Last Name Varez

Learn more about the origin of the last name Varez

The meaning and origin of the last name Varez

The surname Varez (or Varés) is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from various places named "Vara" in Spain and Portugal. The name "Vara" itself comes from the Latin word "vara," meaning a staff or measuring rod, which was used to determine land boundaries during the Roman Empire. Over time, families living near these settlements started taking on the place names as their surnames. In some instances, the surname Varez may also be of Jewish origin, where it could have been a variant of the Hebrew name "Baruch" (meaning blessed), which might have been transliterated into Spanish or Portuguese as "Barec," later becoming "Varez." The spelling and pronunciation of the surname Varez can vary across regions due to linguistic and historical influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Varez

The surname Varez is predominantly found in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions due to its etymological roots in Old Spanish (Varaz) or Portuguese (Varela). The highest concentration of individuals with the surname Varez can be found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Castile and León, Galicia, and Valencia. It is also common in the Americas among descendants of Spanish and Portuguese immigrants. Specifically, within Latin America, it is most prevalent in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, there are significant populations of Varez family members in the United States, predominantly in California, Florida, Texas, and New York, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Spain and Latin America. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Varez reflects the historical migration of Spanish and Portuguese speakers across Europe and the Americas over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Varez

The surname Varez has several variations and spellings. They include Vares, Varéz, Vaрез, and even Vaz in some countries. These variations may arise due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, or changes over time. In French-speaking regions, the name could be spelled Verès or Veras, reflecting slight pronunciation differences. Other possible variations might include Varezze, Varézzo, or Vařez in Slavic languages. It's essential to note that these variations do not necessarily imply different origins or lineages; they often stem from regional or historical linguistic differences.

Famous people with the last name Varez

The Varez surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of sports, Humberto Marquez Varez, known as "El Mago," is a renowned Mexican boxer who held the WBC light flyweight title from 2015 to 2016. In the world of art, Cuban painter Wifredo Lam, born Carlos Enriquez de la Varez y Burillo, gained fame for his fusion of African and Cuban influences within Surrealism. Additionally, French violinist Arthur Varez was a member of the Paris Conservatory, and he was instrumental in introducing music education to Indochina during the late 19th century. Lastly, Argentine sociologist Juan Carlos Varela is recognized for his contributions to the study of political ideologies and the development of the theory of radical pluralism. These individuals represent some of the most celebrated figures bearing the surname Varez.

Genealogical research on the last name Varez

The surname Varez has roots primarily in Spain and Portugal, originating from the medieval Iberian peninsula. Variations such as Varaz, Varaes, and De la Vareza are also found. The name is thought to be derived from various places named "Vara" or "Varaz," which can be traced back to the Moorish occupation of Spain during the Middle Ages. Notable bearers include the Spanish historian Francisco de los Cobos y Molina, who served as secretary to Charles V and Philip II, and the Portuguese poet Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage. The distribution of the name is predominantly in Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies, with significant populations in Latin America and the United States. Genealogical research can be challenging due to the similarity of surnames and the historical instability of record-keeping in Iberia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Varez"
• 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 : 15 June 2025