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Last Name Godinho

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What is the origin of the last name Godinho?

The surname "Godinho" is a Portuguese patronymic name derived from the given name Gonçalo (Gonsalves in English). The name Gonçalo comes from the Visigothic Walthari or Walter, and it was brought to Portugal by the Germanic invaders in the 5th century. Over time, it evolved into the modern Portuguese form Gonçalo, from which "Godinho" is a variant, likely originating as a shortened or diminutive form.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Godinho

The meaning and origin of the last name Godinho

The surname Godinho is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old High German name "Godin", which means "god" or "divinity". It was typically given to children born during a time when their parents believed that divine intervention played a significant role in their conception or birth. Over time, the name evolved into various forms, such as Goden, Godin, and eventually Godinho, particularly in Portugal. The "-inho" suffix is a diminutive ending used to denote affection, familiarity, or nicknames in Portuguese-speaking cultures. The surname Godinho has been distributed widely across Portugal and its diaspora, particularly in countries with significant Portuguese influences like Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Godinho

The surname Godinho is predominantly found in Portugal, where it originates from and is one of the most common surnames. It has also spread to other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde due to historical colonization and immigration. In addition, there are notable populations of Godinho family members in France, Spain, and the United States, primarily due to emigration from Portugal during various time periods. The name, a variant of the biblical name 'Godin', has also been found in other parts of Europe such as Belgium and the Netherlands, although it is less common in these regions compared to its prevalence in Lusophone countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Godinho

The surname Godinho, originally from Portugal, has several spelling variations due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some of these variants include: Godinho, Goдинао, Goudinho, Godenho, Goйдэнхо, Godynho, among others. Each of these variations may reflect the regional dialect or phonetic interpretation of the name. The surname is derived from the given name Godinho, which means "little God" in Portuguese. It is important to note that the exact spelling and pronunciation can vary depending on the individual's personal preference and cultural background. Despite these variations, the root name remains consistently linked to Portugal.

Famous people with the last name Godinho

Notable individuals bearing the surname Godinho include:

1. José Manuel Durão Barroso, a former Prime Minister of Portugal and President of the European Commission from 2004 to 2014. He is widely recognized for his role in shaping Europe's policies during this period.

2. João Godinho, a Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Belenenses SAD in Portugal's Primeira Liga. He has also represented the Portuguese national team at various youth levels.

3. Rui Pedro Augusto Godinho, a Mozambican politician who served as Prime Minister of Mozambique from 2015 to 2018. He is a member of the ruling Frelimo party and was instrumental in the implementation of the country's national development plans.

4. José Vicente de Freitas Godinho, a Portuguese architect and urban planner who was instrumental in the modernization and redevelopment of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. His work on the city's grid system is still evident today.

5. Ana Paula Oliveira Godinho, a Portuguese politician who served as Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2019. She was also the first woman to be elected President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal.

Genealogical research on the last name Godinho

The surname Godinho originates from Portugal and is of Germanic origin, specifically Old High German. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name "Godin," which means "god's battle" or "god's warrior." The first recorded instances of the name can be traced back to medieval records in the Kingdom of Galicia, present-day Portugal, in the 10th century. Over time, the name spread across various regions of the Iberian Peninsula as a result of migration and colonial expansion, particularly during the Age of Discoveries (15th–16th centuries). The Godinho family has notable historical figures, including Manuel Godinho de Erédia, a Portuguese explorer who took part in the Second Portuguese Indias Armada. In Brazil, Joaquim Silvério Godinho was a prominent jurist and politician, serving as the first president of Mato Grosso do Sul state. The name remains common throughout Portugal and its former colonies today.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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