Last Name Navas

The surname Navas has multiple origins, but it is most commonly believed to be of Spanish origin. It comes from a place-name derived from the Latin word "navis," meaning "ship." The name could have been given to someone who lived near a shipyard or navigable body of water, or it may have been used as a nickname for someone who was skilled at navigation. However, it's important to note that surnames can also have different origins in other countries with similar sounding names. For a more precise origin, research related to the specific geographical location and historical context of your family would be required.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Navas

The meaning and origin of the last name Navas

The surname Navas is of Spanish origin, deriving from the Old Occitan term "navax" which means "young hawk". It was often given to individuals who were strong and agile, as these traits were associated with the young hawk. Over time, the name spread throughout Spain, particularly in regions such as Aragon and Castile. Today, it remains a common surname in the Spanish-speaking world, though it can also be found among the Spanish diaspora. The variant forms of this surname include Navás, de Navas, y Navas, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Navas

The last name Navas is primarily distributed across various regions in Spain and Portugal, with significant concentrations in these two countries. In Spain, it is most common in the autonomous communities of Castile-Leon, Andalusia, and Valencia, reflecting historical migration patterns and settlements. In Portugal, the name is also prevalent, particularly in the northern regions such as Minho and Douro, indicating possible Celtic or Roman origins. Beyond Iberia, the Navas surname can be found in Latin America, especially among descendants of Spanish and Portuguese immigrants. Smaller numbers of individuals with this last name reside in countries with large diaspora populations from Spain and Portugal, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Navas

The surname Navas has several spelling variations, primarily due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, and regional dialects over time. Some common variants of the surname Navas include: Navarro, Navaro, Navarró, Navarró-Reyes, de Navas, del Navas, y Navas, Los Navas, Las Navas, and Navás. Additionally, it may be found in conjunction with other names as a middle name or double surname. The origins of the name can be traced back to Spain, where it is derived from a place name, likely related to the word "nava" meaning plain or valley in Old Spanish. It has been brought to various parts of the world by Spanish immigrants and their descendants over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Navas

Notable individuals sharing the surname Navas include:

1. Keylor Navas (Costa Rican professional footballer who is a goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain and the Costa Rica national team, having previously played for Real Madrid. He was part of the Costa Rican squad that made history by reaching the quarterfinals at the 2014 FIFA World Cup).

2. Juan Carlos Navas (Spanish retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla, winning La Liga with both clubs, as well as the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup twice each).

3. Loreto Navas (a Spanish mathematician known for his contributions to algebraic geometry. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the 2016 Fields Medal, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics").

4. Carlos Navas (a Colombian journalist and television host who is currently the anchor of Noticiero Uno on RCN Televisión, one of Colombia's leading news networks).

5. Pedro Navas (a Spanish film director, screenwriter, and producer known for films such as "El Orgullo de Magdalena" and "Todos a bordo").

Genealogical research on the last name Navas

The surname Navas originates from Spain and is of Basque origin. It is derived from the Basque word "naba" meaning "lake", or "navarrerria" which means "Navarrese". The first known bearer of this name was Eneco Navaza, a knight mentioned in documents dating back to 1256 in the Kingdom of Navarre. Over time, the spelling variants of the surname include Navas, Navaz, de Navas, and Navarro. The family spread throughout Spain during the Middle Ages, with notable bearers appearing in Castile, Aragon, and Valencia. Navas family members often held significant positions within their local communities, with some serving as knights, priests, or town officials. Today, the Navas surname can be found in various parts of the world due to emigration during the Spanish colonization era and subsequent migrations throughout history. Notable bearers include Spanish athletes such as Rafael Navarro and Alvaro Navarro.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Navas"
• 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

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