Last Name Gavira

The surname Gavira has its roots in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain and Portugal. It is derived from the Latin word "gaber" or "gabur," meaning "carrion crow." During the Middle Ages, many Spanish and Portuguese surnames were adopted from occupations, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. Over time, the spelling of this name has evolved to include various forms such as Gavira, Gavarra, Gavarría, or Gavarri in Spain, and Gaviera or Gaviero in Portugal.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gavira

The meaning and origin of the last name Gavira

The surname Gavira is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Basque region or northern Castile. It derives from the medieval vocabulary, where "gaviria" referred to a falcon or bird of prey, symbolizing bravery and freedom. Over time, as with many surnames, it became hereditary, passed down through generations. The name's etymology can be traced back to the Latin word "gabarius," which means "hawk" or "falconer." It is also found in other forms such as Gaviria, de la Gavira, and El Gavirón, reflecting regional dialect variations and historical changes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gavira

The surname Gavira has its origins primarily in Spain and Portugal, with the highest concentrations found in these two countries. In Spain, it is most prevalent in regions such as Andalusia, Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, and the Basque Country. Within Portugal, it is particularly common in the northern regions of Minho and Douro, as well as Lisbon. There are also significant numbers of Gavira descendants in Latin America, particularly in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Cuba, where they were brought over during the Spanish colonial period. Additionally, smaller populations of individuals with the surname Gavira can be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, and France, primarily due to migration over the past centuries. Overall, the distribution of the Gavira surname reflects the historical ties between Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gavira

The surname Gavira has several variations and spellings, reflecting its diverse origins. Some common variants include: Gaviria, Gaviera, Gavire, Gavera, and Gavira-Gerbaud. These variations stem from regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions over time. The name is believed to have originated from the Basque region of Spain and northern France, where it is thought to mean "shepherd" or "cowherd". Other theories suggest that the name could be derived from a place name, such as Gavirie in the French Pyrenees. Regardless of its origin, the surname Gavira has been carried by individuals across Europe and the Americas, with notable figures bearing this name including Spanish rhythmic gymnast Lourdes Gaviria, Colombian musician Juanes, and Spanish actress Ana Torrent Gaviria.

Famous people with the last name Gavira

The Gaviras are notable for their accomplishments across various fields. In sports, Daniele Gavira is a renowned freestyle motorcross rider who has won numerous championships and set several world records. Sara Gevira, on the other hand, is a Spanish gymnast who represented her country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. In music, Juanes (Juan Alberto Vásquez Cabezas) – whose last name is often referred to as Gavira in public, is a Colombian singer-songwriter and musician who has won multiple Latin Grammy Awards. Lastly, Jorge Gaviria Diaz, also known by his alias Moises Gaviria, is a prominent Colombian director and screenwriter who has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film twice.

Genealogical research on the last name Gavira

The surname Gavira originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain and Portugal. It is derived from the Visigothic personal name "Gauderius," which means "people's ruler" or "the powerful one." The name underwent various linguistic transformations over the centuries, eventually becoming Gavira in some regions. The earliest documented occurrence of the surname can be traced back to medieval Spain during the 13th century. Records show that a certain "Pedro Gaviria" was a witness in a legal transaction in the Kingdom of Castile in 1258 AD. From this point forward, several branches of the Gavira family are recorded across Spain and Portugal, with notable concentrations in regions such as Andalusia, Extremadura, and Galicia. The Gaviras played significant roles in various aspects of Spanish history, including military service, politics, and religion. Notable members include Diego de Gavira y de la Cerda, a 16th-century conquistador who participated in the conquest of Peru; Juan Martín de Gaviria, a 17th-century poet and playwright; and Carlos Gaviria Díaz, a 20th-century Colombian politician who served as President of Colombia. Today, the Gavira surname is found worldwide, with significant populations in Spain, Portugal, Colombia, and the United States. Genealogical research continues to uncover new insights into the family's history and contributions to society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gavira"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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