Last Name Zar

The last name "Zar" is of Persian origin. In Persian, the word "zar" means 'gold'. It may have been a nickname for someone who was wealthy or had golden hair, and over time it became a surname. This name can also be found in other regions with historical Persian influences, such as India, Pakistan, and Russia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zar

The meaning and origin of the last name Zar

The surname Zar is of Persian origin, stemming from ancient Iran where it was commonly spelled "Zard" which means 'yellow' or 'golden' in the Persian language. Over time, the spelling evolved into the more recognizable "Zar," particularly in regions with a significant Persian influence such as Azerbaijan and Turkey. The surname Zar may have been given to individuals whose hair, eyes, or skin had a golden or yellow hue, or it could have been a reference to a specific place or occupation related to the color yellow. Today, the surname Zar is found in various parts of the world as a result of historical migration patterns and cultural assimilation. It remains a common name among Iranian, Azerbaijani, Turkish, Kurdish, and Armenian communities, reflecting its rich history and the broad reach of Persian culture throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zar

The surname Zar has its origins predominantly in Russia and other Eastern European countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, including Germany, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic. The diaspora of people with this surname has resulted in a presence in various countries around the world, particularly in Israel, the United States, and Canada. In these regions, the name is often found among Jewish communities who trace their ancestry to Eastern Europe. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Zar reflects historical migration patterns from Russia and other Eastern European countries, as well as the dispersal of Jewish populations throughout the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zar

The surname Zar has several variations and spellings across different languages and regions. In English, it is commonly spelled as Zar. However, there are other variations such as Sar (an alternative spelling for both English and Persian), Sarr (in French), Sarre (a German river name that is also used as a surname in some parts of Europe), and Sarri (an Italian surname). In addition, the name can have different pronunciations depending on the region, such as Zahr or Sahar. It's important to note that the spelling and pronunciation may vary based on cultural background and individual preference.

Famous people with the last name Zar

Notable individuals with the surname Zar include:

1. Aramis Zarif (born 1975), an Iranian-American diplomat who served as the United Nations Ambassador and Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran under President Hassan Rouhani.
2. Amir Hossein Zare (born 1984), a prominent Iranian footballer who played for Persepolis Football Club and the Iran national team.
3. Jalil Zarif (1957-2016), an Afghan journalist, filmmaker, and political activist known for his work promoting human rights and democracy in Afghanistan.
4. Ebrahim Yarafiqi Zadeh Zar (1893-1961), an Iranian poet, writer, translator, and diplomat who served as Iran's ambassador to the United States during World War II.
5. Tina Záry (born 1976), a Hungarian television presenter, model, and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Hungary in 1998 and represented her country at the Miss Universe pageant.

Genealogical research on the last name Zar

The surname Zar is of uncertain origins, as it is found across various cultures and regions, with diverse possible meanings. In Hebrew, it can signify "goldsmith" or "prince." In Turkish, it could denote "nobleman" or "king." In Persian, the name may be derived from the word "zar," meaning "black," though this is less common in a surname context.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Zar surname can be found in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century. Notable individuals bearing the Zar surname emerged across various fields throughout history, such as:

1. Rabbi Mordechai ben Yitzhak Zarfati (died 1570), a prominent rabbi and Kabbalist from Safed, Israel.
2. Riza Efendi Zadeh-Zar (1836–1909), an Azerbaijani statesman, journalist, and poet.
3. Sam Zar (born 1950), a Canadian politician who represented the riding of Ottawa Centre from 2004 to 2011.

The widespread distribution of the Zar surname reflects its diverse historical roots, with significant populations found in Israel, Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and other regions. Genealogical research on this surname is ongoing, as the name's origins continue to intrigue researchers seeking a better understanding of the human migration patterns throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zar"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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