What is the origin of the last name Gasaro?

The surname Gasaro is of Italian origin. It derives from a variety of place names in Italy, primarily in the region of Sicily. The name is often associated with locations such as Gazzara or Gazzarra, which come from the Latin "gazaria" meaning "marketplace" or "exchange". As with many surnames, it was originally a geographical name for someone who lived near one of these marketplaces. However, it's important to note that surname origins can be complex and multifaceted, often involving regional variations and historical context.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gasaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Gasaro

The surname Gasaro is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Southern Italy, particularly Sicily. It is derived from the medieval name Gisalardo or Giselardo, which was composed of the Germanic elements "Gisil" meaning hostage or pledge, and "hard" meaning hardy or brave. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings such as Gasaroli, Gazzaro, and Gasaro due to regional dialects and scribal errors. The name was often given to boys born into families who had connections with Normans, who ruled Sicily from the 11th to the 12th century. Notable figures bearing this surname include Giovanni Gasarri, an Italian conductor, and Giuseppe Gasparo Mezzofanti, a renowned Italian linguist of the 19th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gasaro

The surname Gasaro is primarily found in African countries, with a significant concentration in Rwanda and Burundi, both located in Central-Eastern Africa. It is considered one of the common surnames in these regions due to their shared ethnic groups, such as Tutsi and Hutu. The name also appears sporadically in other African countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, likely due to historical migration patterns and cultural ties between neighboring nations. Outside of Africa, the occurrence of Gasaro is minimal, reflecting its strong association with the continent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gasaro

The surname Gasaro has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include:

1. Gassaro
2. Gataro
3. Gazaro
4. Gasarow
5. Gassero
6. Gasarro
7. Gasarawa
8. Gasarao
9. Gazarov (Russian)
10. Gasar (Hungarian)

These variations may stem from regional dialects, transliteration errors, or simply individual preferences in spelling. It's essential to note that the origins of the name are Italian, derived from the occupational name "Giudice di Casa", meaning "judge of the house".

Famous people with the last name Gasaro

Notable individuals with the surname Gasaro include:

1. Jean-Wladimir Gasaro (born 1964), Burundian politician who served as Prime Minister of Burundi from 2000 to 2003.

2. Sylvie Gasana Gasaro (born 1972), a Burundian lawyer and politician who served as the Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communications in Burundi's government from 2015 to 2020.

3. Mireille Gasitohese Gasaro (born 1968), a Rwandan academic and politician who has served as the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion since 2018.

4. Jean-Baptiste Gasoro (born 1957), a Rwandan geophysicist, volcanologist, and environmental scientist who serves as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.

These individuals have made significant contributions to politics, academia, and public service in their respective countries.

Genealogical research on the last name Gasaro

The Gasaro surname is believed to have originated from Italy, specifically in the region of Calabria. Historically, it is a patronymic name derived from the personal name GASPAR or JASPAR, which is an Aramaic name meaning "treasurer" or "receiver." The Gasaros are documented in Italian records dating back to the 14th century. Notable figures with the Gasaro surname include Giuseppe Gasaro, a prominent Sicilian sculptor in the late 1800s, and Salvatore Gasaro, an Italian-American musician who played the accordion professionally in the early 20th century. The Gasaro family migrated to the United States primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling predominantly in New York and Pennsylvania.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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