The plural form of Gonzalez is Gonzalezes.
Understanding Plural Forms of Family Names
When referring to an entire family, the surname itself is pluralized to indicate multiple members of that family. A common point of confusion is whether to use an apostrophe. For pluralization, an apostrophe should never be used; apostrophes are reserved for showing possession (e.g., "the Gonzalez's car") or for contractions.
Rules for Pluralizing Surnames Ending in "Z" and Similar Sounds
For family names that end in specific letters or sounds, such as "z," "x," "s," "sh," or "ch," the standard rule for forming the plural is to add "-es" to the end of the name. This rule helps maintain clarity and ensures the name's pronunciation remains consistent.
Here are examples illustrating this rule:
- Last names ending in "z": Add "-es".
- Example: The plural of Gonzalez is Gonzalezes.
- Last names ending in "x": Add "-es".
- Example: The plural of Lomax is Lomaxes.
- Last names ending in "s": Add "-es".
- Example: The plural of Jones is Joneses.
- Last names ending in "sh": Add "-es".
- Example: The plural of Walsh is Walshes.
- Last names ending in "ch": Add "-es".
- Example: The plural of French is Frenches.
This straightforward application ensures grammatical correctness when referring to a family by its surname.
Pluralization Examples for Last Names
| Original Last Name | Plural Form | Rule Applied | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzalez | Gonzalezes | Add "-es" for names ending in "z". | "The Gonzalezes are hosting the party." |
| Lomax | Lomaxes | Add "-es" for names ending in "x". | "We visited the Lomaxes over the holidays." |
| Davis | Davises | Add "-es" for names ending in "s". | "The Davises moved into the new house yesterday." |
| Walsh | Walshes | Add "-es" for names ending in "sh". | "The Walshes are a lovely family." |
Key Takeaways for Correct Pluralization
- No Apostrophe for Plurals: Always avoid using an apostrophe when simply making a last name plural. An apostrophe signifies possession, not plurality.
- Consistency: The rules for pluralizing last names are consistent, regardless of how "tricky" the spelling might seem. If a name ends in a sibilant sound (s, z, x, ch, sh), you generally add "-es." For most other names, simply add "-s."
- Maintain Original Spelling: Do not alter the original spelling of the surname before adding the plural suffix.
For more information on pluralizing names, you can consult reliable grammar resources such as Purdue OWL's guide on plurals of names: Purdue OWL - Plurals of Proper Nouns.
