Last Name Avidor

The surname Avidor is of Hebrew origin. It derives from the Hebrew word "havid" which means "dear" or "precious." The surname may have been given as a nickname to someone who was considered precious, dear, or valuable. In Hebrew-speaking regions, such as Israel and among Jewish communities, it is quite common. However, the specific origin of a particular instance of this surname can vary depending on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Avidor

The meaning and origin of the last name Avidor

The surname Avidor is of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "avid" which means "eager" or "zealous." It is often associated with individuals who have Jewish ancestry, particularly those of Sephardic or Ashkenazi descent. The name was likely given to children born to parents who were passionate about their faith and community, reflecting qualities such as diligence, determination, and eagerness. In its original form, the name may have been a nickname or a descriptive term that reflected a person's character traits or actions. Over time, the surname has become common among Jewish families in various countries, including Spain, Portugal, Israel, and other parts of Europe. Today, it continues to be a well-known and respected name within Jewish communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Avidor

The surname Avidor has a significant presence across various regions worldwide, with notable concentrations in Israel and Jewish communities around the globe. In Israel, it ranks among the top 1500 most common surnames, reflecting its historical roots in the region. Beyond Israel, large populations of people bearing the name Avidor can be found in countries such as the United States, France, Argentina, and Canada, likely due to migration patterns throughout history. The name's origin is Hebrew, derived from 'avid', meaning 'eager', suggesting a potential historical connection to Jewish communities. In summary, the geographical distribution of the Avidor surname spans multiple continents, with significant populations in Israel and various diaspora communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Avidor

The surname Avidor has several variants and spellings across different countries. In Hebrew, which is where the name originates, it is spelled אבידור. In English, it is often spelled as Avidor, Avidor, Avidorov, or Avedor among others. It is also known to be transliterated in different ways depending on the specific Hebrew vowel sounds used. For instance, one might find variations such as Awidor, Avidour, or even Abidor. These variants may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, or personal preference. However, the most common English spelling remains Avidor.

Famous people with the last name Avidor

Notable individuals with the surname Avidor include:

1. Yair Avidor (born 1964), an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset for the Jewish Home party from 2013 to 2019.

2. Shai Avidor (born 1978), an Israeli-American businessman, entrepreneur, and founder of Israel's first crowdfunding platform, OurCrowd.

3. Dan Avidan (born 1985), also known as "Danny Sexbang," is an American musician, comedian, and voice actor, best known for being one half of the Internet-based comedy music duo Ninja Sex Party.

4. Noam Avidar (born 1960), a retired Israeli professional basketball player who played as a center in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.

5. Rony Aviv-Avidor (born 1942), an Israeli mathematician known for his work on geometric group theory and topology.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields such as politics, business, music, sports, and mathematics.

Genealogical research on the last name Avidor

The surname Avidor originates from Hebrew, meaning "guardian" or "protector." It is a common Jewish surname and has several variations such as Avedor, Abadir, and Abeydor. The name can be traced back to medieval Spain, where it was adopted by Jews forced to convert to Christianity during the Inquisition. Many Avidors emigrated from Spain to North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and Italy due to persecution. Later, a significant number of Avidors immigrated to Israel during the 20th century as part of the Zionist movement. Notable individuals with the last name Avidor include Moshe Avidar, an Israeli politician and former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, and Esther Avidor-Yaari, a renowned Israeli archaeologist. The Avidor family has a rich history that spans across continents and centuries, reflecting their resilience and adaptability in various cultural contexts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "avidor"
• 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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