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Last Name Mahias

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What is the origin of the last name Mahias?

The surname Mahias has roots that can be traced back to Greece. It is a variant of the Greek surname Mahias, which is derived from a personal name Mahiel, meaning "gift of God." The Greek surnames are often patronymic, meaning they are derived from the father's first name with the addition of -as or -ides as a suffix. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variations, so there might be other possible explanations for the name Mahias as well.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Mahias

The surname Mahias is of Greek origin, derived from the Byzantine Greek word "Mahairas" which refers to a fortified pass or mountain pass. It is believed that individuals with this last name may have originally lived near such a geographical feature. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved due to various factors, including migration and language changes. In modern times, the surname Mahias can be found predominantly among Greeks but also in other populations of Greek descent. Notable individuals with this name include Greek composer Konstantinos Mahias and footballer Evangelos Mahias.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mahias

The surname Mahias is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany and the Pays de la Loire. It also has presence in other French-speaking countries, notably Switzerland and Belgium. A significant number of individuals with this last name can be traced to these areas due to historical migration patterns and cultural affiliations. Additionally, there have been instances where families with the Mahias surname migrated to countries like Canada and the United States, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Canada, a substantial concentration of people bearing the name can be found in Quebec, likely due to French immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mahias

The surname Mahias has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include Mahyas, Mihajas, Mahjas, Mihajis, and Mahejas. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic transcription, or historical changes in the family name over time. It's also possible for individuals from the same lineage to spell their surnames differently due to personal preference or migration. These variations serve as interesting examples of how a single surname can evolve and take on different forms across geographical boundaries and generations.

Famous people with the last name Mahias

Among the notable individuals with the surname Mahias are:

1. Jean Mahias (born 1964), a French former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, spending most of his career at Olympique Lyonnais.
2. Marie-Laure Mahias (born 1973), a French actress known for her roles in films such as "Tombés en Enfer" and "Le Voyage de Sodome."
3. Louis Mahias (1905-1984), a French painter, sculptor, and ceramist who was a member of the École de Paris.
4. Pascal Mahias (born 1967), a French professional basketball coach who has managed teams like Strasbourg IG, Le Mans Sarthe Basket, and Orléans Loiret Basket in France's LNB Pro A league.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, ranging from sports to art and culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Mahias

The surname Mahias originates from the Basque region in Spain and France, specifically the Bayonne area. It is derived from various place names such as Mahes, Maison-Mahieu, or Mahiet, which were originally inhabited by Basque families before they migrated to other regions. The name was also found in Portugal due to historical connections between Basque areas and Iberia. The Mahias family can be traced back to the 16th century, with records showing that they were farmers, merchants, and artisans. The spread of the surname Mahias is evident in different countries such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the United States, where descendants of Basque immigrants have settled over time. Notable figures with the surname Mahias include Jean-Baptiste Mahias, a French painter who lived during the 19th century. The research suggests that the Mahias family lineage is deeply rooted in the Basque culture and history, which has influenced their identity and traditions throughout generations.

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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