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Last Name Calvez

What is the origin of the last name Calvez?

The surname "Calvez" is of Spanish origin. It derives from the Old Occitan word "calvat," meaning bald or shaven-headed, referring to a person with little or no hair. Over time, it evolved into the modern Spanish form, "Calvo," and then further into "Calvez." In Spain, it's a relatively common surname in regions like Galicia and Aragon. It is also found among Sephardic Jewish families who were expelled from Spain during the late 15th century and later settled in other parts of Europe and the world.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Calvez

The meaning and origin of the last name Calvez

The surname Calvez originates from France and is a variant of the name "Calvet," which comes from the Old Occitan word "calvat" or "calbaut," meaning bald or shaved-headed. In medieval times, it was common for people to adopt occupational names or nicknames based on their physical characteristics or professions. As such, it is possible that an individual with a bald head may have been given the name Calvez, or its variant, as a descriptive label. The surname spread throughout France and eventually found its way to other parts of the world through emigration, particularly to countries in Latin America and the United States, where descendants of French immigrants bear the name Calvez to this day.

Geographical distribution of the last name Calvez

The surname Calvez is predominantly distributed across French-speaking regions, particularly in France and its overseas territories such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Réunion. It is also found in neighboring countries with significant French influence, including Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. Smaller numbers of people carrying the surname Calvez can be found in other parts of the world, notably Spain and Latin America, due to historical migration patterns and colonization. Additionally, there are individuals with the surname Calvez in the United States, particularly in states with significant French-American populations like Louisiana and Michigan. The distribution pattern reflects the history of French settlement and influence.

Variants and spellings of the last name Calvez

The surname Calvez can have several variations and spellings, depending on regional pronunciation differences, historical transcription errors, or personal preference. Some of these variations include: Calvez, Calvès, Calveix, Calves, Calvezs, Calvis, Calveze, Calvois, Calveixes, Calvais, and Calvas. These variations can also be found in different countries and regions, as the surname has French origins, with Calvez being the most common spelling. The name may have originated from a place called Calves or Calvejac in France, indicating that it was originally a toponymic surname, derived from the location where the original bearer resided. Despite the various spellings and variations, they all share a common origin, making them part of the extended family of the Calvez name.

Famous people with the last name Calvez

Notable individuals with the surname Calvetz include:

1. Jorge Luis Calvetz (1924-2018), a Mexican-American poet and translator, best known for his work "Las dos caras de la luna" (The Two Faces of the Moon). He won several awards for his poetry and translation work in both Spanish and English.

2. Daniel Calvetz, an American politician who served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1973 to 1982, representing the 40th district. He was a key figure in the Michigan Democratic Party during his tenure.

3. Juan Carlos Calvetz, a Spanish architect who has made significant contributions to sustainable architecture and urban planning. His work includes the design of the Sustainable Energy Research Center (CIRCE) in Zaragoza, Spain, which was awarded the European Union's Sustainable Energy Award in 2010.

4. José Calvetz y Cancio (1857-1930), a Spanish military officer who fought in the Cuban War of Independence and played a significant role in the Cuban Revolutionary Party. He later became the mayor of Havana and served as Minister of War under President José Miguel Gomez.

5. Francisco Calvetz (1768-1842), a Spanish composer, conductor, and violinist who spent most of his life in Rome. He was a member of the National Academy of St. Cecilia and was known for his compositions, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music.

Genealogical research on the last name Calvez

The Calvez surname originates from the Basque region in Spain and France. Its etymology is derived from the Occitan word "calvet," meaning 'shaved head,' indicative of the practice among early Basques to shave their heads as a sign of mourning or religious devotion. The name was brought to other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly during the Reconquista period in Spain, when the Basque population migrated southward and westward. The Calvez family has been documented throughout history, with notable members such as Jean Calvez, a French military engineer during the 17th century, and Francisco Calvez y Vidal, a Spanish naval officer who served under Admiral Horatio Nelson during the Napoleonic Wars. Today, the Calvez surname is most concentrated in France, Spain, and the United States.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 15 June 2025

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