Surname Shamar - Meaning and Origin
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Shamar: What does the surname Shamar mean?
The last name Shamar is of Hebrew origin, and is derived from the Hebrew word שָׁמָר (shamar), which means “to keep, to watch, to guard”. This name was traditionally given to those who were to served as a watchman for their community. It is believed that this was a hereditary title taken up by a specific family, thus the name Shamar has been passed down from generation to generation.
Those carrying this last name are descendants of a line of watchmen, typically referred to as a shomrim in Jewish communities.
The spiritual meaning of Shamar is representative of records, and those who carry this surname are generally known for their good memory and sharp intellect. In terms of character, those with this last name are often seen as protectors, highly steadfast and honourable. They typically have deeply rooted values and are considered to be individuals of great integrity who will always stand up for what is right.
Shamar is a strong, meaningful surname that bears a great spiritual significance, representing the power of protection, defence, and vigilance.
Order DNA origin analysisShamar: Where does the name Shamar come from?
The surname Shamar is a relatively uncommon name today. Its origins trace back to what is now Iran, Iraq, and Syria in the areas of ancient Mesopotamia. The name has a range of spellings, including Shammar, Shamir, Shammur, and Shammir, and historical records are indicative that it may have been an honorable family name belonging to a tribe of Arabia, with a well-known clans or sub-groups.
The surname appears to have been passed on through generations, and over time the name spread throughout a range of countries, such as Israel, Jordan, Libya and the United Arab Emirates. Today, the surname Shamar has a presence in some areas of the Middle East, as well as places in the USA and Canada. It has also spread to the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, often in its variations of Shamir, Shammir and Shammar.
The name Shamar is often seen as a patronymic, meaning it was commonly adopted as a suffix to a father's name. It is sometimes spelt with other letters such as Shamus, which alters the meaning slightly but none the less provides a hint towards the original roots and family line.
Due to its historical ties to nomadic lifestyle, it is reasonable to assume that much of the population of those bearing the name have moved around over the centuries, with different branches occurring in different places and continents. This could explain why it is not particularly common in any one region today.
Variations of the surname Shamar
The surname Shamar is derived from the given name "Shamrao" or "Shamra". It can be spelled in various ways, such as Shama, Shamar, Shamare, Shamarr, Shamms, and even Sharmara.
Variants of the name Shamar include Shama, Shamare, Shamara, Sharmar, Shemar, Shamarao, and Shamarr. These variants are most commonly seen in western cultures and are often used interchangeably.
Surnames derived from the initial Shamar can include Shama, Shamare, Shamar, Sharmar, Sharmara, Shemar, Shamarao, and Shamarr. These variations often appear within families, especially those in the Indian community who have settled in the west.
The name Shamar is also known to have Hebrew origins, with plenty of historical and religious significance. In the Hebrew Bible, Shamar is referred to as a navigator and guide to the Israelites. It is also believed to be a given name of Persian origin, derived from "Shamir", meaning precious or precious stone.
Within the Indian community, various spellings of the name Shamar are used. Common variants include Shamar, Shamara, Sharmar, Shemar, Shamarao, and Shammara. This reflects the influence of the various Indian languages and dialects. Often, the same name is spelt differently depending on the region and culture in which the family originated from.
In conclusion, the surname Shamar has numerous variants and spellings. These variations typically derive from the Persian or Hebrew origins of the name, as well as the cultural influence of the Indian community who have settled in the west.
Famous people with the name Shamar
- Kenneth Shamar: American actor, model and filmmaker.
- Vivica A. Fox: American actress, producer and television host.
- Estelle Shamar: Bahamian-American actress, singer, model and entrepreneur.
- Samantha Shamar: American film and television actress.
- Richard Shamar: American actor, stand-up comedian and LGBTQ activist.
- J.T. Shamar: American actor and comedian.
- Brigette Shamar: French-American model and actress.
- Chantal Shamar: Multimedia artist, musician and visual arts educator.
- Bennie Shamar: American soul/R&B singer and songwriter.
- Sheree Shamar: British singer, songwriter, and vocal coach.