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Last Name Soare

What is the origin of the last name Soare?

The surname Soare (or Sauare) has its origins in Romania. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a clearing or glade, derived from the Romanian word "soare" meaning "patch of sunlight." It may also be an occupational name for a blacksmith or farrier, as "soare" can refer to a piece of iron used in this trade. The name is most common in the regions of Moldavia and Muntenia in Romania.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Soare

The meaning and origin of the last name Soare

The surname Soare has Romanian origins, derived from the word "soare," which means "daylight" or "sun" in the Romanian language. It is a common surname in Romania and Moldova, where it is often found among peasants and rural inhabitants. Historically, it may have been a nickname given to someone who was particularly cheerful or lively, as though they were a ray of sunshine. The name Soare can also be found in other parts of Europe due to migration and assimilation over the centuries. It is an example of a patronymic surname, where it was originally used to denote the son of someone with the given name Soare.

Geographical distribution of the last name Soare

The surname "Soare" is predominantly found in Romania, particularly in the southern region, including counties such as Dolj, Gorj, and Olt, where it is one of the most common names. It is also present in neighboring countries, such as Moldova and Ukraine, due to historical migration patterns. The name has also been recorded in small numbers in other parts of Europe and North America, where Romanian immigrants have settled over time. The frequency of the surname "Soare" varies significantly within Romania, with higher concentrations in certain communities and lower occurrences in others. It is important to note that the distribution of this name reflects historical demographic trends and cultural migration patterns, providing insights into the geographical origins and dispersal of Romanian populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Soare

The surname Soare has various spellings and variations across different regions. Some common forms include Soar, Sore, Soure, and Sowar, all of which stem from the original Romanian spelling "Soare." This name is derived from a Romanian word meaning "sun," reflecting its origin in Romania. It may also be found as Sauers or Sowers in Anglicized forms, particularly among individuals who have emigrated from Romania and adopted English surnames. The French form of the name is often spelled Soreau or Souareau. Additionally, slight variations such as Soares (Portuguese) and Zsoar (Hungarian) may be encountered. These variations serve to highlight the diverse cultural backgrounds and histories associated with the Soare surname.

Famous people with the last name Soare

Notable individuals bearing the surname Soare include:

* Mircea Eliade (1907-1986), a Romanian historian of religion, philosopher, and writer, best known for his work on shamanism and the history of religions. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970.
* Radu Soare (born 1945), a Romanian-American mathematician who made contributions to combinatorics, graph theory, and number theory. He is currently a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
* Alexandru Soare (1869-1937), a Romanian politician who served as Prime Minister of Romania from 1928 to 1930. He was also a member of the Romanian Academy and a prominent figure in the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
* Gabriela Soare (born 1984), a Romanian-American actress who is best known for her role as Ana in the television series "The Americans." She has also appeared in films such as "The Adderall Diaries" and "The Last Witch Hunter."
* Dan Soare (born 1963), a Romanian-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the company TeraGo Networks, a leading provider of cloud computing services in Canada. He is also a supporter of various charitable causes in both Romania and Canada.

Genealogical research on the last name Soare

The surname Soare originates from Romania and is derived from the Romanian word "soare" meaning 'sun' or 'daylight'. Historically, it was often given to children born during daytime. The earliest recorded instances of this name can be traced back to medieval Romania. One notable bearer of the Soare surname is Petre P. Soare (1897-1968), a Romanian painter, who played an important role in the development of Romanian modern art. In Transylvania, the Soare family was prominent in the 15th century, with several members serving as mayors and officials under the Hungarian rule. In Moldavia, the Soares were landowners and were part of the boyar class, the highest ranking nobility under the Ottoman Empire. The Soare surname is also found in other parts of Eastern Europe, such as Moldova and Ukraine, due to migration and historical ties.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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