in various cultures, retaining the last name as a symbol of his distinguished lineage. At present, there are branches of the Gilgamesh family around the world, keeping alive the memory of its illustrious ancestor and its historical legacy. Genealogy research on the name Gilgamesh is a reminder of the importance of preserving our roots and honoring our cultural heritage.

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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Gil mohammed (Last name)

surnames > gil-mohammed

The last name "Gil Mohammed" is likely of Arabic origins. The name "Mohammed" is a common Islamic name, while "Gil" could possibly have Spanish or Hebrew roots.

Gil sab (Last name)

surnames > gil-sab

The last name "Gil Sab" is of Spanish origin. "Gil" is a surname derived from the given name of Gilbert, which has Germanic roots meaning "bright pledge" or "bright hostage." The o...

Gilabert (Last name)

surnames > gilabert

The last name "Gilabert" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the given name "Gilbert," which ultimately comes from the Germanic elements "gil" meaning "bright" or "shining," a...

Gilal (Last name)

surnames > gilal

The last name Gilal has its origin in India, specifically among the Maratha people. It is derived from the Marathi word "gil" which means "cat."

Gilamand (Last name)

surnames > gilamand

The last name "Gilamand" is of French origin. It is derived from the personal name 'William', which itself comes from the Germanic name "Wilhelm", meaning "will" and "helmet". The ...

Gilane (Last name)

surnames > gilane

I'm unable to find specific information on the origin of the last name "Gilane." It is possible that this name may be relatively rare or unique, making it difficult to trace its or...

Gilang (Last name)

surnames > gilang

The last name "Gilang" is of Indonesian origin. It is derived from the word "gilang" which means "bright" or "glory" in Indonesian.

Gilaz (Last name)

surnames > gilaz

The last name "Gilaz" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the given name "Giles", which comes from the Latin name "Aegidius" meaning "shield-bearer" or "protector".

Gilca (Last name)

surnames > gilca

The last name Gilca is of Romanian origin. It is a common surname in Romania and is derived from the word "gilcă," which means "white clay" in Romanian. This surname likely origin...

Gild (Last name)

surnames > gild

The surname "Gild" has English origins. It is derived from the Old English word "gilden," meaning "to gild" or "to cover with a thin layer of gold." This surname may have been used...

Gilera (Last name)

surnames > gilera

The last name "Gilera" has origins in Italy. It is thought to be a surname of Spanish origin, derived from the personal name "Gillermo", a form of the name "William". Over time, th...

Gilhotra (Last name)

surnames > gilhotra

The last name Gilhotra originated from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from the Punjab region. It is a common surname among the Punjabi people.

Giliberti (Last name)

surnames > giliberti

The surname Giliberti is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Gilberto, which is a variation of the Germanic name Gilbert meaning "bright pledge" or "bright nobi...

Gilig (Last name)

surnames > gilig

The last name Gilig is of German origin. It is derived from the German personal name Gisel, which means "pledge" or "honor." Over time, the name Gisel evolved into Gilig.

Gilim (Last name)

surnames > gilim

The last name "Gilim" is of Scottish origin. It is a variant of the surname "Gillam," which is derived from the Old English personal name "Gytha" or "Gilda," meaning "sacrifice" or...