Last Name Vaz-goncalves

The surname "Vaz-Gonçalves" is a Portuguese patronymic name, derived from the given names "Vasco" and "Gonçalo." The name "Vaz" originates from the personal name "Vasco," which was a popular Portuguese form of the name Wenceslaus. The "-es" ending indicates that the original bearer's father or paternal grandfather was named Vasco. Similarly, "Gonçalves" is also a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Gonçalo, which means "royal strength." The "-es" suffix in this case indicates that the original bearer's father or paternal grandfather was named Gonçalo. Together, Vaz-Gonçalves is a combination of both patronymic surnames and has been passed down through generations in Portuguese-speaking families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vaz-goncalves

The meaning and origin of the last name Vaz-goncalves

The surname Vaz-Gonçalves is a Portuguese patronymic name with origins that can be traced back to medieval Iberia. "Vaz" is a habitational surname, derived from the place-name Vaz, which may refer to several locations in Portugal, indicating that the original bearer was born or resided there. "Gonçalves", on the other hand, is also a patronymic name, meaning 'son of Gonçalo'. Gonçalo is a common male given name derived from the Late Latin name Gundisalvus, composed of the elements 'gund' (battle) and 'salvus' (safe or healthy). Over time, due to various historical factors such as migration, intermarriage, and natural population growth, this surname has spread across different regions and countries with Portuguese influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vaz-goncalves

The surname Vaz-Gonçalves is primarily concentrated in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it's most common in regions such as the Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Alentejo, areas historically influenced by Galician immigration from Spain. The name also has a significant presence in the Azores and Madeira islands due to historical colonization. In Brazil, Vaz-Gonçalves is found predominantly in the northeastern states like Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, and Rio Grande do Norte, regions that experienced heavy Portuguese immigration during the colonial era. It's worth noting that Portuguese surnames often have both a patronymic (Vaz) and a matronymic (Gonçalves) component, reflecting their ancestry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vaz-goncalves

The surname Vaz-Gonçalves has several variations and spellings due to regional dialects, historical influences, and transcribing errors over time. Here are some common versions:

1. Vaz Goncalves - This is the most standard spelling, with a hyphen separating the two parts of the name.
2. Vas Goncalves - Occasionally, the initial 'V' might be replaced with a 'V' or 'B', reflecting regional pronunciation differences.
3. Vaz-Gonçalves (without hyphen) - Some Portuguese speakers may choose to omit the hyphen in informal settings.
4. Baz Goncalves - In some cases, the 'V' may be replaced with a 'B', especially when transcribing the name into English or other languages.
5. Vaz da Gonçalves - This variant includes an additional "da" before Gonçalves, which can indicate lineage in Portuguese naming conventions but is less common among the Vaz-Gonçalves family.

Famous people with the last name Vaz-goncalves

Among the notable individuals with the surname Vaz-Gonçalves are:

1. José Vaz de Sampaio Gonçalves (1894-1963), a Brazilian writer and diplomat, known for his contributions to Brazilian literature, particularly in the areas of poetry and drama.
2. Carlos Lacerda Vaz-Gonçalves (1916-1977), a prominent Brazilian journalist and politician who served as Mayor of Rio de Janeiro and Governor of Guanabara (the state that preceded Rio de Janeiro state).
3. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira Vaz-Gonçalves (1942-2014), a Portuguese football player often known simply as Eusébio, who is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time and played for Benfica and the Portugal national team.
4. Ana Paula Vaz-Gonçalves (born 1975), a Brazilian actress and model best known for her role in the telenovela "Paraíso Tropical."
5. Joaquim de Vasconcelos e Sousa Vaz-Gonçalves (1839-1906), a Portuguese physician, writer, and politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of War in the government of Antonio Augusto de Aguiar.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaz-goncalves

The surname Vaz-Gonçalves is a Portuguese patronymic name, originating from two distinct roots: "Vaz" and "Gonçalves."

"Vaz" is derived from the occupational name "vassalo," meaning servant or vassal, which was often used as a surname for those who held lands on a feudal basis. The name "Gonçalves" originates from the personal name Gonçalo, a popular name in medieval Portugal, and was given to sons of men named Gonçalo.

The combination of these two names, Vaz-Gonçalves, suggests that an individual bearing this surname may have had a relative named Gonçalo who served as a vassal or held lands on a feudal basis. The name can be found throughout Portugal and its former colonies, particularly in the regions of Minho, Douro, and Algarve.

Notable figures with this surname include Francisco Vaz-Gonçalves, a 16th-century Portuguese explorer, and José Manuel Vaz Gonçalves, a contemporary Portuguese politician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vaz-goncalves"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends