Last Name Daras

The surname Daras (or similar variations such as D'Aras, De Aras) has origins that can be traced back to several different regions due to its multi-lingual nature. Here are a few possible origins: 1. French: Derived from the Old French word "d'aras", meaning "of the oak grove" or "oak clearing". This surname was often given to someone who lived near an area where oaks were abundant. 2. Galician (a region in northwestern Spain): In this context, Daras is a variant of the Galician name "D'Aráz", which has Arabic roots and means "the one from Arac", referring to a place that was once occupied by Arabs. 3. Basque: Some sources suggest that Daras could be a Basque surname derived from the word "darratz" meaning "corner" or "angle". This name might have been given to someone who lived in an area with a peculiar geographical feature such as a corner or bend in a road or river. 4. Portuguese: The surname Daras could also potentially originate from the Portuguese word "darás", which means "you will give" or "grant". This name might have been given to someone who was granted something, or it could refer to a place where something was given or bestowed.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Daras

The meaning and origin of the last name Daras

The surname Daras has its roots traced back to various origins. In Greece, it is derived from the given name Dareios, which means "possession of Ares," referring to the Greek god of war, Ares. This name was borne by several ancient Persian kings, including Darius I and II, who ruled the Achaemenid Empire in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. Their conquests had significant cultural influence on Greece, possibly leading to the adoption and Hellenization of this name among the Greek population. However, the surname Daras is also found in other parts of the world, including Europe, where it may have different origins or meanings. In these cases, it could potentially be a topographic name for someone who lived near a grove or forest (daras in Old English) or a nickname for a person with a dark complexion (deras in Middle English).

Geographical distribution of the last name Daras

The surname Daras has a significant presence in several regions, primarily concentrated in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In Eastern Europe, notable populations can be found in countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, where it is often associated with ethnic Poles, Lithuanians, or Latvians. In the Middle East, particularly Iran and Turkey, the name Daras is common among Persian and Turkish speakers respectively. The name's distribution also extends to other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora. For instance, in the United States, Canada, and various European countries, there are sizeable communities with the surname Daras, many of whom are descendants of immigrants from Eastern Europe or the Middle East.

Variants and spellings of the last name Daras

The surname Daras possesses several variations and spellings. Among them are D'Aras, Daaras, Daraas, Deras, and Darace (in French spelling). These variations may result from different regional pronunciations or phonetic interpretations, as well as the influence of other languages. Additionally, over time, some families may have adapted their surnames to conform with local traditions or conventions, leading to further alterations in spelling and pronunciation. Despite these differences, all versions share a common origin, tracing back to a specific ancestor or lineage.

Famous people with the last name Daras

Notable individuals bearing the last name Daras include:

1. **José Vicente Ruzzo Darás** (born 1943), a Venezuelan musician, songwriter, and producer who is considered one of the most important figures in Latin American popular music. He is best known for his work with the band Los Saicos, often credited as pioneers of garage rock in Latin America.

2. **Nicolás Darás** (1957-2012), a Chilean poet and professor who published several books of poetry throughout his career. His work was deeply influenced by the surrealist movement, and he is remembered for his innovative and evocative writing style.

3. **Dimitrios G. Daras** (born 1954), a Greek-American materials scientist and engineer who has made significant contributions to the fields of fiber optics and polymer science. He is currently a professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he focuses on developing new materials for various applications.

4. **Nikos Daras** (born 1958), a Greek composer, arranger, and music producer known for his work in the fields of pop, rock, and folk music. He has collaborated with numerous popular Greek artists throughout his career.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts in music, literature, science, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Daras

The surname Daras originates from Greece and is predominantly found among the Greek-speaking population. One of the earliest known records of the name dates back to the Byzantine era (330-1453 AD), when a certain "Daras" was mentioned in an official document. The name has been traced through various regions of Greece, including Attica, Thessaly, and Epirus, suggesting a diverse geographical distribution. Over time, the spelling of the name has slightly varied, with some instances found as Dara, Daratzos, or Daratzis. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Konstantinos Daras, a renowned Greek composer from the 19th century, and Eleni Daras, a contemporary actress known for her work in both theater and film. The family history of the Daras name is rich and varied, reflecting the cultural and historical diversity of Greece.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Daras"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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