Last Name Pavas

The surname Pavas is believed to have origins in Spain, specifically the region of Galicia. It is derived from a geographical location, a place called Pavía, which can be found in the province of Lugo. Surnames derived from places were very common during the late Middle Ages as an easy method of identification when travel and migration increased. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins, and this is just one of several possibilities for the name Pavas. For a more accurate understanding, genealogical research or consultation with a professional historian would be beneficial.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pavas

The meaning and origin of the last name Pavas

The surname Pavas is not widely recognized as having a definitive origin within the common European naming traditions. However, it is possible that it could be of Spanish or Italian origin, derived from the place names Pavía (in Spain) or Pavio (in Italy). These locations are associated with the Latin word "pavium," meaning a paved area, possibly suggesting that early bearers of this name may have lived near such an area. Another theory suggests it could be a variant of the Jewish surname Povas, originating from the Hebrew "Pa'av" meaning "fleet." Without definitive historical records, the exact origin and migration patterns of the Pavas surname remain a topic for further research and speculation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pavas

The surname Pavas is primarily found in Spain, particularly in the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands. According to genealogical research, it is a variant of the more common surnames Pavia or Pavía. This name originated from the medieval town of Pavia in Italy, with many Spanish families adopting the name after migration from the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista era. Over time, the surname spread beyond its original geographical boundaries as people migrated to various parts of Spain and later to other countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States, where descendants of Spanish immigrants still carry the name today.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pavas

The surname Pavas can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Pavass, Pavasz, Pavaszcz, Pawas, Pawasz, Pawasch, and Pavitsch. These variations may be found among individuals from different regions or ethnic backgrounds, particularly those of Hungarian, Polish, or Czech descent. The spelling may also have evolved due to assimilation or migration, where the name was adapted to conform with the phonetic rules of a new language. However, it's essential to note that these variations might lead to confusion in genealogical research and family history studies, as they can make it challenging to find and connect related families across different geographical locations and time periods.

Famous people with the last name Pavas

Notable individuals with the surname Pavas include:

1. Javier Pavas (born 1976), a Spanish former footballer who played as a defender for teams such as Real Madrid, Valencia, and Sevilla. He also represented the Spain national team at the UEFA Euro 2004.

2. Marcos Pavas (born 1993), an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Argentinos Juniors in Argentina's Primera División.

3. Ramón Pavas y Martínez (1865–1940), a Spanish architect known for his modernist style and his work on the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Silvia Pavas (born 1978), an Argentine actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Verdad consecuencia" and "Para vestir santos."

5. Yara Pavas (born 2001), a Spanish swimmer who competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro and won a gold medal in the Women's 100m Backstroke SM8 event.

Genealogical research on the last name Pavas

The surname Pavas is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the Valencian Community and Catalonia regions. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with roots in the Visigothic period (400-711 AD). The name is derived from the Old German "Pafa" or "Pabo," meaning servant or servant of Pavo, a personal name related to Latin "Pavus," meaning peacock. During the Moorish occupation of Spain (711-1492 AD), many Christian families fled to the north and adopted new surnames to distinguish themselves from the Muslim population. The Pavas family may have been among those who changed their names during this period. Over time, variations in spelling such as Pavás, Pavàs, Pava, or Pavas have emerged due to linguistic and transcription changes over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "pavas"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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