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Last Name Gomes-da-cruz

What is the origin of the last name Gomes-da-cruz?

The surname Gomes da Cruz has Portuguese origins. "Gomes" is a common patronymic surname derived from the personal name Gonçalo, which was popular during the Middle Ages in Portugal. "Da Cruz," translates to "of the cross," and it was often given as a nickname or to denote religious affiliation. The combination of these two elements indicates that the original bearer may have been associated with the Christian faith in some way, or perhaps they lived near a prominent cross or landmark. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolve over time and can have multiple origins, so this is just one possible explanation for the name Gomes da Cruz.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Gomes-da-cruz

The meaning and origin of the last name Gomes-da-cruz

The surname Gomes da Cruz is a Portuguese patronymic name derived from two elements: 'Gomes', a personal name originally meaning "home-born" or "earthworker," and 'da Cruz,' which translates to "of the cross." This surname is an indication that an ancestor bore the Christian name Gomes and was also associated with or identified by the image of the cross. The use of a patronymic system, in which the father's name becomes the child's surname, is common in many cultures, and it played a significant role in medieval Europe, including Portugal. Over time, variations in spelling have arisen due to differences in transcription, translation, and personal preference, but Gomes da Cruz remains one of the most widely recognized Portuguese surnames today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gomes-da-cruz

The surname Gomes da Cruz is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil, due to its Portuguese origins. In Portugal, it ranks among the most common surnames, reflecting a significant presence in various regions such as Minho, Lisboa, Alentejo, and Algarve. In Brazil, it's also among the top 100 most frequent surnames, with concentrations particularly in the northeastern states of Pernambuco, Bahia, and Maranhão, which have historically had strong Portuguese influences. The name can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking African countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde due to historical migrations from Portugal and Brazil. Additionally, the Gomes da Cruz surname has dispersed globally through immigration waves, with populations identifiable in countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gomes-da-cruz

The surname Gomes da Cruz has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and translation over time. Here are some of them:

1. Gomez de Cruz - Spanish version, where 'o' is pronounced as 'o' in 'no' and 'de' is shortened to 'de' without the apostrophe.
2. Gómez da Cruz - Portuguese version with an acute accent over 'o', indicating a long vowel sound.
3. Gomes da Cruze - English transliteration where the Portuguese 'ç' is replaced by 'c'.
4. Gomez das Cruzes - Brazilian Portuguese plural form, which may be used in some families to indicate multiple family members sharing the same surname.
5. Gomez do Cruz - Another Portuguese version, where 'do' is added before 'Cruz', indicating possession or origin.
6. Gomes da Cruz Filho/a - Brazilian Portuguese patronymic forms, where 'Filho' (son) and 'Filha' (daughter) are added to indicate the father's name for male and female descendants respectively.
7. Cruz-Gomez - Reversed order of the surname, which may occur in some cultures due to naming traditions.
8. da Cruz Gomes - Surnames in Portuguese can be reversed or rearranged by family preference, so this variation is also possible.

Famous people with the last name Gomes-da-cruz

Notable individuals bearing the surname Gomes da Cruz include:

1. José Carlos dos Santos Gomes da Cruz, known as Zé Carlos, a Brazilian professional footballer who played for clubs like AC Milan and Barcelona, winning several major titles.
2. Manuel de Oliveira Gomes da Cruz, a Portuguese painter who was one of the founding members of the Modern Art movement in Portugal. He is recognized for his abstract expressionist style and has had works displayed worldwide.
3. José Eduardo dos Santos Gomes da Cruz, an Angolan politician who served as President of Angola from 1979 until 2017. Under his leadership, Angola transitioned from a civil war to becoming one of Africa's fastest-growing economies.
4. Carlos Gomes da Cruz, a Brazilian musician and composer who is best known for his work with the band Titãs, contributing hits such as "Babilonia" and "A Hora da Estrela".
5. Manuel Gomes da Cruz, a Cape Verdean independence activist who played a significant role in the fight against Portuguese colonial rule during the 1950s and 60s. He was one of the founders of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC).

Genealogical research on the last name Gomes-da-cruz

The surname Gomes da Cruz originates from Portugal and is composed of two elements: "Gomes," which means "son of Gomero" or "resembling Gomero," and "da Cruz," meaning "of the cross." This name has been commonly found in Portuguese-speaking regions, such as Portugal itself, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India).

In Portugal, the name Gomes dates back to the 10th century, being among the most common surnames in the country. As for da Cruz, it became popular during the Christian Reconquista in the Iberian Peninsula due to the adoption of this surname by converts from Judaism or Islam.

The combined name Gomes da Cruz gained prominence throughout the Portuguese Empire's expansion, particularly during the Age of Discoveries (15th-17th centuries). Today, individuals with the surname can be found across various continents, reflecting the extensive historical movement and migration of Portuguese people.

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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 : 25 July 2025

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