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Last Name Matabaro

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What is the origin of the last name Matabaro?

The surname Matabaro is of Basque origin, a historical region located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. It is one of the many surnames that originated from the Basque Country. The name Matabaro may have derived from various sources, such as a specific place or occupational name. However, without specific context or additional information, it is challenging to determine the exact origin of the surname Matabaro.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Matabaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Matabaro

The surname Matabaro is of African origin, specifically from the Bantu languages spoken by various ethnic groups in Africa. The name is believed to be derived from the Shona language, one of the Bantu languages, and it translates to "we are many" or "plentiful". It could have been given to a family with multiple children, signifying its growth over time. The name has been traced back to various ethnic groups in Zimbabwe and is now found among their diaspora due to migration. However, the exact origin of the name Matabaro remains uncertain as surnames were not widely adopted in Africa until the colonial era when European explorers and missionaries introduced them to formalize the identification of individuals and families.

Geographical distribution of the last name Matabaro

The surname Matabaro is primarily found in West African countries, notably Benin and Togo, due to their historic ties and cultural exchange. It is also present in Nigeria, particularly among the Edo people, who share linguistic and cultural similarities with the Fon people of Benin, where the name originates. The Matabaro surname can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin), where it was a noble title or a surname of high esteem. Its distribution outside West Africa is relatively limited, although there are instances of its occurrence in other parts of the world as a result of migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Matabaro

The surname Matabaro can be found with various spelling variations due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and migration-related modifications. Some of these variations include Matabaro, Matabarro, Matawaro, Matabaru, and Matawor. These differences stem from factors like phonetic changes during the migration process, different transliteration methods in various languages, or simply typographical errors over time. It's essential to understand that these variations may have originated from a common root or ancestor name.

Famous people with the last name Matabaro

Notable individuals with the surname Matabaro include:

1. Charles Matabaro (born 1961), a South African singer-songwriter and musician known for his work with the group Mafikizolo. He has won numerous awards, including multiple South African Music Awards.

2. Sibusiso Matabaro (born 1985), a South African rugby union player who plays as a hooker. He represented South Africa in the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

3. Eunice Matabaro, a Zimbabwean human rights activist and lawyer who co-founded the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) in 1996. She has received several international awards for her work promoting human rights and rule of law.

4. Nkosana Matabaro, a South African actor best known for his role as Dr. Mxolisi Kunene on the television series Isidingo from 2008 to 2016. He has also appeared in several films and stage productions.

Genealogical research on the last name Matabaro

The Matabaro surname is primarily associated with the Bantu ethnic group in West Africa, particularly in countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon. The name can be traced back to various African languages, with "Mbata" meaning 'king' or 'ruler' and "bara" translating to 'town' or 'village', suggesting a possible original meaning of "one from the king's town." However, precise origins are often difficult to determine due to the lack of written records in African history. Notable personalities with this surname include Matabaro Koffi from Cote d'Ivoire, who is a football player, and Matabaro Ateba, a Gabonese economist. Genealogical research on this name can be challenging due to the lack of centralized records in Africa, but resources like the AfriGeneas website offer useful information for those seeking family history.

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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