Last Name Favar

The surname Favar or Faver has multiple possible origins. In some cases, it may be a variant of the Old French and Middle English word "faucon" which means hawk, indicating an occupational name for someone who had a profession related to falconry. In other instances, it could be a topographical name from a place named with the Old Norse personal name Fái or Fafnir, meaning raven or wolf, followed by "ár" which means a wood, hill or headland. In France, there are places called Le Faouar and La Faverie, which could have contributed to its usage as a surname. Additionally, it may be derived from the Old French personal name Favers, a diminutive form of Faustus, itself a Latin name derived from fauestas meaning fortunate or prosperous. It's essential to note that these are potential origins and further research on specific lineages would provide more accurate information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Favar

The meaning and origin of the last name Favar

The surname Favar is not commonly found in English-speaking countries and its exact origin remains unclear due to limited historical records. However, it's believed that this surname could have Italian origins. In Italy, "Favar" might be a variant or regional adaptation of the surname "Fava," which is derived from the Italian word for 'broad bean.' Surnames derived from food items often denoted an occupation or a characteristic in the Middle Ages when European feudal systems were prevalent. The spelling variations of Favar, such as Fava, Favaro, and Favara, further support this theory. Nevertheless, it's essential to note that without specific historical records, the exact origin and meaning of the surname Favar may remain uncertain.

Geographical distribution of the last name Favar

The surname Favar has its origins primarily in Spain and Portugal, reflecting the historical connection between these two countries. It is most prevalent in regions such as Galicia and Asturias in northwestern Spain, as well as in Portugal's northern provinces like Minho and Douro. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, due to migration waves during the colonial period. In recent times, members of the Favar family can be found in various diaspora communities around the world, particularly in the United States and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Favar

The surname Favar has several variations and spellings due to different transcription methods over time and across regions. Some common variations include Favour, Favor, Faver, and Favoury. These variations may result from the use of British English (Favour) versus American English (Favor), or regional dialects influencing the pronunciation and subsequent spelling. Additionally, surnames can be altered over time due to factors such as scribal errors, language evolutions, and migration patterns. The root form Favar is not commonly found, but it is possible that it could be an original variant of one of the more prevalent spellings.

Famous people with the last name Favar

Notable individuals with the surname Favar include:

1. Antonio Favorito (born 1963), an Italian actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including "The Young Pope" and "The Legend of Tarzan."
2. Carl Faucher-Favar (born 1987), a French professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for French club Stade Rennais.
3. David Favorito (born 1960), an American artist known for his sculptures, paintings, and installations that explore themes of identity, culture, and sexuality.
4. Javier Favero (born 1975), a Mexican professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Cruz Azul and Atlante in Mexico's Primera División.
5. Laurent Favre (born 1968), a Swiss film director, screenwriter, and producer who is best known for his documentaries and experimental films.
6. Luis Favaro (1927-2013), an Italian journalist and television presenter who worked for Rai Television for over 50 years, becoming one of the most popular faces of Italian television.
7. Maria Adelaide Favarolo Favati (born 1948), an Italian lawyer and politician who served as a Minister in several governments and is known for her work on human rights and gender equality issues.

Genealogical research on the last name Favar

The surname Favar originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Lombardy and Veneto. It is a variant of the more common Italian surnames Faver, Favero, and Falcieri. The name is believed to derive from occupations related to falconry or agriculture, as "falco" means falcon in Latin and "favaro" means wheat or pea in Venetian dialect.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Favar can be traced back to the 13th century in Lombardy, with records showing a Giacomo Favor as a witness in a document from Milan in 1264. The name also appears in Venice in the 15th century, where the family was prominent in trade and civic affairs.

Throughout the centuries, various branches of the Favar family have spread across Italy and immigrated to other countries, including Switzerland, France, the United States, and Argentina. Notable figures with the surname include Italian poet Fausto Favareto (1857-1924) and Argentine film director Fernando Favaro (born 1963).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "favar"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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