The surname Jaras does not have a definitively established etymological origin that can be traced to one specific location or event. However, it is often associated with several possible origins due to its similarity to place names and words in various languages.
1. Spanish: It may originate from the place name Xaraguía, located in Sardinia, Italy, which was inhabited by Catalan-speaking people before the 18th century. Over time, it evolved into Jaragüe, Jaragué, or Jaras in the Catalan and Spanish dialects.
2. Basque: In Basque, "jarai" means "house," which might have been used as a descriptive surname.
3. Italian: A small town named Jara can be found near Parma, Italy. It is possible that the surname Jaras may originate from this place name.
4. Jewish: The surname Jaras has also been connected to the Hebrew personal name Yerach (ירח), meaning "moon" or "month." This would make it a patronymic surname derived from an ancestor named Yerach.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Jaras
The meaning and origin of the last name Jaras
The surname Jaras is of Basque origin, originating from the northern region of Spain and southern France. It is derived from various place names within the Basque Country, such as Iurreta or Jaurrieta, which mean "new house" in the Basque language. The name has been anglicized over time and can also be found spelled as Jara, Jarace, or other variations. This surname is relatively rare outside of the Basque region but has been carried by immigrants to other countries throughout history. The popularity of the name reflects the historical movement of people from the Basque Country, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to economic migration and political upheaval.
Geographical distribution of the last name Jaras
The surname Jaras is predominantly distributed across Spain, particularly in the regions of Valencia, Aragon, and Catalonia, reflecting its Spanish origin. A significant number of people with this surname can be found in the eastern part of Spain, with Valencia having one of the highest concentrations. Beyond Spain, there are also populations with the last name Jaras in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, likely due to migration from Spain. Additionally, small communities bearing the surname Jaras can be found in a few non-Spanish speaking countries, such as the United States, Italy, and Germany, suggesting dispersal through historical migration events.
Variants and spellings of the last name Jaras
The surname Jaras has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation and regional spelling conventions. Some common variations include Jarras, Jaraas, Jarazz, and Jarrace. In some cases, double consonants may be omitted or added as seen in Jarass and Jarasse. Additionally, diacritical marks may be absent in certain spellings such as Jaráz, Jaraz, or Jarácz. It's important to note that the correct spelling can often depend on the origin of the family, with some variations being more common in specific countries or regions.
Famous people with the last name Jaras
Notable individuals with the surname Jarra include:
1. Carlos Jara (born 1936), a Chilean composer and musician known for his work in film scores. His compositions have been featured in numerous films, including "El Chacal de Nahueltoro" and "Los tectos de cristal."
2. Diego Jara (born 1980), a Uruguayan footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Liverpool FC, Athletic Bilbao, and River Plate. He represented the Uruguay national team in international competitions, including the World Cup and Copa América.
3. Juan Jara (1908-2006), a Mexican politician who served as Governor of Puebla from 1947 to 1950. He was also a prominent member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
4. José Luis Jerez Jarra (born 1956), a Peruvian economist and politician who served as Prime Minister of Peru from January to August 2018. Prior to his political career, he held various positions in academia and the private sector.
Genealogical research on the last name Jaras
The surname Jaras has roots in several regions, primarily Spain and Portugal, where it originated from the medieval occupation names related to professions such as "jarrero," meaning potter or glassblower. In Spain, the name is most prevalent in the regions of Galicia, Castilla y León, and Andalusia. The Jaras family is also found in Portugal, where it might have a different origin, possibly derived from the place names Jaro, Jaruge, or Jarosa. Migration patterns show that many bearers of the name Jaras emigrated to South America during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly to Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. In the United States, the name is most common in California, Florida, and Texas, due to immigration from Spain and Latin America. The name has also spread to other countries, such as Canada and Australia, following global migration patterns.
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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