Last Name Levar

The surname "Levar" has multiple possible origins due to its various uses across different cultures and regions. 1. French: From Old French "levier," meaning "lever, raise, or lift." In this context, it could be an occupational name for a crane operator or someone who lifted heavy objects. 2. Hebrew: A variation of the Hebrew name "Eliahu" (Elijah), which means "Jehovah is God." The surname Levar may have been a diminutive or contracted form of this biblical name. 3. Basque: In Basque, the name L'abar could mean "the crossing place" or "the pass." This could be a topographic name for someone who lived near such a location. 4. West African (Yoruba): The name "Levar" is also found among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin. In this context, it's a given name that translates as "the one who will be victorious."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Levar

The meaning and origin of the last name Levar

The surname Levar is believed to have origins rooted in France, specifically in the region of Gascony, where it was first recorded during the Middle Ages. The name derives from the Old French word "lever," meaning "to raise" or "elevate." This could have been a reference to a person who had an uplifting spirit or character, someone who was known for their ability to lift others' moods or spirits. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings, including Levier, Levars, and Lever, as it spread across regions and cultures, eventually finding its way to other parts of Europe and the New World. Today, individuals bearing the surname Levar can be found in many countries, reflecting its rich history and migration patterns over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Levar

The surname Levar is predominantly found in Western Africa, particularly in countries like Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea, where it is among the top 100 most common last names. It is also present in smaller numbers in neighboring regions such as Mali, Mauritania, and The Gambia. A significant diaspora exists, with Levars found in France, especially in urban centers like Paris and Bordeaux, due to historical migration patterns. Smaller communities of Levars can be found in other European countries, North America, and parts of Asia, particularly Singapore, reflecting global migration over the last few centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Levar

The surname Levar has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across cultures. Some common spelling variants include Lever, Leaveur, Lafay, La Faye, De La Foye, Delafosse, and Delaforce. These variations may be found primarily among individuals of French ancestry or origin, as the name is derived from the Old French "la foye," meaning "the forge" or "the blacksmith's place." In addition to these direct derivatives, there may also be regional and phonetic variations in pronunciation and spelling, such as Leverre or Laver. It is important to note that these variants can exist not only among individuals with French ancestry but also among those of other ethnicities who have adopted the name for various reasons.

Famous people with the last name Levar

LeVar Burton is a prominent figure among individuals with the surname Levar. Known for his role as Geordi La Forge on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and host of the educational television series "Reading Rainbow," Burton has been influential in popular culture, particularly in promoting literacy and STEM education. Another notable LeVar is LeVar Newton, an award-winning actor who gained recognition for his portrayal of Mandela Washington in "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" and Cyborg in the DC Extended Universe films. Lastly, LeVar Stoney is a political figure who serves as the 69th Mayor of Richmond, Virginia, demonstrating Levar's versatility in various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Levar

The surname Levar originates from France and is believed to have derived from either a geographical location or a professional occupation. In some instances, it may be a variant of the Jewish surname Levi, as Jewish surnames were often occupational in nature. One possible origin is from the Old French "le ver", meaning "the green one," referring to someone who lived near a green meadow or field. Another theory suggests that Levar could have been an occupational name for a leather worker, as "ver" was the Old French word for leather. Notable individuals with this surname include John Levar, an English footballer, and Dwayne Levar, an American musician. Genealogical research on the Levar family is ongoing, with many branches and variations found across Europe and the Americas, offering exciting opportunities for further exploration into the history and lineage of the Levar family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Levar"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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