Last Name Pares

The surname "Pares" has multiple origins. It can be of Spanish origin and is derived from a place name such as Paredes in Cantabria, or it could be from the Occitan word "pares," which means "peers" or "equals." In Catalan-speaking regions of Spain, it's also an occupational surname for a judge or arbitrator. However, without specific context or information about the individual bearing the name, it is not possible to definitively determine its origin in this case.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pares

The meaning and origin of the last name Pares

The surname Pares has its roots in several European countries, notably Spain, France, and Portugal, but it is most commonly associated with Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. Derived from the Latin word "par", meaning "equal" or "pair," the surname Pares initially denoted someone who possessed two of something, indicating symmetry or balance. Over time, it has come to be used as both a given name and a surname across various cultures. In Spain, where the name is particularly prevalent, it can also be a diminutive form of the given name Pere, which means Peter in English. The spelling variations of this surname include Parés, Parès, Pares, Pares, and others, reflecting regional dialects and historical changes in the writing system.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pares

The last name Pares has its origins primarily in Spain and Portugal, where it is relatively common. In Spain, it is most frequently found in regions like Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León. In Portugal, the name is prevalent in districts such as Braga, Porto, and Minho. It also has a presence in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, where it may have been carried by immigrants from Spain or Portugal. Additionally, there are pockets of Pares families in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States, France, and Canada, due to historical migration patterns and family dispersal over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pares

The surname Pares has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variations include: 1. Paraés – this is a French spelling that originates from Catalonia, Spain. It follows the French rules for adding an accent to the 'e' after the 'a'. 2. Parés – without the accent, this version may be found in regions of Spain other than Catalonia. 3. Parez – this is a simplified version without diacritical marks, which could be used in English-speaking countries or by individuals who prefer a more streamlined spelling. 4. Paraes – an alternative spelling with the final 's' lowercase, which is sometimes seen in English texts. 5. Parace – this is an uncommon variant that may represent a phonetic adaptation of the original name, particularly in regions where the pronunciation has shifted over time. 6. Parames – another rare version, it could represent a misspelling or an attempt to conform the surname to the local naming conventions of a specific region.

Famous people with the last name Pares

The Pares surname is associated with several notable figures in various fields. In music, José Iturbi, a Spanish pianist and conductor, gained international fame for his interpretations of classical compositions. In literature, María Amparo Pares, a Cuban-American author, is known for her works such as "El Luchador" and "La Familia de los Muertos." In sports, Manuel Pares was a Spanish football player who played as a goalkeeper in the 1930s. He represented both Barcelona and Spain, winning numerous titles. In the world of science, José Miguel Pareyas, a Filipino scientist, has made significant contributions to genetics research. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and impact that people with the surname Pares have had across different spheres of human endeavor.

Genealogical research on the last name Pares

The surname Pares originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain and Portugal, where it is derived from the medieval occupational name "parer," meaning "mason" or "bricklayer." This surname was often given to individuals who worked in this profession, as well as their descendants. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name Pares can be traced back to 1270, in Galicia, Spain, where a certain Pedro Parres appears in historical records. The name also appears in Portugal, with references to the Pares family dating back to the 15th century. In Portugal, the surname is sometimes spelled "Parente," as it was common for Iberian surnames to have multiple spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording practices. The Pares family can be found across Spain and Portugal, with notable branches in Galicia, Asturias, Castile-Leon, Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, and the Azores and Madeira islands of Portugal. The name also spread to other regions of Europe through migration and colonization, particularly during the Age of Discovery when Spanish and Portuguese explorers, merchants, and settlers established settlements in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Today, the Pares surname is found globally, with significant populations in Spain, Portugal, South America, North America, and parts of Europe and Asia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pares"
• 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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