NomOrigine Background

Last Name Goncalves-dos-santos-vidal

What is the origin of the last name Goncalves-dos-santos-vidal?

The surname Goncalves-dos-Santos-Vidal is a composite Portuguese surname that originated from multiple components, each reflecting a different aspect of its bearer's family history. 1. "Goncalves" - This part of the name likely originates from the medieval Portuguese personal name "Gonçalo", which comes from the Visigothic name "Waldagisil" or "Valdegisil." The name was popularized by Gonçalo Mães, who was a powerful count in Portugal during the 9th century. 2. "dos Santos" - This means "of the Saints," and it is a common surname in Portugal that originated from the religious connotations of the word "santos." It was often given to people born in areas where a church or shrine dedicated to a saint was located. 3. "Vidal" - This part of the name is of Spanish origin and is derived from the personal name "Witalo," which means "life" or "power." The surname Vidal became common among Iberian settlers in the Christian Reconquista period, particularly in regions that were once under Moorish rule. In summary, the surname Goncalves-dos-Santos-Vidal likely originated from a combination of Portuguese and Spanish influences, reflecting a family history rooted in Portugal with connections to Spain.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Goncalves-dos-santos-vidal

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Goncalves-dos-santos-vidal

The meaning and origin of the last name Goncalves-dos-santos-vidal

The surname Goncalves-dos-Santos-Vidal is a composite name, formed by combining multiple elements from Portuguese naming traditions.

The base portion, "Goncalves," originates from the personal name Gonçalo, a popular name in medieval Portugal derived from the Latin name "Gundisalvus" meaning "Battle-Salvation." The suffix "-es" was often added to Portuguese surnames during the Middle Ages to indicate patronymic descent, meaning the son of Goncalo.

The addition of "dos Santos" indicates a connection to the Christian faith and is commonly used in Portuguese names to reference the Holy Trinity or specific saints. In this case, it likely refers to the patron saint associated with the family's origin, though the exact identity of "Santos" would need further research.

Lastly, "Vidal" is a surname of Basque origin, introduced into Portugal by immigrants from the Pyrenees region. This name may have been adopted by the family due to marriage or other connections with families of Basque descent. Thus, Goncalves-dos-Santos-Vidal is a combination of various personal names and patronymic elements, reflecting the intermingling of cultures and families over time in Portugal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goncalves-dos-santos-vidal

The surname Gonçalves-dos-Santos-Vidal is primarily of Portuguese origin, with significant distribution within Portugal and its diaspora communities. Within Portugal, the name can be found across various regions, particularly in the north, such as Minho, Douro, and Trás-os-Montes, due to historical settlement patterns and migration. The name also has a presence in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Outside of Portugal, large communities bearing this surname can be found in former Portuguese colonies, notably Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, as a result of immigration and colonization. Additionally, there are smaller populations residing in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Spain (Galicia) and Goa (India). In recent years, there has been an increase in the global dispersion of the name due to migration and intermarriage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goncalves-dos-santos-vidal

The surname Gonçalves dos Santos Vidal has several variations and alternate spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional naming conventions. Here are some possible variants:

1. Goncalves Dos Santos Vidal (Portuguese, most common)
2. Gonçalves dos Santos Vidal (Portuguese with diacritics)
3. Goncalves dos Santos-Vidal (Hyphenated for easier pronunciation in English-speaking countries)
4. Gonçalves da Silva Vidal (A possible variation, as 'dos Santos' can be combined with the more common Portuguese surname 'da Silva')
5. Goncalves de Sousa Vidal (Another potential variant, as 'dos Santos' could be replaced by 'de Sousa', another common Portuguese surname)
6. Goncalves Vidal dos Santos (Alternate order of the components of the surname)
7. Gonçalves-Vidal de Sousa (Addition or omission of hyphens, and with 'de Sousa' included)
8. Gonsales Dos Santos Vidal (A possible misspelling or phonetic variant)
9. Gonsalves dos Santos Vidal (Alternate spelling for Goncalves)
10. Gonçalves de São Tiago Vidal (Including a saint's name as part of the surname, common in Portugal)

Famous people with the last name Goncalves-dos-santos-vidal

Gonçalves-Dos-Santos-Vidal is a Portuguese surname that has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. In politics, José Gonçalves dos Santos Vidal served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1987 to 1995, leading his country through significant changes during the end of the Cold War era.

