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Last Name Zadora

What is the origin of the last name Zadora?

The surname Zadora is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Slavic male given name "Zadar," which means "to desire" or "to long for." In some cases, it may have been a geographical name for someone who lived near a place named Zadar. Historically, the name is most common in regions that were once part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later became part of Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zadora

The meaning and origin of the last name Zadora

The surname Zadora is of Polish and Ukrainian origin, derived from the Slavic given name "Zadar," which translates to "wisher" or "desirer." It is believed to have been an occupational name for someone who was a messenger or envoy, as the word can also mean "to send" or "to dispatch." The surname first appeared in Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages, with many of its earliest bearers settling in regions that are now Poland and Ukraine. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to the United States, where it is still carried by some families today. The surname Zadora is relatively uncommon but is found in various communities across the globe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zadora

The surname Zadora has its origins primarily in Eastern Europe, notably Poland and Ukraine. A significant concentration of individuals bearing this surname can be found in these countries, particularly in regions such as southern Poland (Podkarpackie Voivodeship) and western Ukraine (Lviv Oblast). Smaller populations of Zadoras are also present in other parts of the world due to migration. In the United States, for example, a notable presence of individuals with this surname can be found in Pennsylvania and Ohio, areas that have historically welcomed immigrants from Eastern Europe. Similarly, in Canada, there is a noticeable cluster of Zadora families in the province of Ontario, which has seen immigration from Poland. Overall, while the distribution of the Zadora surname is predominantly in Eastern Europe, it also has a discernible presence in diaspora communities in North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zadora

The surname Zadora has several variations and spellings, each originating from different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Zadora, Sadora, Szadora, and Sadora. These variations can be found among people of various ethnicities and nationalities, reflecting the name's diversity. The most common spelling in English-speaking countries is Zadora, which is derived from Slavic roots meaning "to pray" or "to beseech." It is also believed that the name may have originated from a place name or occupational title in Central Europe. Despite these variations, the name Zadora remains relatively uncommon and unique, making it an intriguing choice for individuals seeking a distinctive surname.

Famous people with the last name Zadora

Notable individuals with the surname Zadora include Lori Zadora, an American singer and actress, known for her hits "Casino Royale" and "All Through the Night," as well as her roles in films like "Reckless" and "The Lonely Guy." She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her work. Additionally, there is Tim Zajaros, an American entrepreneur and founder of the marketing agency BarqAR, known for creating augmented reality experiences for businesses. Although not directly related by blood, Yvette Vickers, a popular 1950s actress, is also associated with the name Zadora as she used it professionally in her career.

Genealogical research on the last name Zadora

The surname Zadora is of Polish and Ukrainian origin, derived from the word "zadar," which means "to strive" or "to desire." Notable individuals with this surname include actress Bette Midler (born Bethael Zukorowwitz), who changed her name to Bette Midler in her career, and the Polish ice hockey player Mateusz Zadora. The Zadora family is believed to have originated from the region of Galicia, which is now part of modern-day Ukraine and Poland. Due to historical events such as the Partitions of Poland and World War II, many individuals with the surname Zadora can be found in various countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Genealogical research on this surname often involves tracing ancestors through census records, immigration manifests, vital records, and other historical documents to determine the family's origins and migration patterns.

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 : 11 June 2025

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