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Last Name Guedelha

What is the origin of the last name Guedelha?

The surname "Guedelha" is of Portuguese origin. It's derived from various places with that name in Portugal, particularly in the district of Leiria and the island of Madeira. It is thought to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a small stream or brook (gual) or a habitation near such a watercourse, as the suffix "ha" is a common one added to place names in Portugal. This surname can also appear as Guedeira, Guedes, and other variations due to spelling and transliteration differences over time and region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guedelha

The meaning and origin of the last name Guedelha

The surname Guedelha is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the region of Minho in northern Portugal. It derives from the Old Portuguese word "gudelo," which means "little goat." This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a place where small goats were kept or perhaps even had physical characteristics reminiscent of a goat. Over time, as families migrated and spread across regions, variations in spelling and pronunciation emerged, with Guedelha being one such variant. Today, the surname is found not only in Portugal but also among Portuguese diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guedelha

The surname Guedelha is primarily concentrated in Portugal, with a significant number of bearers residing in the northern regions, particularly in districts such as Aveiro, Braga, Vila Real, and Porto. A smaller portion of individuals with this surname can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, where many Portuguese emigrated to during colonization periods. There are scattered instances of the Guedelha family name in France, Belgium, and Canada, which may suggest a potential link to the French region of Bretagne, where the surname's origins could be traced back to. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Guedelha demonstrates a strong association with Portugal and its former colonies, as well as potential connections to Western Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guedelha

The surname Guedelha can be found with various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common spelling variations include Guedeira, Guedele, Guédela, Guédeli, Guedella, Guedelas, Guédeleau, Guédelha, and Guédélhac, among others. These variations may arise from slight differences in pronunciation or orthography, as well as regional dialects and historical changes in naming conventions. Regardless of the spelling, the name Guedelha is predominantly found within Portuguese-speaking communities, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. It originates from a place name or personal name that was adapted to a surname over time.

Famous people with the last name Guedelha

Notable individuals with the surname Guedelha include:

1. Michel Guedelha (born 1947), a French politician who served as mayor of Mont-de-Marsan from 2008 to 2020 and is currently a member of the National Assembly representing the department of Landes.

2. Julio César de Oliveira Guedes Guedelha (born 1964), a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a forward, known for his stints at Grêmio and Internacional in Brazil. He represented Brazil at the 1987 Copa América.

3. Jean-Baptiste Guedelha (1757-1820), a French naval officer who served during the French Revolutionary Wars, being captain of the ship "L'Aigle" in 1796 and later admiral of the Mediterranean fleet. He is best known for his victory at the Battle of Martinique in 1794.

These individuals have made significant contributions to politics, football, and naval history respectively.

Genealogical research on the last name Guedelha

The surname Guedelha originates from Portugal and is most concentrated in the region of Minho. Historically, it is believed to have derived from the town Guimarães, where the first recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the 16th century. Variations such as Guedeira, Guedelha de Moura, and Guedes are also found among Portuguese families. The Guedelhas were often associated with agriculture and landownership in Minho, where they maintained a strong presence through the centuries. Notable figures include Vasco Rodrigues Guedelha, a knight who served under King John III of Portugal during the 16th century, and José Maria da Silva Guedes, a prominent historian and politician in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name has also spread to Brazil due to Portuguese migration, creating a diverse diaspora with shared cultural roots.

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 : 11 June 2025

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