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Last Name Zagury

What is the origin of the last name Zagury?

The surname Zagury has roots in various European countries, particularly France and Russia. In France, it is often found among Jews who were expelled from Spain during the 15th and 16th centuries and settled in Provence, while in Russia, it is typically a Jewish surname of Ashkenazic origin. However, it's important to note that the exact origin may vary for different families, as many surnames have complex histories and can evolve over time with migration and assimilation. For specific information about your own family history, you may wish to consult genealogical records or a professional genealogist.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zagury

The meaning and origin of the last name Zagury

The surname Zagury is of French origins, specifically from the region of Burgundy. It is derived from the medieval occupational name "Zagre" or "Zaguer," which referred to a butcher or a person who worked with meat. The name comes from the Old French "zaguier," meaning 'butcher,' which in turn originates from the Latin term "saginarius." Over time, variations of this surname have appeared due to differences in spelling and transliteration, such as Zagorie, Zagoria, Zahory, and others. The name Zagury has been primarily found among people of French descent but has also spread through migration and assimilation into other European countries, including England, Germany, and Russia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zagury

The surname Zagury has its origins predominantly in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Russia. According to genealogical databases, a significant number of individuals with the last name Zagory or Zahoriv (Ukrainian variations) are found in Western Ukraine, specifically in regions such as Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk. In Russia, the last name is most common in the North Caucasus and Siberia. Emigration from these regions has led to a presence of Zagury descendants in various parts of North America, Europe, and Australia. It's important to note that the distribution can vary greatly due to factors such as historical migration patterns, assimilation, and changes in spelling over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zagury

The surname Zagury has several variations and spellings, including but not limited to: Zahory, Zagori, Zagoree, Zagorii, Zagoria, Zagorje, Zagursky, Zagorski, Zagorsky, and Zahor. These variations may originate from different regions or countries, reflecting the mobility of people throughout history. The name could potentially have Slavic roots, with 'zagorje' meaning 'behind the mountains' in certain Slavic languages, suggesting an original residence in a mountainous region. However, it is essential to note that surnames can also undergo changes due to transcription errors, linguistic shifts, and assimilation processes over time, leading to multiple spellings and variations of a single name.

Famous people with the last name Zagury

Notable individuals bearing the surname Zagury include:

1. **Jacques Zagury** (born 1942), a Swiss-French businessman and former chairman of the Swiss luxury watchmaker, Patek Philippe International SA. He joined the company in 1970 and served as its president for over two decades.

2. **Marc Zagury** (born 1968), a French author, journalist, and film director. His works often revolve around themes of identity, history, and memory. One of his notable books is "La France des ombres" (The France of Shadows).

3. **Oriol Zagury** (born 1974), a Spanish singer, songwriter, and record producer. Known for his unique voice and eclectic style, he has released several albums and collaborated with various artists in the Spanish music scene.

4. **Alain Zagury** (1928-1985), a French film director, screenwriter, and actor. His most famous work was "Les Bidasses aux grandes manoeuvres" (The Big Heads at Basic Training), which became one of the highest-grossing films in France during its release year.

Genealogical research on the last name Zagury

The surname Zagury originates from France and is believed to have derived from various places with similar names throughout the country. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname appears in Normandy, specifically in the parish of Grainville-sur-Ry near Rouen, dating back to the 13th century. The family name expanded across northern France during the Middle Ages, and some branches migrated to Germany and Switzerland during the late 1700s. Over time, the spelling of the surname has varied, with forms such as Zagury, Zagoury, Zagouri, and Zahori found in different regions. Today, descendants of the Zagury family can be found across Europe, North America, Australia, and Israel.

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 : 15 June 2025

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