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Last Name Zagara

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What is the origin of the last name Zagara?

The last name Zagara is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name meaning "garden" or "orchard", and was likely originally a nickname for someone who lived near such an area. The name is most commonly found in southern Italy, particularly in regions like Calabria and Sicily.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Zagara

The surname Zagara is an Italian name derived from the geographical location of the same name, a town near Catanzaro in Calabria, southern Italy. The town's name is believed to be derived from the Greek 'zagaros', meaning 'falcon'. It is thought that the surname emerged as a way to identify individuals who originated from this specific location during migration or feudal times. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen due to differences in translation and recording methods, such as Zacara, Zaghera, and Zagar. The name has been distributed throughout Italy and the Italian diaspora, with significant populations found in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zagara

The surname Zagara has its roots primarily in Italy, where it is most prevalent. According to genealogical research, the name originates from the city of Naples, specifically the district of Forcella, and has spread across various regions of Southern Italy, such as Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. The surname Zagara also appears in some parts of France, particularly in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, due to historical Italian migration. There are also instances where individuals bearing the name Zagara can be found in other countries with significant Italian diaspora communities, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. It is worth noting that the distribution of the surname Zagara reflects historical patterns of Italian migration and settlement over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zagara

The surname Zagara has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Zahara, Zaharra, Zacara, Zaccara, Zagarra, and Zagar. These variations may result from transcription errors, regional dialects, or immigration-related changes. In Italian, the name originates from the city of Palermo in Sicily, derived from the Arabic term "al-zahhar" meaning "the saffron". The name has been distributed globally due to migration waves, leading to a variety of spellings. It's essential to note that these variations can affect the family history research and genealogy, emphasizing the need for flexibility when searching for relatives with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Zagara

The Zagara family has produced several notable figures in various fields across different eras and countries. One prominent figure is Giacomo Zagari, an Italian violinist who served as concertmaster for several renowned orchestras including the Vienna Philharmonic and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. In the world of art, Alfredo C. Zagare was a Filipino artist known for his landscapes and portraits, earning him the title "Father of Modern Philippine Landscape Painting." In the realm of sports, American football player John Zagar played as a linebacker for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Lastly, in literature, Canadian author Guy Vanderhaeghe wrote critically acclaimed novels such as "The Englishman's Boy" and "The White Man's Indian." These individuals showcase the diverse achievements of people bearing the Zagara surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Zagara

The surname Zagara has roots in southern Italy, particularly Sicily and Calabria. It is believed to originate from the Norman-Arabic influence during the Middle Ages. One variant, Zacara, was first recorded in the Byzantine Empire, suggesting potential Greek origins. The name may be derived from the Arabic word "zaqqar," meaning olive tree grove or oil press, due to its prevalence in Sicily's agricultural history.

In Italy, the Zagara family can be traced back to the 15th century, with notable branches in Palermo, Catania, and Reggio Calabria. Some families migrated from Italy to other countries, such as the United States, Argentina, and Brazil, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable individuals with the surname include American boxer Rocco Zacara (1897-1965) and Italian writer Giuseppe Zagarroni (1864-1943).

The global dispersal of the Zagara family demonstrates its historical significance and lasting impact across continents.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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