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Last Name Samara

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What is the origin of the last name Samara?

The surname Samara is of ancient Greek origin. In Greek, "Samara" translates to "support," "prop", or "pillar." This name could have been given to someone who provided physical support, metaphorical support, or was considered a pillar of their community. It is also a place name in Greece and Russia.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Samara

The surname Samara is of Greek origin and has two possible meanings: "defended" or "watchtower." In Greek, "sáma" means "defended," while "sámara" refers to a watchtower. This surname was often given to children born in areas with strategic watchtowers, or to families who had been defenders of their communities. The name has been adopted and spread through various cultures over time, notably among the Jewish diaspora. It is also found in countries that have a significant Greek influence, such as Greece itself, Cyprus, and other parts of Europe. The surname Samara is now commonly found around the world, reflecting the wide dispersal of Greeks throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Samara

The surname Samara has a significant presence in various regions worldwide, demonstrating its diversity and historical migrations. In Russia, the name is prevalent due to its Slavic origins, particularly in Central Federal District, specifically the city of Tver where it originates. In Brazil, the name Samara is popularly associated with the city of Samara in São Paulo state, reflecting the influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe. Additionally, the name can be found among Jewish communities in Israel, as well as in Portugal and Spain due to historical ties with these regions. The diaspora has also resulted in the presence of Samara in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, indicating a global dispersal of its carriers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Samara

The surname Samara can be found with various spellings and pronunciations due to cultural influences and transliteration. Here are some possible variations:

1. Samara - This is the most common English spelling, which originated from Slavic languages such as Russian or Ukrainian. It's pronounced with a stress on the first syllable (Sa-MAH-rah).

2. Samarah - An alternative English spelling that may be used to reflect the Arabic feminine given name Samarah, pronounced with a stress on the second syllable (sa-MAH-rah).

3. Zamara - A Spanish and Portuguese variant of the name, also used in some English-speaking regions, pronounced as THA-mah-rah or DA-mah-rah.

4. Sámaras - The Portuguese and Galician (a region in northwestern Spain) version, with an accent on the second syllable (sa-MAH-ras).

5. Самара (Samara) - The Russian Cyrillic spelling, pronounced identically to the English variation (Sa-MAH-rah).

6. Самаро (Samaro) - Another Russian variant, pronounced as sa-MAH-ro.

7. Samarow - A less common English spelling that might reflect a German influence, pronunciation similar to the original English version (Sa-MAH-rah).

Famous people with the last name Samara

Notable individuals sharing the surname Samara include:

1. Alexandra Samara (b. 1982), an American actress and model who starred in several films, including "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" remake.
2. Alyssa Samara (b. 1996), a Canadian actress and singer known for her roles in various television series and movies.
3. Alina Samaranch (1957-2018), the daughter of Juan Antonio Samaranch, was a Spanish politician and businesswoman. She served as President of the International Olympic Committee's Women and Sport Commission.
4. Mireille Enos (b. 1975, born Mireille Samara), an American actress who gained recognition for her roles in "The Killing" and "World War Z."
5. Vera Samaroff (1882-1960), a Russian-American pianist and music teacher who was highly regarded as a child prodigy and performed extensively during her career.
6. Sasha Samara (b. 1989), an American model, fashion designer, actress, and philanthropist who has walked for designers such as Alexander McQueen and Ralph Lauren.

Genealogical research on the last name Samara

The surname Samara is believed to have originated from various regions due to its diverse spelling variants, such as Samarah, Samarae, Samare, and Sameri, indicating a complex migration history. One possible origin traces back to the Hebrew name "Shamir" meaning "fire-arrow," which could have been a baptismal name given to Jews who converted to Christianity. Another theory suggests a geographical origin from the region of Samaria in the Holy Land, or the modern-day city of Samara in Russia. The name spread across Europe during the Middle Ages, with notable families like the Samaras of Venice and the Samare family of Barcelona contributing to their local histories. The Samara clan also migrated to America, particularly Florida, where they established prominent settlements. Today, the Samara surname can be found across various continents, reflecting its historic diversity and global dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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