Last Name Amarat

The surname Amarat, while not uniquely traced to a specific origin, is often associated with various regions due to its multiple possible etymologies. One theory suggests it could be of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "Amar" meaning "to speak" or "to say." Another theory associates it with Arabic roots, where "amarat" translates to "she spoke" or "she said" in Arabic. In Spain, the name could also be a variation of the Basque surname Amaiar, which is derived from the personal name Amaia, meaning "the one who is unconquerable." It's essential to remember that surnames can often have multiple origins and may change over time due to various historical factors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Amarat

The meaning and origin of the last name Amarat

The surname Amarat is believed to have origins in Spain, specifically from the region of Asturias and Galicia, where it's considered a variant or derivative of other surnames such as Álvarez, Amaro, or Amarojo. The name is thought to be derived from the Old Castilian word "amaru" or "amarro," meaning "to tame" or "to control."

The surname Amarat may have been given to someone who displayed characteristics associated with these meanings, such as being a skilled horseman or a person of strong will. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have varied due to migration and regional dialects, leading to different forms of the surname found in various parts of the world today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Amarat

The surname Amarat is predominantly found in countries with significant Spanish and Portuguese influences, particularly Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies. In Spain, it is most common in regions such as Galicia, Castile-Leon, and Valencia. In Portugal, the name is prevalent in areas like the Azores and Madeira. Beyond Europe, a substantial number of people with the last name Amarat reside in South America, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay, which have historical ties to Iberian settlement. There are also smaller communities bearing this surname in North America and other parts of the world due to migration from Spain, Portugal, and South America over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Amarat

The surname Amarat has several variations and spellings. Some common variants include Amahat, Amahatt, Amahata, Amarad, Amaratas, Amarath, Amaratu, Amaratta, Amaratto, and Amarato. These variations may have originated from differences in pronunciation, transliteration, or transcription over time. It's also possible for individuals to choose to slightly alter their surnames for personal reasons or due to immigration processes. Regardless of the spelling, all these forms can be traced back to the original name Amarat, which is of Arabic origin and means 'immortal'.

Famous people with the last name Amarat

Notable individuals with the surname Amarat include:

1. José Antonio Amaral (b. 1962), a Portuguese author and journalist who has published several works, including novels and essays on politics and society.

2. Aida Amarat (b. 1973), an Iranian actress who has appeared in films such as "Beautiful City" and "Turtles Can Fly".

3. Mariano Amaratunga (1860-1932), a Sri Lankan lawyer, educator, and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Ceylon from 1917 to 1920.

4. Ricardo Amaral (b. 1952), a Portuguese visual artist known for his paintings, sculptures, and installations.

5. Ana Amaral (b. 1983), a Portuguese actress who has appeared in television series like "Inspector Max" and "The Orphanage".

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, such as literature, film, politics, and visual arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Amarat

The Amarat surname is believed to have originated from various regions, given its diverse spelling variations found across different countries. One theory suggests that it's of Arabic origin, derived from the name 'Amarat,' which means "everlasting" or "immortal." In Spain, the surname Amarat emerged as a result of Moorish influence during the Middle Ages. Another theory proposes that the name is a diminutive form of 'Amara,' an ancient Semitic personal name that has been traced back to early civilizations such as Phoenicia and Carthage. The Amarat family, particularly in Spain and Portugal, played significant roles in various historical events, including the Reconquista, where they fought against Moorish rule. In modern times, the Amarat surname can be found across numerous countries, reflecting its migration from its origins to other parts of Europe and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "amarat"
• 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

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