Last Name Agar

The surname Agar is of English and Old Norse origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Árni," which means "eagle." The name was introduced into England during the Viking invasions and settlements in the 9th and 10th centuries. Over time, the name Árni evolved into Agar and became a common surname in England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Agar

The meaning and origin of the last name Agar

The surname Agar is of Old English origin, derived from the word "āger," meaning field or land. It is an occupational surname typically given to someone who worked as a farmer or lived near a field. The name could also have been used to refer to someone who owned or cultivated a specific plot of land. In some cases, the surname may have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived in a rural area or on the outskirts of a village. The surname Agar is relatively uncommon and is found primarily in English-speaking countries such as England, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, individuals with the surname Agar may have ancestors who were involved in agricultural pursuits or had connections to rural communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Agar

The last name Agar is primarily found in Turkey, specifically in regions like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara. It is also common in Azerbaijan, with a notable presence in Baku. Additionally, the surname can be found in parts of Pakistan, particularly in cities like Karachi and Lahore. Outside of these regions, the name Agar is relatively rare. The distribution of this surname is likely linked to the historical movements and migrations of people from Turkey and Azerbaijan to other parts of the world. It is possible that individuals with the last name Agar may have ancestors who originated from these regions and later settled in different countries, leading to the spread of the surname in various geographic locations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Agar

The last name Agar may have several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Agard, Agarwal, Aggar, Agarwala, Agarawal, and Agarwale. Other possible spellings of the last name Agar could be Agarr, Agarp, Agare, Agahr, Agarr, or Aghar. These variations and spellings may be the result of misspellings, phonetic differences, or regional differences in pronunciation. Regardless of the specific variation or spelling, all of these forms likely share a common origin and history. The last name Agar is of English or South Asian origin, and is believed to have been derived from the Old English word "aeg" meaning an Island or riverside meadow, indicating that the original bearers of the surname may have been associated with a particular location or profession.

Famous people with the last name Agar

One famous person with the last name Agar is Eileen Agar, a British painter and photographer known for her surrealist works. Born in 1899, Agar was a prominent figure in the London art scene in the 1920s and 1930s, collaborating with other notable artists such as Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst. She was one of the few women to be recognized in the male-dominated surrealist movement and was known for her unique style that combined elements of abstraction and realism. Agar's work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering artist in the realm of surrealism.

Genealogical research on the last name Agar

The surname Agar is of English origin and is believed to have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near fields that were plowed, known as an "ager" in Old English. The first recorded instance of the Agar surname dates back to the 11th century in Yorkshire, England. Over time, the name spread to various regions of the country, including London and the Midlands. The Agar family has a long history in England, with many prominent members holding titles and positions of importance. Today, individuals with the Agar surname can be found in various parts of the world, with a significant presence in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research on the Agar name may uncover connections to notable figures in history and shed light on the family's origins and migration patterns.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Agar"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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