Gjonbalaj is an Albanian surname hailing from Vusanje, Montenegro. Variations include Đonbaljaj, Đonbal(j)ić and Đombal(j)ić.
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Gjonbalaj hails from the Kelmendi tribe, one of the seven tribes of Malësia.
Origins
Gjonbalaj stems from founder Gjon Balaj, a Catholic Albanian who originally lived in the village of Vukël (present-day Albania).
Gjon, his brother Nrrel, as well as both their children, had migrated to the village of Vuthaj (present-day Vusanje) in the late-17th century where they converted to Islam.
Gjon Balaj had four sons: Bala, Asllan, Tuça and Hasan, from which the Gjonbalaj descend.
Asllan and Hasan were Muslim and the Asllanaj and Hasanaj clans descend from them. Martin and Tuça's descendants remained catholic.
Gjon Balaj had a brother, Nrrel Balaj, who had five sons: Nika, Ded (Dedush), Stanisha, Bruç and Vuk.