NomOrigine Background

Last Name Maran

What is the origin of the last name Maran?

The surname "Maran" has roots in several European countries, but it is most commonly found among the French-speaking population. It is derived from various places named Marans, which are located in France (in the departments of Deux-Sèvres and Vendée) and Belgium (in the province of West Flanders). The name of these places originates from the Gallo-Roman period, possibly meaning "meadow of the sea" or "marshy plain". As with many surnames, it is likely that some Maran families took their name from a place they lived in, or perhaps a person who came from one of these places named Marans. Over time, the name spread as people migrated and as naming patterns changed. Today, you can find Maran families not only in France and Belgium but also in many other countries around the world.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Maran

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

Free Gift!

Receive your Surname Origin Certificate valued at 16.95 $ for free with every purchase of your full surname origin.

Certificat d'Origine en haute qualité
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maran

The meaning and origin of the last name Maran

The surname Maran is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It is derived from the Old French word "marin," which means "sailor" or "navigator." This occupational name was given to individuals who worked on ships or were associated with the sea in some capacity. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have varied, leading to different forms of the surname such as Maran, Marain, or Maraine. The name is now widespread throughout France and its former territories, including the French-speaking provinces of Canada. Today, people with the surname Maran can be found in many countries, reflecting the historical migration patterns of the French population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maran

The last name Maran is predominantly distributed across various regions of India, particularly Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It also has significant presence in West Bengal and the North-Eastern states. Outside India, the name can be found among Indian diaspora communities, notably in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, and Australia. The Maran surname is mostly concentrated in urban areas due to historical patterns of migration for education, employment, or political reasons. In India, it's often associated with communities that trace their roots back to the Chettiar caste, a group traditionally involved in commerce and finance. However, it should be noted that the Maran surname can be found among various ethnicities and castes within India due to historical intermarriages and name adoption practices.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maran

The surname Maran has several variations and spelling permutations across different regions and cultures. Some of these include M'Ren, Marran, Marrahn, Maranhão (a Brazilian state), and Marain. These variations may originate from a common root, such as the French Marin or the Hebrew Moran, but could also be influenced by regional dialects, historical events, or personal preferences during migration. Additionally, there might be minor spelling differences due to transliteration from non-Latin alphabets or misinterpretations over time. These variations underscore the rich cultural history and dispersal of individuals bearing this name across the world.

Famous people with the last name Maran

Notable individuals with the surname Maran include:

1. Amitabh Maran - An Indian politician who served as the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports in Tamil Nadu, India. He is also known for his work in the film industry.

2. Claude Maran - A French scientist, specializing in geophysics. He was a member of the French Academy of Sciences.

3. David Maran - An American composer and arranger who worked extensively in television, films, and theater. His works include themes for the TV shows "The Price Is Right" and "Family Feud."

4. Gérard Maran - A French actor, known for his roles in films like "La Grande Vadrouille" and "Le Corps de Diane."

5. Nidhhi Agerwal Maran - An Indian actress who made her debut in Bollywood with the film "Munna Michael." She is also a trained Kathak dancer.

6. R. K. Laxman Maran - An Indian cartoonist, best known for his creation of the Common Man character, which appeared daily in The Times of India newspaper.

7. Vijay Maran - An Indian entrepreneur and business tycoon, who serves as the chairman of the Sun Network, a major media conglomerate based in Chennai, India.

Genealogical research on the last name Maran

The surname Maran is primarily of Jewish and French origin. In Judaism, it is derived from the Hebrew name Mordechai, meaning "bitter" or "learned," while in France, it could originate from various localities such as Marennes in Charente-Maritime or Marengo in Haute-Savoie.

The Maran family can be traced back to Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Russia, during the late 19th century. Many members of this family immigrated to the United States around the turn of the 20th century, seeking better opportunities in the New World. The name gained significant prevalence in Jewish communities across the U.S., with notable settlements in cities like New York and Chicago.

Further research reveals branches of the Maran family also settled in other countries, such as Canada, Israel, South Africa, and Australia. Notable figures bearing the surname include Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Alter (1810-1898), a prominent Hasidic leader in Poland, and Jacob Maran (1925-1997), a French writer and philosopher.

Overall, the Maran family history is a rich tapestry of immigration, cultural change, and resilience, spanning across multiple continents and generations.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Mar bilal (Last name)

surnames > mar-bilal

The surname "Mar Bilal" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the given name "Bilal," which is a common name in the Arabic-speaking world. "Mar" is likely a component that indica...

Mar din (Last name)

surnames > mar-din

The surname "Mar din" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "mar," meaning "sea" or "ocean," indicating a possible connection to a coastal or maritime location.

Mar gul (Last name)

surnames > mar-gul

The last name "Margul" originates from a combination of the Yiddish words "mar" meaning "bitter" and "gul" meaning "rose". It is likely of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

Mara wilson (Last name)

surnames > mara-wilson

The last name "Wilson" is of English origin. It is derived from the given name William, which means "resolute protector" or "helmeted warrior."

Mara-llanes (Last name)

surnames > mara-llanes

The surname Mara Llanes is of Spanish origin. It is a combination of the maternal surname "Mara" and the paternal surname "Llanes." The surname "Mara" may be derived from the Hebre...

Marabail (Last name)

surnames > marabail

The surname Marabail is of French origin. It is likely derived from the Old French word "mar(e)bail," which means "beautiful sea" or "beautiful bay."

Marachalil (Last name)

surnames > marachalil

The last name Marachalil is of Indian origin, specifically from the south Indian state of Kerala.

Marachi (Last name)

surnames > marachi

The last name Marachi is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Maria" which is a variant of the Latin name "Maria" meaning "bitter" or "beloved". It is a common ...

Marachly (Last name)

surnames > marachly

The last name Marachly appears to have an Eastern European origin, particularly from regions such as Russia, Ukraine, or Poland. It is likely derived from a geographical location o...

Marackar (Last name)

surnames > marackar

The last name Marackar is of Indian origin, specifically from the southern state of Kerala. It is believed to be a surname used by the Nair community, which is a prominent Hindu ca...

Marad khokhr (Last name)

surnames > marad-khokhr

The last name "Marad Khokhr" appears to be of Armenian origin. The name "Marad" likely comes from the Armenian word for "stable" or "steadfast," while "Khokhr" may be a variation o...

Maradona (Last name)

surnames > maradona

The last name "Maradona" originates from Italy. It is an Italian surname, derived from the personal name "Maradona," which itself is a variant of "Maradanius," an ancient Roman cog...

Maraghni (Last name)

surnames > maraghni

The surname "Maraghni" appears to be Arabic or Berber. It may originate in Tunisia, Algeria or other Maghreb countries. Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide precise meaning...

Maragno (Last name)

surnames > maragno

The surname Maragno is of Italian origin. It is a diminutive form of the given name Magno, which means "great" or "large" in Latin. In Italy, the name was often given to large chil...

Maraha (Last name)

surnames > maraha

The last name Maraha is of Slavic origin, specifically Polish. It is derived from the given name "Marek," which means "warrior" or "famous" in Polish. It is a common surname in Pol...