Surname Arras - Meaning and Origin
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Arras: What does the surname Arras mean?
The last name Arras is of Spanish origin and is believed to be a habitational name from any of various places in northern Spain named Arras. The name itself is derived from the Basque term "arratz", which means "ravine" or "steep valley." This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have lived in or near such geographical features. Like many surnames, the name can also be seen as a reflection of the family's geographical origins, indicating that they came from a place named Arras. Despite its Spanish roots, the surname is found in other parts of the world including France, due to the migration and diaspora of Spanish people historically.
Order DNA origin analysisArras: Where does the name Arras come from?
The surname Arras is believed to have originated from the Spanish region. It is generally assumed to have come from the city of Arras in the Vascongadas which is historically a part of Basque country, in Northern Spain. The name was likely a locational surname, referring to individuals who hailed from the city of Arras.
The surname is also common in France, presumably related to the town of Arras in northern France. And in medieval records, the name has been associated with the Old French word 'arras' used to denote a rich tapestry, implying that the bearers of the surname might have been tapestry workers.
Today, the surname Arras is found most prevalently in Mexico, and according to certain statistics, it is particularly common in the region of Chihuahua. The name is also relatively prevalent in the United States, Germany, and Canada. Abruzzi, a region in Italy, has a relatively high concentration of people with the Arras surname. However, despite these locations, it is still relatively rare globally.
Variations of the surname Arras
The surname Arras is believed to have originated from the geographic area of Pas-de-Calais in northern France, referring specifically to the city of Arras. Due to explorations, migrations and different regional languages and dialects, the surname Arras has evolved and been altered in various ways. Alternative spellings and similar surnames include Aras, Arass, Arraz, Arra, Array, Arrez, Arrias, Arros, and Arris.
The surname could have also originated from the Spanish town of Arras, leading to its prevalence in Spanish-speaking countries. Variations may also include Arrez, Araz, Aras, Arraiz, among others.
In some cases, the names were changed to sound more localized or were altered due to transcription errors or simplification. In addition, the lineage of the name may have also included variations such as D'Arras or Van Arras, indicating family roots from Arras. Moreover, “Arras” could also possibly be a patronymic surname (derived from a father’s first name) with many variations depending on forms and diminutives of the original first name.
Famous people with the name Arras
The last name Arras is quite uncommon among famous personalities but a few notable figures include Graham Arras, an American professional baseball player. He was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the 1988 season. Another person is Marcel Arras, a notable Australian engineer and academic who was part of the University of Melbourne for several years. Additionally, Blanca Arras is an actress known for her work in "Goodbye, Darling, I'm Off to Fight" (1996), "Lola y Virginia" (2006), and "Pepe Carvalho" (1999). Also, in the world of wine, Jean-Pierre Arras is a well-known vintner/winemaker from Champagne, France. Please note, the recognition and fame of these individuals may vary depending on individual interest and knowledge about these specific fields like sports, academics, acting, and winemaking.