Last Name Behar

The last name "Behar" has multiple origins and can be found in various cultures and regions. 1. Jewish: In Jewish culture, "Behar" is derived from the Hebrew word "behar" meaning "mountain" or "hill." It is a common Jewish surname found among Sephardic Jews, particularly those of Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish descent. 2. Albanian: "Behar" is also a common Albanian last name, originating from the Albanian word "behar" which means "spring" or "season." It is often found among Albanians of Muslim or Christian backgrounds. 3. Turkish: Another possible origin of the surname "Behar" is from the Turkish word "behar" which means "sea" or "ocean." It can be a Turkish or Persian name typically representing a connection to coastal regions or maritime activities. It is important to note that surnames can have various origins and may be influenced by different factors like migration, linguistic changes, or historical events. Therefore, the specific origin of the last name "Behar" for an individual or family would require more detailed research or genealogical information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Behar

The meaning and origin of the last name Behar

The surname Behar has origins in various cultures and languages. In the Sephardic Jewish tradition, Behar is a surname derived from the Hebrew word "be'er" which means "well or spring," symbolizing a family's connection to water, purity, and life. As many Sephardic Jews settled in different parts of the world throughout history, the surname Behar spread to regions such as Spain, Morocco, Turkey, and the Balkans.

In the Albanian and Bosnian cultures, the surname Behar is derived from the Turkish word "bahar," which translates to "spring" or "season of bloom." It is often used as a given name in these regions, and some families adopted it as their surname.

Overall, whether of Sephardic Jewish or Albanian/Bosnian origin, the surname Behar carries connotations of nature, vitality, and beauty, reflecting the different cultural backgrounds and influences associated with this name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Behar

The last name Behar has a diverse geographical distribution with concentrations in multiple regions across the world. In North America, it is found predominantly in the United States and Canada. Within the United States, states such as New York, California, and Florida have sizable populations of individuals with the Behar surname. In Canada, the provinces of Quebec and Ontario also have notable presence of Behar last name bearers. Moving across the Atlantic, Behar is a fairly common surname in countries like France, Spain, and Italy. In southern Europe, countries such as Greece and Turkey also have individuals with the Behar name. It is also worth noting that the Behar surname is present in countries like Israel, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. This widespread distribution of the Behar last name indicates a significant diaspora and migration of individuals bearing this surname across various regions globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Behar

The last name Behar may have variations and spellings due to different cultural and historical influences. Some possible variations of this surname include Béhar, Behaar, Bihaar, Behr, Bahr, and Beher. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional pronunciation differences, transliteration from different languages, or migration patterns of individuals bearing this name throughout history. For instance, Béhar may be a French interpretation of the name, while Behaar and Bihaar may reflect Dutch or German influences respectively. Additionally, variations like Behr and Bahr could be the result of Anglicization or simplification of the name in English-speaking regions. It is worth noting that variations in spelling can also emerge due to errors in recording or transcribing documents over time. Overall, the surname Behar exhibits a wide range of possible variations and spellings, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of names across cultures and regions.

Famous people with the last name Behar

Joy Behar is a renowned American television personality, comedian, and actress. She gained immense popularity as one of the co-hosts on the talk show "The View" since its inception in 1997. Known for her quick wit, biting humor, and outspoken nature, Behar has cemented her status as an influential figure in the realm of daytime television. Her clever and often controversial commentary has earned her multiple awards and nominations in the industry. Joy Behar has also dabbled in other areas of entertainment, adding to her versatile career. Beyond her television success, she has appeared in movies such as "Hall Pass" and has written several books. With her distinctive personality and sharp comedic timing, Behar continues to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment world, making her a household name.

Genealogical research on the last name Behar

The genealogical research on the last name Behar reveals an interesting and diverse history. The name Behar has its origins in the Sephardic Jewish community. It is derived from the Hebrew word "behar," meaning "mountain" or "hill." Many Behar families can trace their roots back to the Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition in the late 15th century. As a result, they dispersed across the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, and the Middle East, carrying the name Behar with them. Over time, the Behar family name has spread to various countries, including Turkey, Morocco, Israel, and Greece. Today, individuals with the last name Behar can be found in different professions, including business, academia, and the arts. Genealogical research on the Behar surname thus offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse history of the Sephardic Jewish diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Behar"
• 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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