Last Name Mav

The surname "Mav" does not have a clear and definitive origin that can be pinpointed with certainty. It is a relatively uncommon surname and its origins are likely to be traced back to various ethnic groups or regions around the world. One possible theory suggests that it may originate from the Slavic language, where "mav" could mean "smoke," possibly indicating a nickname for someone who was associated with smoke in some way. This theory might be applicable to individuals of Eastern European descent, particularly those originating from countries like Russia, Ukraine, or Bulgaria. Another possible origin suggests that it could be a variant or shortened form of other surnames such as "Mavrommatis," which means "son of the black-eyed one" in Greek, and "Mavrocordatos," which translates to "black heart" in Greek. These variants may have been adopted by individuals who immigrated from Greece or other regions where Greek was spoken. Lastly, it is also possible that the surname Mav could have multiple origins and be connected to different languages and ethnic groups. Without specific information about an individual's family history, it remains challenging to definitively establish the origin of the name Mav.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mav

The meaning and origin of the last name Mav

The surname Mav, variantly spelled as Mavas, Mavasakis, or Mavroudis, is of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek given name 'Mavros,' which means 'black' in English. This surname was commonly adopted by individuals who were named after their dark hair or complexion. Over time, the surname spread across various regions due to historical events such as population movements and migrations. Today, the Mav surname is predominantly found in Greece but can also be encountered among Greek diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mav

The surname Mav is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Bulgaria and Romania. In Bulgaria, it is one of the most common surnames, often associated with the Bulgarian ethnic minority in Northern Greece, known as Pomaks. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of Greece, including Thessaloniki and Macedonia regions. In Romania, it is primarily concentrated in Dobruja, a historical region along the Black Sea border with Bulgaria. Additionally, there are pockets of individuals with the surname Mav in other Eastern European countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Serbia, potentially due to migration or historical connections with Bulgaria and Romania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mav

The surname Mav can have various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Here are some common variants:

1. Maw - This spelling is often seen as an alternative form in English-speaking countries, particularly among individuals with Eastern European ancestry.
2. Máv - This is the Hungarian version of the surname.
3. Maev - A less common variant, although it can be found occasionally.
4. Mayv - Another uncommon spelling that may appear in some genealogical records.
5. Mawy - A potential phonetic variation that could arise from attempts to spell the name phonetically in English.
6. Maevis - A feminine form of the surname, which is less common but still occurs occasionally.
7. Mávius - A possible alternative spelling or typographical error that may arise due to confusion with the Hungarian version.
8. Maevz - An alternate spelling that could potentially occur as a result of misspellings or errors in transcription.
9. Mave - This is a shorter, informal variation of the surname that may be used occasionally.

Famous people with the last name Mav

Notable individuals with the surname Mav include:

1. Mitch Mavromates, an American professional wrestler who performed under the ring name "The Greek God" Baba Kato and was best known for his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).

2. John Mavrogianis, a Canadian retired ice hockey player of Greek descent, who played 45 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Chicago Black Hawks between 1976 and 1980.

3. Nikos Mavroudis, a Greek professional basketball coach and former player, who won the Greek Basket League championship as both a player and a coach. He is also a two-time European Champion as a head coach with Olympiacos.

4. Steve Maviglio, an American Democratic Party political consultant and lobbyist from California, who served as the Chief of Staff for California State Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez.

5. George Mavrothalassitis, better known by his stage name Gus Mavrogiannis, a Greek singer, songwriter, and actor who represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004.

Genealogical research on the last name Mav

The surname Mav originates from various regions, demonstrating its diverse heritage. In Eastern Europe, particularly among Slavic populations, it's a variant of the name Makar or Maksim, derived from the old Slavic name Maksimilian. In Greece, the name Mavris or Mavros is an occupational surname for a dyer, derived from the Greek word "mavros" meaning black. The Hungarian form, Máv, may be a variant of Matya or Máté. The Jewish variation, Meivar, is of Hebrew origin, meaning "to bind." Notably, the Mav family in Iceland can trace their lineage back to Ólafur Másson, an influential chieftain who lived around the year 1000. Despite its various origins, the name Mav is relatively uncommon globally, suggesting a dispersed yet intriguing ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "mav"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends