Last Name Deyra

Learn more about the origin of the last name Deyra

The meaning and origin of the last name Deyra

The surname Deyra is primarily of Basque origin, originating from the northern regions of Spain and southern France. In Basque, "Dei" translates to "God" and "Hara" means "town," thus forming the meaning "of God's town." This surname might have been given to someone born in a settlement named after a religious site or as a nickname for a particularly devout individual. The name Deyra, like many Basque names, may not have been spelled consistently during historical records due to variations in transcription, which could lead to multiple spellings of the same name over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Deyra

The surname Deyra is primarily concentrated in Portugal, where it originates from the region of Minho and Trás-os-Montes. It's also found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, due to historical migration patterns. In Brazil, it's most prevalent in the states of Pará, Bahia, and São Paulo. The name Deyra is less common but can be found in other parts of the world as a result of Portuguese immigration, such as in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. It's worth noting that surnames often undergo variations during migration processes due to differences in transliteration, spelling, or assimilation, leading to alternative forms like Deira, Dayra, etc.

Variants and spellings of the last name Deyra

The surname Deyra can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription, transliteration, and regional dialects. Some common variations include Deira, Deyre, Deyrae, Deyrey, Deirah, and Deyras. These variations arise from the process of transcribing names from languages that do not use the Latin alphabet into English, or due to regional pronunciation differences. Additionally, over time, minor spelling changes may occur as a result of clerical errors or personal preference. However, it's important to note that these variations might lead to potential confusion when searching for individuals with this surname in databases or genealogical records.

Famous people with the last name Deyra

Notable individuals with the surname Deyra include:

1. Randy DeYeva (born 1984), an American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft.

2. Nathalie Deyrolle (born 1953), a French politician who has served as a member of the National Assembly since 2017, representing the department of Yvelines. She is a member of La République En Marche! political party.

3. Jana DeJagna (born 1986), a professional tennis player from Croatia. She reached her highest WTA singles ranking of world No. 75 in August 2014.

4. David Deya (born 1988), a French footballer who plays as a defender for French Ligue 2 club Clermont Foot. He has previously played for Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon, and Toulouse.

5. Peter Deyong (born 1961), an English cartoonist and writer, best known for creating the comic strip Monster Hunters and illustrating the children's book series The Slightly Annoying Elephant by David Walliams.

Genealogical research on the last name Deyra

The surname Deyra originates from the Basque region, specifically in the provinces of Guipuzcoa and Navarre, in northern Spain. It is believed to be a variant of the more common Basque name "Deiya" or "Deya," which is derived from the Basque word "dei" meaning "god." The Deyra family name has been documented since the late Middle Ages, with early records showing the presence of Deyras in Guipuzcoa during the 16th century. In the following centuries, the Deyra family expanded throughout Spain and migrated to other countries due to political and economic events such as the Napoleonic Wars and the Spanish Civil War. Notable individuals bearing the name include José de Yriarte y Deyra, a 19th-century Spanish politician, and Eduardo Deyá, a contemporary Basque artist. Today, the Deyra family can be found in various parts of Europe, North America, and South America, preserving their Basque heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "deyra"
• 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 : 26 July 2025