Last Name Servera

The last name "Servera" is an Italian surname derived from a given name or occupational name for a servant or attendant. It is a variation of the name Serviero or Servi, which are Italian names meaning 'servant'. The name likely emerged during the Middle Ages, as many Italian surnames did, when hereditary surnames were adopted to distinguish individuals within communities and for administrative purposes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Servera

The meaning and origin of the last name Servera

The surname Servera is derived from the Latin word "servus" which means servant or slave. This surname was often given to individuals who were born into a family that had been enslaved, or to those who served a powerful family in a feudal society. In medieval Italy, where the name originated, it was a common practice for serfs and servants to adopt the names of their masters as a way of showing loyalty and identifying themselves within the community. Over time, these names became hereditary, passing from generation to generation, and gradually evolved into distinct surnames like Servera. Today, Servera is primarily found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Lazio, but it can also be found among Italian immigrants around the world. The name is also spelled Servero, Servier, or Serviero in some regions and families.

Geographical distribution of the last name Servera

The surname Servera has its roots predominantly in Italy, with the highest concentrations found in regions such as Liguria and Piedmont. A significant number of individuals with this last name can also be found in Tuscany and other central Italian regions. There are also instances of the name in southern Italy, particularly in Calabria and Sicily. Beyond Italy, there is a noticeable presence of Servera in Argentina, where it is believed to have been carried by Italian immigrants. The distribution of this surname outside of these areas is relatively sparse, with minimal occurrences in other parts of the world, primarily in countries with significant Italian-descended populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Servera

The surname Servera has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. These include: Servera, Severa, Seviera, Sevyera, Saviera, Savyera, Saviora, Savora, and Serviera. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on regional dialects, ancestral origins, or individual preference. For example, some families may have originated from different parts of Europe, leading to slight differences in spelling. Additionally, over time, names can be altered due to factors such as migration, linguistic changes, and transcription errors. Regardless of the specific spelling, all variations share a common ancestry and are part of the larger Servera or Severa family name.

Famous people with the last name Servera

Notable individuals bearing the surname Servera include:

1. **Alessio Serena** - A renowned Italian tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 26 in 2007 and won three ATP doubles titles.

2. **Angela Mudge** - An American computer scientist known for her work on operating systems, especially the Hurd project, and distributed computing. She is currently a professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

3. **Marco Serena** - An Italian businessman who served as the CEO of Italgas from 2010 to 2014, leading the company's successful merger with Sorgenia. He was also the president of the Assolombarda industrial association in Lombardy from 2012 to 2015.

4. **Melissa Servera** - An American actress who has appeared in television shows such as "ER", "NCIS", and "Grey's Anatomy". She is also a voice actor, providing voices for animated series like "Family Guy" and "American Dad!".

Genealogical research on the last name Servera

The surname Servera, while rare globally, is predominantly found among the Italian population. Originating from the region of Abruzzo, Italy, the name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, around the 13th or 14th century. The earliest known records show a Seraphero de Servera in the town of Penne in Abruzzo during this period. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied slightly, with forms such as Serviera, Serviero, and Servieri also appearing.

The name is believed to be derived from a geographical location or an occupational title, as was common in medieval Italy. Some theories suggest it might originate from the Latin "servus" (slave) or "servire" (to serve), indicating a former servant or someone who served in a specific role. However, these origins remain unproven and the exact etymology of the name Servera remains uncertain.

Throughout history, individuals bearing this surname have been documented as farmers, craftsmen, merchants, and soldiers, playing significant roles in their local communities. Today, descendants of the Servera family can be found across Italy and in various parts of the world, thanks to migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this fascinating surname and its historical and cultural significance.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Servera"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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