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Last Name Guimaraes

What is the origin of the last name Guimaraes?

The origin of the last name "Guimaraes" is Portuguese. It is derived from the name of a city in Portugal called Guimaraes. This city has historical significance as it is known as the birthplace of the first King of Portugal. The surname may indicate that the family originally came from or had connections to the city of Guimaraes. It is a common surname in Portugal and is also found in Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guimaraes

The meaning and origin of the last name Guimaraes

Guimaraes is a surname of Portuguese origin that traces back to the medieval period. It is derived from the word "Guimaraes," which is the name of a city in northern Portugal that has historical significance as the birthplace of the first king of Portugal, Afonso I. The name Guimaraes is believed to have originated from the Latin word "Vimaraes," which means a place surrounded by vineyards or a prosperous settlement. As a surname, Guimaraes is likely to have been adopted by individuals who hailed from or had connections to the city of Guimaraes. Today, the surname Guimaraes can be found in Portuguese-speaking countries and among Portuguese diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guimaraes

The last name Guimarães is most commonly found in Portugal and Brazil, with smaller concentrations in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola and Mozambique. In Portugal, the name is particularly prevalent in the northern regions, including the cities of Porto and Braga. In Brazil, Guimarães is a relatively common surname, especially in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. The name likely originated from the city of Guimarães in northern Portugal, which is considered the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. Today, individuals with the last name Guimarães can be found in various parts of the world due to migration and diaspora communities. The name carries a sense of cultural heritage and pride for those who bear it, connecting them to their Portuguese roots and history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guimaraes

The last name Guimaraes can be spelled in various ways and have different variations, depending on the country or region. Some common spellings of Guimaraes include Guimarães, Giumaraes, Guimeras, Guimarais, and Guimares. These variations can be seen in countries such as Brazil, Portugal, and other Portuguese-speaking regions. The surname may also be written with accents over different letters, such as Guimarães or Guimarães, depending on the language and writing system used. Overall, the variations and spellings of the surname Guimaraes are reflective of the diversity and linguistic differences within Portuguese-speaking communities around the world.

Famous people with the last name Guimaraes

One famous person with the last name Guimaraes is Bruno Guimaraes, a Brazilian professional soccer player currently playing for Lyon in France. Known for his exceptional midfield skills and ability to dictate the pace of the game, Guimaraes has gained recognition as one of the top young talents in the sport. Another notable figure with the last name Guimaraes is Thiago Guimaraes, a renowned Brazilian artist known for his unique abstract paintings that explore themes of emotion, memory, and identity. With a distinctive style that combines vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes, Guimaraes has exhibited his work in galleries around the world, earning critical acclaim for his innovative approach to contemporary art.

Genealogical research on the last name Guimaraes

The surname Guimaraes has its origins in Portugal, specifically in the region of Guimarães. The name is derived from the Old Galician-Portuguese word "guimara," meaning "dweller by the hill." The Guimaraes family is believed to have noble origins and has been prominently associated with the history of Portugal. The family likely established itself in the region of Guimarães during the Middle Ages and played a significant role in the local political and social landscapes. Over the centuries, the Guimaraes family has spread to other parts of Portugal and beyond, with descendants now found in various countries around the world. Genealogical research on the Guimaraes surname could potentially reveal connections to other noble families in Portugal and shed light on the family's rich history and heritage.

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 April 2025

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