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Last Name Homs

What is the origin of the last name Homs?

The surname Homs (pronounced as Homsz) is of Hungarian origin. It derives from a place name in Hungary, specifically from the town of Homonna, which is located in present-day Slovakia but was historically part of the Kingdom of Hungary. This town's Hungarian name is Homonna, and it is believed that the surname Homs (or variations like Homes or Homer) originated as a local habitation name, indicating someone who was from this particular place.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Homs

The meaning and origin of the last name Homs

The surname Homs is primarily of Middle Eastern origin, specifically from Syria. In Arabic, "Homs" refers to a city known as Himaś or Al-Ḥims in ancient times, which was a significant city in the Levant region during the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire periods. Over time, this geographical designation became a family name among Arabs. The spread of the surname Homs can also be attributed to migrations, including the wave of Arab refugees fleeing the fighting in Syria during the 1970s and later conflicts in the region, which led to the dispersal of families bearing this surname across various countries worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Homs

The geographical distribution of the surname Homs shows a predominant presence in regions with historical ties to Spain and Portugal. According to genealogical databases, the highest concentration of individuals carrying this surname is found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Castile-Leon, Andalusia, Valencia, and Extremadura. In Portugal, Homs is also relatively common, especially in the districts of Lisbon, Santarem, Setubal, and Leiria. Smaller groups can be found in South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Peru, where many individuals with this surname are descendants of Spanish or Portuguese immigrants. Additionally, there are scattered instances of the Homs surname across North America and Europe, primarily among the diaspora of Spaniards and Portuguese. The name's geographical spread reflects historical migrations, cultural exchanges, and colonization efforts linked to Spain and Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Homs

The surname Homs, while primarily associated with Syria and its diaspora, has various spellings due to transliteration differences. Some common variants include Homes, Homz, Houms, and Howms. Each spelling variation represents the same root name, but may have originated from different dialects or regions within Syria or among Syrian diaspora communities. Other less common variations might be found due to historical influences or errors in transcription. It is also important to note that surnames can sometimes change due to migration, naturalization, or personal preference. The name Homs carries strong cultural and historical significance for many individuals who bear it as a part of their identity.

Famous people with the last name Homs

The Homs surname has produced several prominent figures across various fields. In the world of politics, one notable individual is Marwan Haidar Homs, who served as Prime Minister of Lebanon from 2014 to 2016. Another political figure is George Akiki Homs, who was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Indiana in the early 20th century. In the realm of science, Dr. Nader Housham Homs, a professor at Stanford University, has made significant contributions to the field of nanotechnology. In entertainment, Adele Homs Anyaumoya is a renowned British-Nigerian actress and model who is best known for her roles in films such as "Anna and the Apocalypse" and "Cherry Tree Lane." Lastly, Karam Hosn Homs, a Syrian American artist based in Los Angeles, has gained recognition for his abstract paintings and sculptures. These are some of the notable individuals with the last name Homs, demonstrating their diverse achievements and contributions to society.

Genealogical research on the last name Homs

The surname Homs is of Spanish and Moorish origin. It derived from the Arabic word "Homsch" or "Humus," meaning red earth or soil, reflecting its early inhabitants' occupation as farmers or dwellers of reddish soil areas. Over time, it underwent phonetic changes, ultimately evolving into Homs in Spanish-speaking regions. The family is believed to have originated in the city of Granada, Spain, during the Middle Ages, where they were prominent figures among the Moorish and Christian communities. The Homs family played significant roles as scholars, artisans, and traders before the region's conquest by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, in 1492. Today, descendants of the Homs family can be found throughout Spain and its former colonies. Genealogical research continues to uncover the rich history and diverse branches of this ancient lineage.

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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