Last Name Avigdor

The surname Avigdor is of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew given name "Avigdor," which means "father's light" or "my father is a light." This name has been used as a personal name in Israel for centuries and has later evolved into a surname among Jewish families. The use of family names became more widespread among Jews in Europe during the Middle Ages, and many Jewish families adopted surnames derived from their given names as a means of identification.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Avigdor

The meaning and origin of the last name Avigdor

The surname Avigdor is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name "Avigdor," which means "father's light" or "my father is a light." This name appears in the Old Testament, where it is given to one of King David's mighty men. In modern times, the surname Avigdor is most commonly associated with individuals of Jewish descent. Notable persons bearing this surname include Avigdor Liberman, an Israeli politician who served as a Minister of Defense and leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu political party. The name's popularity may be attributed to its strong biblical connection and the ongoing tradition within Judaism to pass on significant names from generation to generation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Avigdor

The surname Avigdor has its roots in Hebrew and is predominantly found among Jews, primarily those of Israeli, Russian, and Eastern European descent. According to various sources, it is most common in Israel, where it ranks among the top 2,000 surnames, with a significant number of bearers residing in cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Outside of Israel, a considerable portion of people with the last name Avigdor can be found in Russia and other former Soviet Union countries, as well as in the United States, particularly in New York City. The distribution also extends to other parts of the world where Jewish communities are present, such as Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Avigdor

The surname Avigdor has several variations and spellings in different languages and regions. In Hebrew, which is its origin, it's spelled אביגדור or Aviyador. When transliterated into English, it's often written as Avigador, Avigad, Avigadore, Avigdorov, or Avigodor. In other languages, there may be additional variations. For example, in French it might be written as Avigadou or Avigdor, while in German it could be translated as Avigdor or Abigdor. These differences arise due to the transliteration of Hebrew letters into various alphabets and the adaptation of names over time and across cultures.

Famous people with the last name Avigdor

Avigdor is a surname of Jewish origin that has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Avigdor Lieberman, an Israeli politician who served as a Member of Knesset and held key cabinet positions such as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense. Born in 1958, he co-founded Yisrael Beiteinu, one of Israel's major political parties. Another notable figure is Avigdor Dagan, an Israeli attorney who was the President of the Israel Bar Association from 2003 to 2006. In academia, Amos Avigdor is a recognized name, serving as the Rector of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem from 1975 to 1984. In entertainment, actor Oded Fehr, born Avigdor Fehmann, has appeared in numerous Hollywood films such as "The Mummy" and "Resident Evil". These individuals have significantly contributed to their respective fields, reflecting the versatility and influence of people with the surname Avigdor.

Genealogical research on the last name Avigdor

The surname Avigdor is of Hebrew origin and means "my light" or "father of light." It is a common Jewish name, particularly among Sephardic Jews who originated from Spain and Portugal.

The name has its roots in ancient Israel and can be found in various biblical references such as Avigdor, a high official in King David's court mentioned in 1 Samuel 30:24-26.

The surname spread globally with the Jewish diaspora, notably in North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Notable figures with the last name Avigdor include Israeli politician and former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, and Israeli-American theoretical physicist Avigdor Shapira.

In terms of genealogical research, resources such as JewishGen, MyHeritage, and Ancestry can be useful in tracing the family history and origins of individuals with the last name Avigdor. These platforms provide access to databases of birth, marriage, and death records, as well as immigration and census data that can aid in genealogical research.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Avigdor"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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