Origin & Meaning of the Goncalves Surname
What does the last name Goncalves mean?
The surname Goncalves carries the meaning "Son of Goncalves." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,000 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Goncalves ranks as the #4,437 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Goncalves come from?
The Goncalves surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Goncalves name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Goncalves trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Goncalves |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Goncalves |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,437 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,000 |
| Per 100K People | 2.71 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Goncalves
According to the US Census, the Goncalves surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,000 Americans with the Goncalves last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.04% |
| Black | 14.49% |
| Hispanic | 7.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.28% |
| Native American | 0.24% |
| Two or More Races | 1.6% |
Popularity of Goncalves Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Goncalves surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Goncalves surname increased by 2,041 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Goncalves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goncalves
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