Surname Tovar - Meaning and Origin

Exploring Personal Identity and Ancestry through iGENEA DNA Test: Insights on the Tovar Surname

In my quest to grasp a deeper understanding of my roots and ancestry, I turned to the iGENEA DNA test. A special interest of mine was the Tovar surname, an integral part of my heritage and personal identity.

U. Tovar

Tovar: What does the surname Tovar mean?

The surname Tovar is of Spanish origin and is predominantly found in Spain, although it's also common in some parts of Latin America. Tovar is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Tovar in the Burgos province of Spain. Thus, it's categorized as a 'habitational surname' initially given to families originating from this location. The toponym Tovar is believed to have pre-Roman roots, likely linked to the ancient Basque language, although the specific meaning remains elusive. Over centuries, families with this surname have moved and established themselves in different parts of the world, contributing to the spread of the name. It might also worth noting that Tovar is associated with nobility, with an aristocratic House of Tovar documented in Spanish history.

Tovar: Where does the name Tovar come from?

The last name Tovar is most commonly found in Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. It is very rare in Spain—the country from which it originated. This is likely due to the fact that people with the last name Tovar likely left Spain for Latin American countries during the 16th century, when civil conflict and war forced many Spaniards to migrate in search of safety elsewhere.

In Mexico, the surname Tovar can be found across the country, but is most prevalent in the central and western parts of the country. It is very common in the states of Zacatecas, Durango, and Jalisco. In Colombia, the surname is most common in the provinces of Valle del Cauca, Tolima, and Meta. In Venezuela, the last name Tovar is most commonly found in the states of Lara, Zulia, and Carabobo.

Today, the last name Tovar is used by many people and, in some cases, has been adapted as first names. It is also used as part of a lady's formal name in some Latin American countries, where it is sometimes written as 'de Tovar'. This indicates that the lady comes from a family with the name Tovar, as family names in Latin America are often marked with a 'de' before the name.

Variations of the surname Tovar

The surname Tovar is of Spanish origin and appears to have its root in the Old Latin word 'tobarium,' which means 'warehouse,' or 'place of lodging.' Variants and other spellings of this surname include de Tovar, de Tovares, Tovales, Tovas, Tovaras, Tovarras, Tovaroz, Tovarra, Toubar, Towbar, and Towbars.

Other related surnames that are derived from the same origin include Tobar, Tobes, Tolva, Tubera, Tuñon, andTovales. Additionally, other surnames that could have the same origin include Toboso, Pabuena, Pampa, and Vaca.

In Latin America, this name is also found in Portuguese-speaking countries as Tovar and in Catalan countries as Tovaré. Tovar is also sometimes used as a first name, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.

Other possible variants may include Tora, Tomar, Torra, Tomas, Tonar, Tovarag, Towara, Tobarago, Tovaróz, Tovarós, Torro, and Tobaría.

The surname Tovar is also common throughout Europe, most notably in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and Germany. This name can also be found in the United States, particularly in the southwestern states like Texas, California, and Arizona.

Famous people with the name Tovar

• Maria Tovar-Acosta, journalist and television presenter
• Eugenio Derbez, Mexican actor, comedian, director, and producer
• Jesus Tovar, Mexican actor and creative director
• María Fernanda Tovar, Venezuelan singer and songwriter
• Sofia Tovar, American model and actress
• Luisa Tovar, Mexican actress
• Gustavo Tovar, Venezuelan actor, director
• Fernanda Tovar, Venezuelan actress
• Aitana Tovar, Venezuelan voice actress
• Sol Miranda Tovar, Mexican telenovela actress
• Juan Tovar, footballer
• Carlos Tovar, Colombian actor
• Ángelo Tovar, Colombian Olympics athlete
• Yeison Tovar, Mexican singer, guitarist, and composer
• Julián Tovar, Colombian footballer
• Lico Tovar, Brazilian footballer
• Marianela Tovar, Mexican actress
• Elizabeth Tovar, Mexican reality show competitor
• Lourdes Tovar, Mexican telenovela actress
• Jesús Tovar, exceptional leader and philanthropist.

Other surnames

Tovary