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Last Name Gomis

What is the origin of the last name Gomis?

The surname Gomis is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Occitan word "gom" meaning tooth or molar. It may have been a nickname for someone with prominent teeth or a person who worked as a dentist or tooth puller. In some cases, it can also be a habitation name, denoting a person from a place named Gomis in the Iberian Peninsula. However, like many surnames, its origin and meaning may vary between different families and regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gomis

The meaning and origin of the last name Gomis

The surname Gomis is of Basque origin, primarily found in the northern regions of Spain and southwestern France. The name can be traced back to the medieval period when families were identified by occupations or place names. In this case, the root word "Gomiz" means "small goat" in Basque. Over time, the surname evolved into its current form as a patronymic, with sons taking their father's name and adding the suffix "-es". The Gomis family name is relatively common among the Basque population and has been passed down through generations. Notable figures bearing this surname include the Spanish footballer Xabi Gomis and the French politician Jean-Marie Gomis.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gomis

The surname Gomis is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to Spain and Portugal, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of the most common last names in Spain, with high concentrations in Catalonia, Galicia, Andalusia, and Extremadura. Outside of Iberia, significant numbers of people bearing the name Gomis can be found in French territories such as Catalonia in Southern France, and in Spanish-speaking countries across Central and South America where migration from Spain took place over centuries. Additionally, smaller communities with the surname Gomis exist in various parts of the world due to diaspora and historical events like colonization and emigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gomis

The surname Gomis has various spellings and variations across different regions. One common variation is Gomez, which is derived from the Spanish or Portuguese language, with an 'e' replacing the 'i'. Other spelling variations may include Gonis, Goumis, Goimes, or even Goimiz in some countries where pronunciation can slightly alter the spelling. In French-speaking areas, it might be spelled as Gomys or Gomy. These differences often reflect regional dialects and historical linguistic influences, rather than personal preference or ethnicity. The root of the name, 'Gomis', is believed to have originated from a place or person of significance in the past, though the exact etymology remains uncertain due to the passage of time.

Famous people with the last name Gomis

Youssouf Gomis is a Senegalese professional basketball player who has played for teams such as Real Madrid and Valencia Basket in Spain's top league. He also represented Senegal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. In the world of football, Florentin Gomis is a French-born Guinean defender who currently plays for Belgian club KRC Genk. He has previously played for clubs like Standard Liège and FC Metz in France. Nené Gomis, born in France to parents from Senegal, is a retired French professional basketball player who spent most of his career playing for CSP Limoges in the French Pro A league. Lastly, Kébé Gomis, also a French-born Guinean, is a former professional footballer who played as a defender. He represented France at youth level before switching to play for Guinea's senior national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Gomis

The surname Gomis originates from the Iberian Peninsula, primarily Spain and Portugal, where it is one of the most common surnames. The name derives from the Old Occitan word "gomis," which means "young goat." The Gomis lineage can be traced back to medieval Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, where it was prevalent among farmers and herders. Throughout history, the Gomis family expanded across various regions within the Iberian Peninsula due to migration, settling in places like Valencia, Andalusia, and Galicia, as well as Portuguese territories such as Minho and Alentejo. Notable figures bearing the name Gomis include scholars, politicians, artists, and religious leaders throughout Spain and Portugal's history. The name continues to be common among the populations of these countries today.

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 : 13 June 2025

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