Last Name Zaro

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Zaro

The surname Zaro is of Italian origin, derived from various locations named Zara in Italy. The most notable among these is the town located on the Dalmatian coast, which was under Venetian rule for many centuries until it was annexed by Austria in 1867. It's also known as Zadar in Croatia, indicating its strategic geographical location between the Adriatic Sea and the hinterland. The surname Zaro is believed to have originated from residents of these regions who emigrated to other countries, carrying their place names with them as a form of identification. Over time, the name has been anglicized and can now be found in various spellings across the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zaro

The last name Zaro has a significant presence in various regions worldwide, reflecting its historical origins and migration patterns. It is most commonly found in Italy, where it originates from the city of Sarzana in the province of La Spezia. The surname also appears frequently among Italian Americans, given the large-scale immigration from Italy to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition, there are significant populations of people with the last name Zaro in other European countries like Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany due to historical ties between these nations and Italy. Outside Europe, the surname can also be found among Jewish communities in Israel, North Africa, and Middle Eastern countries, as a result of shared religious history and migration patterns. In summary, the geographical distribution of the last name Zaro is widespread, primarily in European countries and among Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zaro

The surname Zaro has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation across languages and regions over time. Some common variants include:

1. Zarro
2. Zarró
3. Zarru
4. Saro (Italian and Spanish)
5. Sarrou (French)
6. Sáro (Hungarian)
7. Zar (Baltic Slavic languages)
8. Zaroa (Basque)
9. Xaró (Catalan)
10. Sazar (Armenian)
11. Saraw (Malaysian)
12. Saru (Hindi, Bengali)

These variations may have different origins and histories. For instance, the Italian and Spanish "Saro" is derived from the given name "Sara," while the Hungarian "Sáro" means 'sandy' or 'gravelly.' The Armenean "Sazar" could be a derivative of Persian or Turkish names containing the element "saz" meaning 'musical instrument,' whereas the Basque "Zaroa" might have origins related to the native language and local customs. It is essential to consider these differences when researching the history, heritage, and cultural significance associated with each variant of the surname Zaro.

Famous people with the last name Zaro

Notable individuals with the surname Zaro include:

1. Frankie Avalon (Francis Thomas Avallone), an American singer and actor popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s, known for hits like "Venus" and "Beauty School Dropout."
2. Michael Zaro, a renowned American chemist who made significant contributions to the field of organometallic chemistry and was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1984.
3. Lorena Zarzo, a Spanish actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Sea Inside," for which she won a Goya Award.
4. Joe Zargo, an American professional wrestler and powerlifter better known by his ring name "Big John Studd" or "The Million Dollar Man." He was a WWF champion in the 1980s and 1990s.
5. Alessandro Zarbo, an Italian operatic tenor who has performed at prestigious venues such as La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera House.

These individuals have made significant contributions to music, science, acting, and sports, showcasing the diversity and talent within the Zaro family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Zaro

The surname Zaro, of possible Italian and Hebrew origins, has diverse roots that can be traced across various geographical regions. Originating from Italy, the name Zaro could have derived from the region around Genoa where the word "zara" means "black" in Ligurian dialect, potentially signifying someone with dark hair or skin. Another theory suggests it may be a variant of the Italian surname Saro, which is thought to have originated from a personal name derived from the Greek Zaros, meaning 'noble' or 'prince.'

In Hebrew, Zaro is a variant of the name Ze'ev or Ze'ira, which means 'wolf.' The Jewish community in Italy has a long and rich history, and many Italian Jews adopted surnames as a way to distinguish themselves from the Christian population during the Middle Ages. This migration and assimilation have contributed to the global dispersal of the Zaro name.

Over time, descendants of the Zaro family have settled across Europe, North America, South America, and Australia, forming numerous branches and sub-lineages. Genealogical research on the Zaro surname continues to uncover fascinating stories about this ancient and widespread lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zaro"
• 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