Last Name Navarro

The last name "Navarro" has its origin in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain. It is a surname of Spanish origin and is derived from the word "Navarro," which was used to refer to people from the Kingdom of Navarre. The Kingdom of Navarre was a medieval state situated in present-day northern Spain and southern France. The surname "Navarro" was likely given to individuals who hailed from this region, distinguishing them from others. Over time, the name spread and became a common surname not only in Navarre but also in other parts of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Navarro

In terms of ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals that the majority of those carrying the Navarro surname identify as Hispanic. In 2000, 86.57% identified as such, and this figure increased slightly to 88.14% by 2010. Meanwhile, there were slight decreases for those identifying as White (from 7.90% to 6.66%), Asian/Pacific Islander (from 4.10% to 4.04%), Black (from 0.45% to 0.38%), and American Indian and Alaskan Native (from 0.27% to 0.23%). Those identifying with two or more races also decreased from 0.71% to 0.55% over the decade.

	2000	2010	Change
Hispanic	86.57%	88.14%	1.81%
White	7.9%	6.66%	-15.7%
Asian/Pacific Islander	4.1%	4.04%	-1.46%
Two or More Races	0.71%	0.55%	-22.54%
Black	0.45%	0.38%	-15.56%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.27%	0.23%	-14.81%

Navarro ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Navarro is Spanish & Portuguese, which comprises 38.8% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Indigenous American (24.6%) and British & Irish (10.9%). Additional ancestries include French & German, Filipino & Austronesian, Italian, Eastern European, and Scandinavian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Spanish & Portuguese	38.8%
Indigenous American	24.6%
British & Irish	10.9%
Other	25.7%

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Navarro

The meaning and origin of the last name Navarro

The surname Navarro is derived from the Latin word "navarrus," which means "from Navarre." Navarro is a locational surname that originated in the Navarre region of northern Spain. The region of Navarre, known as the Kingdom of Navarre during medieval times, played a significant role in medieval Spanish history. The name Navarro was originally used to identify someone who hailed from this region or had ancestral roots there. The Navarre region has a diverse cultural background, influenced by various ancient civilizations and ethnic groups. It is believed that the surname Navarro may have been adopted by individuals who migrated from Navarre to different parts of Spain or even overseas, carrying their regional identity as they settled in new locations. Over time, the surname Navarro spread beyond the confines of Navarre and became more widespread throughout Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. Today, it remains a common and renowned surname associated with a proud heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Navarro

The last name Navarro has a wide geographical distribution, primarily found in countries with Spanish-speaking populations. It is most commonly encountered in Spain, where the name originated. In Spain, you can find a significant number of individuals with the surname Navarro in regions such as Navarre, Valencia, and Andalusia. The Navarro surname has also spread to other Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru, due to historical Spanish colonization and immigration. In the United States, the last name Navarro is often found in areas with a strong Hispanic population, such as California, Texas, and Florida. Additionally, the name may have reached other parts of the world through migration and diaspora. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Navarro reflects the historical and cultural connections of Spanish-speaking communities across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Navarro

The last name Navarro has several variations and spellings depending on the region and historical influences. One common variation is Navarre, which is associated with the French influence, as the name Navarre is derived from the historical region in northern Spain that was once part of the Kingdom of Navarre. Another variant is Navar, which is often seen in Portugal or among individuals with Portuguese ancestry. Additionally, the name may be spelled as Navero, Navara, or even Navarroz in some instances. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, phonetic interpretation, and immigration patterns. The surname Navarro itself originates from the Basque language and is derived from the words 'naba' (meaning 'plain') and 'erri' (meaning 'town or settlement'). Today, the variations and spellings of the last name Navarro contribute to the diverse linguistic tapestry of individuals with this surname worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Navarro

Juan Carlos Navarro is a renowned Spanish basketball player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Nicknamed "La Bomba," he played for FC Barcelona for the majority of his career and also had a successful stint in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. Navarro's skills, particularly his deadly three-point shooting and crafty playmaking, earned him numerous accolades, including being named the Euroleague MVP in 2009. Another notable Navarro is Dave Navarro, a prominent American musician and guitarist. He gained fame as a member of the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction and has also collaborated with renowned artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nine Inch Nails. Navarro's distinctive style and technical prowess on the guitar have solidified his standing as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.

Genealogical research on the last name Navarro

The surname Navarro has its origins in the ancient region of Navarre in Spain. Its etymology can be traced back to the Basque word "Nabar," meaning "plain" or "plateau," suggesting that the early bearers of the name may have lived or hailed from this mountainous area. Over time, the Navarro family spread beyond the borders of Navarre, with individuals migrating to other parts of Spain and even crossing the Atlantic to the Americas. As a result, the surname Navarro is relatively common in various Spanish-speaking countries today, such as Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. Throughout history, the Navarro family has likely played diverse roles in society, including farmers, merchants, soldiers, and professionals. Genealogical research on the Navarro surname would uncover familial connections, documenting different branches and potentially revealing fascinating stories and ancestral ties within this widespread and culturally significant name.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Navarro"
• 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 April 2025

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