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Last Name Tava

What is the origin of the last name Tava?

The last name "Tava" has multiple possible origins, depending on the region and culture it is associated with. 1) In Portuguese: "Tava" is a variant of the Portuguese last name "Tavares" or "Tavarez." This name is derived from the medieval Portuguese word "tavares," meaning "the one who prepares or sells dishes." It was often used to refer to someone who worked as a taveiro, which was a person responsible for preparing and selling meals at fairs, markets, or public events. 2) In Indian: "Tava" can also be of Indian origin, especially in Indian surnames. In various Indian languages, "tava" means "griddle" or "skillet" used for cooking. Hence, "Tava" might be derived from a family or caste associated with the profession of cooking or culinary skills. It is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, so these are just a couple of possible explanations for the origin of the last name "Tava." Further research into specific family histories or regional influences may provide more insights.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Tava

The meaning and origin of the last name Tava

The surname Tava has its origins in multiple regions across the world and can be traced back to different cultural backgrounds. In Malta, Tava is a common surname of Italian origin, derived from the Italian word "tava" meaning "a large plate or dish." The surname might have been originally used to denote someone who worked or traded in the pottery or culinary industry, or simply referred to a person with a wide, plate-like face. In India, Tava is a surname predominantly found among the Kaibarta community, who are traditionally fishermen and boatmen. In this context, Tava is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word "tava" or "tav," which means "a wooden vessel or boat." This suggests that the surname was used to identify individuals associated with maritime occupations or related activities. Overall, the surname Tava has diverse origins, representing different occupational backgrounds and cultural influences in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tava

The last name Tava is primarily found in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries. In Portugal, the name is most prevalent in the northern regions, especially in the districts of Braga, Viana do Castelo, and Porto. These areas are known for their rich cultural heritage and close proximity to the Spanish border, which might have influenced the spread of the surname. In Brazil, the Tava surname is more widespread across the country due to the significant Portuguese immigration in the past centuries. The states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Bahia are among the regions with a higher concentration of individuals with the last name Tava. Furthermore, as both Portugal and Brazil have historical connections with former colonies, it is possible to find Tava families in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, where Portuguese influence has been lasting.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tava

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Famous people with the last name Tava

There have been several notable individuals with the last name Tava who have left their mark in various fields. One famous personality is Carla Tavares, a Portuguese politician who served as the Mayor of Amadora from 2005 to 2013. Her notable achievements during her tenure include urban revitalizations and increased public transportation accessibility. In the world of sports, we find João Tavares, a renowned Portuguese ice hockey player who has represented Portugal in numerous international competitions. He has been instrumental in promoting and developing the sport in a country where it is not widely recognized. Lastly, João Carlos Tavares Pinheiro, better known as Johnny Tavares, is a Brazilian musician and composer. Known for his unique and innovative guitar-playing techniques, Tavares has made a significant impact in the music industry and has been recognized with various awards for his contributions to Brazilian music.

Genealogical research on the last name Tava

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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 : 11 April 2025

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