Last Name Mares

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mares

The meaning and origin of the last name Mares

The surname Mares originates from various European regions, with its earliest documented appearances dating back to the Middle Ages. In Spain, it is derived from the Latin word "mares," meaning "seas" or "waters," indicating a possible occupational name for someone who lived near a body of water or worked as a sailor. In other parts of Europe, such as France and England, Mares could have different origins. For instance, it might be a diminutive form of the given name Marie or a topographic surname for someone who lived by a marshy area. Over time, the spelling has evolved in different countries, including variations like Maers, Meares, and Meyer, reflecting local linguistic influences. Today, the Mares surname can be found among populations across Europe and the Americas, with its distribution being most concentrated in Spain, France, and English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mares

The surname Mares is predominantly distributed across several regions, with significant concentrations in Spanish-speaking countries like Spain and Mexico, due to its origin from the Latin word "maris" which means sea. In Spain, it is particularly common in the regions of Castile-Leon, Valencia, and Catalonia. In Mexico, it is most frequent in the states of Jalisco, Guerrero, Michoacan, and Oaxaca. Additionally, the name Mares can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Outside of Latin America, there are also populations carrying the surname Mares in countries like France, where it is primarily found in the region of Brittany, and the United States, especially in states with large Hispanic communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mares

The surname Mares is predominantly found among Spanish, French, and Romanian individuals. Variations and spellings of this name include:

1. Mares - This is one of the most common English spellings and originates from various Romance languages, including French and Spanish.
2. Marès - This French spelling features an accent over the final 'e', indicating a longer vowel sound in pronunciation.
3. Máres - This spelling is found among speakers of languages using the Latin alphabet but with diacritical marks, such as Hungarian and some Romance languages.
4. Maers - A less common English spelling that may be due to misinterpretation or typographical errors.
5. Maris - An alternative English spelling, often found among individuals of French or Scandinavian descent. It is not typically associated with the Spanish surname Mares.
6. De los Mares - A Spanish variation using a possessive article 'de' and the plural form 'los' before the surname to indicate belonging to multiple people sharing the same name.
7. Los Marés - An alternative Spanish spelling, this time using the uncountable noun 'marés', which refers to tidal zones or marshes, and may have been given as a topographical surname in the past.
8. Marescu - A Romanian variant of the name that originates from the same root but has undergone phonetic changes due to language evolution.

Famous people with the last name Mares

The Mares surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In sports, Carlos Mares is a retired professional boxer who held the IBF super featherweight title from 1987 to 1989. In entertainment, Tawny Kitaen, born Hamiltonian Caroline Mares, was an American actress and singer, best known for her roles in the films "Bachelor Party" and "Witchboard." In science, Richard J. Mares is a renowned professor of physics at Texas A&M University who has made significant contributions to the field of particle astrophysics. In politics, Tom Mares served as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives from 1983 to 1987. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and impact of those bearing the last name Mares.

Genealogical research on the last name Mares

The surname Mares is believed to have originated in France, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the 13th century. Variations including Mares, Maré, and Maers are also found. The name is thought to be derived from either a topographic or occupational source. One theory suggests that it comes from the Old French word "mare," meaning "sea" or "large body of water," potentially indicating a person who lived near such a feature. Another hypothesis is that it originated from the occupation of a "maréchal," a military officer in charge of cavalry units during the Middle Ages. The Mares family has been documented in several French regions, including Normandy, Brittany, and Lorraine. The surname spread to other parts of Europe, particularly England and Spain, due to historical events such as the Norman Conquest and Reconquista. In English-speaking countries, the name has since diversified into various spellings and branches.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mares"
• 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