Last Name Jose-marques

The surname Jose-Marques is a combination of two Portuguese given names, "Jose" and "Marques." The name Jose is derived from the Hebrew name "Yosef," meaning "God increases." It was popularized in Europe by the biblical figure Joseph. The name Marques (pronounced [mɐˈɾikɛʃ]) is a Portuguese hereditary title and surname, originally referring to the territorial lordship of a march (border region). The title dates back to the Middle Ages when it was used in feudal Europe to denote the commander of the frontier troops. In Portugal, the title evolved into a noble rank equivalent to an English Duke or French Duc. It is likely that the surname Jose-Marques emerged from a Portuguese family where the patriarch held the Marquis title and one or more family members were named Jose. Over time, the name has been passed down through generations and spread across various countries due to immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jose-marques

The meaning and origin of the last name Jose-marques

The surname Jose-Marques is a combination of two Portuguese given names, "Jose" and "Marques." Jose, derived from Hebrew, means 'God increases,' while Marques originates from the Latin word 'marchio,' meaning 'count' or 'military leader.' Over time, these names were used as surnames in Portugal. The hyphenated form, Jose-Marques, may have emerged to distinguish individuals with similar names in a community. Portuguese immigration patterns brought this surname to various parts of the world, including South America and North America, where it continues to be found among Portuguese descendants today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jose-marques

The surname Jose-Marques is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries due to its Portuguese origins. In Portugal, it ranks among the top 2,000 most common surnames. A significant number of people with this name can be found in regions such as Minho, Lisbon, and Algarve.

Outside Portugal, a substantial proportion of individuals with the last name Jose-Marques reside in former Portuguese colonies, particularly Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. In Brazil, it is primarily concentrated in the southeastern states like Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, reflecting a historical migration pattern from Portugal.

Additionally, some individuals with this surname can be found in other countries where Portuguese immigrants have settled, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States, albeit in smaller numbers compared to its distribution in the aforementioned regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jose-marques

The surname Jose-Marques can be found with various spellings and variations due to differences in regional pronunciation, translation, and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include: Jose de Marques, Jose da Marques, Jose do Marques, Jose y Marques, Jose from Marques, Jose Marquez, Joseo-Marques, Josmarques, Jozef Marques, Joseph Marquess, Joesph Marquette, and Josephus Marcus. These variations may originate from Portugal, Spain, or other countries where the name is prevalent. It's essential to consider family history and regional origins when attempting to identify which variation of Jose-Marques is most appropriate for a specific individual.

Famous people with the last name Jose-marques

Jose Marques is a surname that has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of politics, Jose Marques da Silva served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 2004 to 2005 and again from 2008 to 2009. In the world of entertainment, Jose Feliciano, born Jose Fernando Gonzalez Marquez, is a renowned Puerto Rican singer-songwriter known for his unique guitar playing style and hit songs like "Light My Fire" and "Feliz Navidad". In sports, Jose Marques de Carvalho e Melo, commonly known as Pepe, is a Portuguese professional footballer who has played for clubs such as Porto, Real Madrid, and Benfica. In the scientific community, Jose Maria Marques is a renowned mathematician, professor at the University of Lisbon, and recipient of the prestigious Shriner-Caswell Award. These are just a few examples of notable individuals with the last name Jose-Marques.

Genealogical research on the last name Jose-marques

The surname Jose-Marques is a combination of two Spanish and Portuguese patronymics, Jose (derived from Joshua) and Marques (meaning count or marquis). This double-barrelled surname suggests that the bearer may have had ancestors with different surnames, one being Jose and another Marques, at some point in their family history.

The origins of the surname Jose can be traced back to the Hebrew name Yeshua, which translates to Joshua in English, a common given name for Jewish people. The name Marques, on the other hand, is of nobiliary origin and was used as a title for high-ranking members of the Portuguese nobility.

The combination of these two surnames may have occurred in regions with significant Spanish or Portuguese influence, such as South America or countries like Mexico and the Philippines, where intermarriage between people of different ethnic backgrounds was common. Genealogical research to trace the exact origins of the Jose-Marques surname would involve examining records from these regions and tracking the name back through multiple generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jose-marques"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 31 July 2025

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