Last Name Zamar

The surname Zamar has roots in several countries and cultures due to its various spellings and historical contexts. One possible origin is from a place name in Spain. In the region of Extremadura, there's a town named Zamora which may have contributed to the development of this surname. It derives from Arabic "Zabar" meaning olive tree grove. Another theory suggests that it could be of Jewish origin with roots in medieval Hebrew and Aramaic dialects, where "zamar" means "to sing." This would have been adopted as a surname by Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492. However, it's essential to note that the exact origin can be challenging to pinpoint due to the name's variants (such as Samar, Zamor, and similar) and its presence across different geographies. For a definitive understanding of one's specific family lineage, further research into genealogical resources may be necessary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zamar

The meaning and origin of the last name Zamar

The surname Zamar is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula where it was primarily used by people of Moorish descent, reflecting the region's historical influence of Islamic culture. The name derives from the Arabic "al-Zamara," which means "the singers" or "the musicians." Over time, the surname was adapted to Spanish pronunciation, becoming Zamar as it is known today. In Spain, it is most common in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura, areas that were heavily influenced by Moorish rule for several centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zamar

The last name Zamar has a significant presence in several regions, primarily in Spain and Portugal, due to its historical roots in these countries. In Spain, it is most common in the northern autonomous communities of Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, reflecting the region's cultural and linguistic diversity. In Portugal, the name is concentrated in the north, particularly in the Minho region, as well as in Lisbon and Oporto. The name also appears in other parts of Europe, such as France and Italy, although it is less frequent. Beyond Europe, the Zamar surname can be found among Spanish-speaking communities in Latin America, with notable concentrations in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina. This geographical dispersion indicates that the name has a strong association with Iberian cultures, both historically and in the present day.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zamar

The surname Zamar can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of the common variants:

* Zamor, Zamora, Samar, and Sarmar are Spanish derivations of the name, with the former two being more commonly used outside of Latin America.
* Zamaroff is a variant that originates from Eastern Europe, specifically Russia or Ukraine, although it may also be found in other Slavic-speaking regions.
* Zamora and Samar can also be found in Hebrew and Arabic contexts, with the latter potentially derived from the Arabic word "samar," which means "olive tree."
* In Filipino culture, Zamar is a surname that has its roots in the Tagalog language. It may be spelled as Zamora or Samar in some instances.
* There are also regional variations and misspellings of the name that can occur, such as Zaamar, Zaamor, and Zaamara.

Famous people with the last name Zamar

Notable individuals with the surname Zamar include:

1. Alejandro Zamar (born 1968), a Cuban actor known for his roles in various Cuban films and television series, such as "Miami Vice" and "El Comandante."
2. Juan Pablo Zamar (born 1990), a Venezuelan-American soccer player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Football Club in Major League Soccer (MLS).
3. Javier Zamar Bustamante (born 1968), a Mexican politician and lawyer who has served as a deputy in the LIX Legislature of the Chamber of Deputies.
4. Pablo Zamarreño (1927-2015), an Argentine painter and engraver, considered one of the most important artists of the Buenos Aires School.
5. David Zamar (born 1983), a Spanish professional road bicycle racer who has competed in several Grand Tours and won stages in the Vuelta a España and Giro d'Italia.

Genealogical research on the last name Zamar

The surname Zamar, of possible Hebrew origin, is found in various regions due to historical migrations. In Spain, it derives from the personal name "Samuel," with the addition of the suffix "-ez" or "-iz." After the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many Sephardic Jews carrying the surname Zamar migrated to the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, and Portugal. In Portugal, due to the forced conversion of Jews during the Inquisition, some Zamars converted to Catholicism while others continued secret Jewish practices. Those who remained openly Jewish were expelled in 1497. Portuguese Zamars then migrated to Holland, England, and other regions, contributing to the dispersal of the name globally. In modern times, significant populations of Zamars can be found in Israel, Turkey, Brazil, the United States, and Portugal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zamar"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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