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Last Name Naar

What is the origin of the last name Naar?

The surname "Naar" is of Dutch and Frisian origin. It is derived from various place names found in the Netherlands and in the north of Friesland province, such as Naardingen and Noordwijk (now known as Noordwijkerhout). The name may also be a variant of the Jewish surname "Naarh" or "Nahar," which is derived from the Hebrew name "Nahor." Additionally, it can be a modernized spelling of the German-Jewish name "Nachr" or "Nacher," a diminutive form of the given name Nachum. However, like many surnames, the exact origin and history of the name "Naar" can vary greatly depending on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Naar

The meaning and origin of the last name Naar

The surname "Naar" is of Dutch and Flemish origin, derived from various places named "Naaer" or "Naerde" in Belgium and the Netherlands. It is also found in German-speaking regions due to historical migrations. The name is topographic, referring to a dweller by a clearing (Dutch: naard) or a meadow (Dutch: natte weide). In some cases, it could have been an occupational surname for someone who managed a clearing or meadow. Over time, various spellings of the name have emerged due to regional dialects and scribal errors, including Naer, Neer, and Nier in Dutch, as well as Naar and Nehr in German.

Geographical distribution of the last name Naar

The surname "Naar" originates from the Netherlands and is primarily found in that country, particularly in the provinces of North Holland and South Holland. It is also present to some extent in Belgium, where it may have been taken by Dutch-speaking immigrants or migrants. Additionally, a small number of individuals with the surname "Naar" can be found in other parts of the world due to migration, including South Africa, the United States, Canada, and Australia, where descendants of Dutch settlers and immigrants have settled over time. The distribution of this surname reflects historical patterns of Dutch colonialism, immigration, and settlement.

Variants and spellings of the last name Naar

The surname "Naar" has several variations and spellings in different parts of the world due to historical transliteration, migration, and regional dialects. Some common variations include: Near, Neer, Naher, Naahr, Naaar, När, Nar, Naer, Naherr, and Naherr-Näher.

In English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada, it is often spelled "Near" or "Neer." In German-speaking regions, it can be found as "Naher," "Naahr," or "När." In Scandinavian countries, the surname can appear as "Naar" in English or "När" in Swedish and Norwegian.

It is essential to note that these variations may have different origins and could represent distinct lineages or families, although they share a common root. It is crucial for genealogical research to be aware of the various spellings when tracing ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Naar

The last name Naar is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of academia, Jaap Neervoort Naar (born 1963) is a renowned Dutch philosopher known for his work on Wittgenstein and hermeneutics. In music, Anne-Sophie Mutter Naar, born Anne-Sophie Mutter in Germany, is an internationally acclaimed violinist who has received numerous awards and accolades for her performances. On the other hand, in sports, Joris Naar (born 1987) is a Dutch professional basketball player who has played for teams like ZZ Leiden and Landstede Hammers in the Dutch Basketball League. In the literary world, Frits Naatsen Naar (1908-1955), also known as Frits Naets, was a Dutch poet and resistance fighter during World War II.

Genealogical research on the last name Naar

The surname "Naar" originates from the Netherlands and is primarily found among Dutch speakers. It is derived from various places with the same name, most notably in the provinces of Overijssel, Friesland, and Groningen. In these regions, it could have developed as a habitational name for someone who lived in one of these towns named Naar.

The earliest recorded spelling of this surname is believed to be that of Jan Naaer, who was listed in the census of Overijssel in 1398. The family tree shows a steady migration from the Netherlands to other parts of Europe and the New World throughout history, with notable emigrations during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century) and again during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Naar descendants have made significant contributions in various fields worldwide, including art, politics, and science. Notable figures with this surname include Johan Naar, a prominent Dutch painter, and Jacobus Johannes Pieter Naar, a renowned botanist who specialized in orchids.

Today, there are estimated to be over 30,000 people with the surname "Naar" worldwide, with the majority still residing in the Netherlands. Variants of the name may include Naaijer, Naayer, and Naayers, which could have arisen due to regional dialects or scribal errors.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 25 July 2025

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