Last Name Neggar

The surname Neggar is primarily associated with North African and Middle Eastern origins, particularly among people from Morocco and Iran. The name often has roots in occupations, locations, or tribal affiliations. In Arabic-speaking regions, "neggar" can be derived from the word "Nakhla," meaning "date palm." This could have been a reference to someone who worked with date palms, lived near a date palm grove, or belonged to a tribe associated with this plant. In Iranian culture, Negar is a feminine given name that means "beauty" in Persian. It's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, so the specific history of each Neggar family may vary. For a more accurate understanding of your personal lineage, genealogical research might be helpful.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Neggar

The meaning and origin of the last name Neggar

The surname Neggar is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name "Na'ger," which appears in the Old Testament as a designation for various people groups and places. Over time, this name evolved into Neggar in various languages, including Persian and Arabic, due to historical migrations and cultural assimilation. In Hebrew, Na'ger means "cobbler" or "shoemaker," reflecting an early occupation of someone bearing this name. The surname Neggar may also be associated with the Jewish diaspora as many Jews were known by their professions before adopting family names in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Neggar

The surname Neggar is predominantly found in regions with significant Iranian populations, primarily Iran itself, and other countries that have a large Iranian diaspora such as the United States, Canada, Germany, France, and Australia. Historically, the name may originate from various provinces in Iran, particularly Kerman, Fars, and Isfahan. In the diaspora, concentrations of the Neggar family can be found in cities with large Persian communities like Los Angeles, Toronto, Berlin, Paris, and Sydney. The surname Neggar is also present, albeit less frequently, in other Middle Eastern countries due to migration and cultural exchange over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Neggar

The surname Neggar has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration from other languages or dialects. Some common versions include Negger, Negar, Negaar, Neger, and Nagar. These variations may stem from linguistic influences such as regional dialects, misspellings, or phonetic changes over time.

In English, the spelling Neggar is less common compared to Negger, which seems to be more prevalent in countries like Germany and Austria. However, the use of Negar and Negaar may be more frequent among speakers of Persian or Arabic languages, as these spellings are similar to words with related meanings in those languages.

It's important to note that surnames can also vary based on factors such as immigration history, cultural assimilation, and personal preference. Therefore, it is not uncommon to encounter individuals who may use different versions of the same surname.

In summary, the variations of the last name Neggar/Negger include Negar, Negaar, Neger, Nagar, and possibly others due to factors like linguistic influences and personal preferences.

Famous people with the last name Neggar

Notable individuals with the surname Neggar include:

1. Negin Nabati Negar (born 1982), an Iranian actress and television presenter who gained fame for her role in the TV series "Cheraq."

2. Mojtaba Negari (born 1973), a former Iranian football goalkeeper who played for various clubs, including Persepolis FC, and represented the Iran national team.

3. Hossein Negar (born 1968), an Iranian businessman and philanthropist who is the founder and CEO of the Minoo Darou Pharmaceutical Company.

4. Arash Negahban (born 1975), a German-American actor known for his roles in television series like "Homeland," "Scandal," and "The Night Manager."

5. Mehdi Negar (born 1986), an Iranian football player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Esteghlal FC. He has also played for the Iran national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Neggar

The surname Neggar originates from the Middle East and is commonly associated with Persian and Jewish communities. The name is believed to be a variant of Naghdi or Naghdiev, which are Persian surnames. In Persia, Naghdi was an occupational name for a scribe or secretary, derived from the term "naghd" meaning writing or document. In Jewish tradition, it could potentially be linked to the Hebrew word "neged," meaning face or opponent, suggesting a professional title or a nickname. The Neggar family is known to have migrated from Persia to various parts of the world, including North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe, during the 19th and early 20th centuries as a result of political upheavals, economic changes, and religious persecution. Today, the Neggar family can be found in countries such as Iran, Israel, France, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "neggar"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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