Surname Kavas - Meaning and Origin
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Kavas: What does the surname Kavas mean?
The last name Kavas is an ancient and surprisingly popular surname originating from the northern and eastern region of Anatolia, in modern-day Turkey. The name has some variations, such as Kavaz, Kavazoglou, and Cavas. The root of etymology is uncertain, however, some researchers suggest a connection with ‘Kaf’, meaning mountain peak in the local language. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Ottoman term ‘Kavaç’, which means ‘armour’. The very first records of the name show its existence in the late 13th century during the era of the Byzantine Empire.
The last name in its various forms has remained a popular one both in Turkey and in areas around the world where immigrants have settled. In the United States, the surname has been adopted by many families of Greek-American, Armenian-American, and Turkish-American backgrounds.
Thus, the Kavaz name symbolises the lives of many people connected to ancient history yet also embracing their modern culture and faith. It has arguably become a source of pride and a badge of honour, representing strength, resilience, a determination to survive despite the hardships and struggles the family may have faced in the past.
Order DNA origin analysisKavas: Where does the name Kavas come from?
The last name Kavas is most common today amongst people in Turkey. It is a popular surname in this region and is believed to have originated from the Anatolian region of the country in its early beginnings, more than two hundred years ago.
Kavas is also sometimes seen in Greece and other surrounding regions in the Balkan Peninsula. In terms of the United States, Kavas is a relatively uncommon surname, but it can be found clustered among large populations of people of Turkish descent, particularly those living in cities like New York and Chicago.
In Turkish, the name Kavas can be translated to mean "leader" or "head", indicating a sense of importance and respect it may have had in the region. Research suggests that the original spelling of the name was Kaplanoğlu, but over time and through language evolution, it changed to the form used today.
In everyday speech, the surname is sometimes shortened to "Kavasoglu", particularly in areas in and around Turkey where it is most commonly found.
Variations of the surname Kavas
The surname Kavas is derived from the Proto-Slavic word "kavati" meaning to defend or protect. Variants of the surname include Kavasch, Kavačić, Kavedžovich, Kavačević, Kaveshnikov, and Kavšek.
Kavasch is the German version of the surname which is derived from the Slavic word "Kavasch". It is also found in countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Kavačić is the Croatian version of the surname which is derived from the Macedonian and Bulgarian word "Kavač". It is a patronymic surname found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Macedonia.
Kavedžovich, a variant of Kavas, is derived from the Proto-Slavic word kavedŭ, meaning to bow. It is found in some Slavic countries such as Belarus, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, and Russia.
Kavačević is a variant of Kavas found in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The origin of the surname is derived from the word "Kavač", meaning shield.
Kaveshnikov is a variant of the surname which is derived from the word "Kaveshnik", meaning shield-bearer. It is found in Russia.
Kavšek is a variant of the surname found in Slovenia, derived from the word "Kavač", meaning guardian. The surname is also found in Austria, Hungary, and Croatia.
Famous people with the name Kavas
- Merve Kavas: a Turkish citizen journalist and activist based in Istanbul.
- Ozan Kavas: an American actor and singer from Ohio.
- Ümit Kavas: a Turkish musician, composer and performer of folk music.
- Talat Kavas: a Turkish TV actor best known for his role in the popular Turkish TV series "Gönülçelen" (Heartbeat).
- Yelda Kavas: an award-winning Turkish actress.
- Haluk Kavas: a Turkish actor best known for his role in the hit show "Kış Güneşi" (Toygar isikli).
- Bahar Kavas: an experienced Turkish businesswoman and former MP for the ruling party.
- Deniz Kavas: a Turkish singer-songwriter, who is best known for her hit single "Bana Neler Eyle" (Do You Love Me).
- Yusuf Kavas: an accomplished Turkish sculptor, painter and designer.
- Berrin Kavas: a Turkish physician, best known for her work on cardiovascular diseases.