In the realm of sports, António Ribeiro da Silva Gonçalves dos Santos Vidal, commonly known as Tiago Gomes, is a Portuguese professional footballer who has played for clubs such as FC Porto, Chelsea, and Juventus. In music, Ana Moura, born Ana Maria da Silva Gonçalves Dos Santos Vidal, is a renowned fado singer who has garnered international acclaim with her powerful voice and emotional performances.

Lastly, in the academic world, Amélia Gonçalves dos Santos Vidal is a prominent Portuguese sociologist known for her work on gender issues, social inequality, and political participation. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and accomplishments associated with the surname Gonçalves-Dos-Santos-Vidal.

Genealogical research on the last name Goncalves-dos-santos-vidal

The surname Gonçalves-dos-Santos-Vidal has Portuguese origins, originating from various regions in Portugal due to its composite structure. Gonçalves is a common patronymic derived from the personal name Gonçalo, which was brought to Portugal by the Vikings and later popularized by the Moors during their rule over the Iberian Peninsula. Dos Santos indicates that the family is associated with the town or region of Santo (Saint), while Vidal suggests a connection to the name Guido or Walter, both of which were brought to Europe by the Normans. The surname Gonçalves-dos-Santos-Vidal may have different branches and variations due to migration and assimilation over centuries. Notable figures with this surname include João Gonçalves-dos-Santos Vidal, a Brazilian politician, and Ana Paula Gonçalves dos Santos, a Portuguese athlete.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 26 July 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

Gonam (Last name)

surnames > gonam

The surname "Gonam" is of Indian origin, specifically from the Telugu-speaking regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It likely has roots in the Telugu language and may have been...

Gonamanda (Last name)

surnames > gonamanda

The last name "Gonamanda" appears to have its origins in India. It is likely derived from a combination of two common Indian surnames, "Gona" and "Manda." The surname may have orig...

Goncalves-bedulho (Last name)

surnames > goncalves-bedulho

The last name "Goncalves Bedulho" is of Portuguese origin. "Goncalves" is a common Portuguese surname derived from the given name Goncalo, which means "battle" or "war" in old Germ...

Goncalves-jagao (Last name)

surnames > goncalves-jagao

The surname Goncalves-Jagao has roots in both Portuguese and African cultures due to Portugal's history of colonization in Africa. The "Goncalves" part is a common Portuguese surn...

Goncalves-milagaia (Last name)

surnames > goncalves-milagaia

The last name "Goncalves Milagaia" has Portuguese origin. "Goncalves" is a common Portuguese surname derived from the given name Gonçalo, while "Milagaia" is likely a toponymic su...

Gonçalves-pimenta (Last name)

surnames > goncalves-pimenta

The last name "Goncalves Pimenta" is of Portuguese origin. "Goncalves" is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Gonçalo," which means "battle" or "war" in Old Portugue...

Goncalvez (Last name)

surnames > goncalvez

The surname Gonçalves has Portuguese origins and is derived from the male given name Gonçalo, which is a popular name in Portugal attributed to Saint Gonçalo, also known as Sain...

Goncharova (Last name)

surnames > goncharova

The surname Goncharova has its origins in Slavic cultures, specifically in Russia. It is derived from the male given name Gonchar, which means "fox" in Russian. Over time, it evolv...

Goncharyk (Last name)

surnames > goncharyk

The last name "Goncharyk" is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the Ukrainian word "гончар" (honchar), meaning "potter" or "ceramic artist." The surname likely originall...

Gonciarz (Last name)

surnames > gonciarz

The surname Gonciarz is of Polish origin and is derived from the word "gonciarz," which means "hunter" in Polish. This surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone...

Gonda (Last name)

surnames > gonda

The surname Gonda is believed to have origins in several different countries due to its variety of meanings and interpretations in various languages. 1. In Italian, Gonda could be...

Gondal zai (Last name)

surnames > gondal-zai

The last name "Gondal Zai" originates from the Pashto language and is commonly found among the Pashtun ethnic group in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is believed to signify a connect...

Gondalmaan (Last name)

surnames > gondalmaan

The last name "Gondalmaan" is of Scandinavian origin and is believed to be derived from the Old Norse name Gunnlaugr, which means "warrior's descendant." It is a surname that is ty...

Gondangsweet (Last name)

surnames > gondangsweet

The origin of the last name Gondangsweet is not clear. It does not appear to have a specific English origin or meaning.

Gondar (Last name)

surnames > gondar

The surname Gondar is of Ethiopian origin and is derived from the ancient city of Gondar, which was the capital of the Ethiopian Empire during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is be...