Surname Shanar - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Shanar: What does the surname Shanar mean?
Shanar is a surname of Indian origin and represents a clan of people in the country. The name is derived from the words 'shan' meaning 'mountain' and 'ar' meaning 'leader' in Sanskrit language, giving it a literal translation of 'leader of the mountains'.
The Shanar clan is traditionally considered to be a part of the Kshatriya (warrior) caste of Hinduism. This clan descends from the ancient Vaisya (merchant) caste. The clan was granted the privilege of ruling certain hill regions of India, in keeping with their martial traditions.
Due to their location geographically, the Shanar have a unique culture. Special attention is paid to temple festivals and pilgrimages, especially of the renowned Venkaee Ashram of the Kshethrams in Kasargod. Each province in south India has a unique way of celebrating these holy occasions, and the Shanar possess their own set of distinct customs.
The Shanar culture and traditions are deeply rooted and evidence of a robust social structure, forged through strong unity and sense of belongingness that binds the clan together even today. They have left a strong legacy on various aspects of Indian culture, including literature, music, and art, amongst various other aspects.
The Shanar clan are proud of their unique heritage and culture, and continue to pass down the same values and traditions from generation to generation.
Order DNA origin analysisShanar: Where does the name Shanar come from?
The last name Shanar is most commonly associated with the Jewish community, particularly those of Ashkenazi origins. Today, the surname is typically found in Israel, the United States, Canada, and other countries throughout Europe and Latin America. In Israel, the name is established in the northern city of Zefat and the surrounding villages. In the U.S. and Canada, the most common locations are metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
In Latin America, the surname is most commonly found in the Argentine city of Buenos Aires. Historically, Argentina has a large Jewish population, and has an ongoing close relationship with Israel. During World War II, many Jewish people fled to countries such as Argentina to escape Nazi persecution. This resulted in a large diaspora of Jewish people, including those with the last name Shanar, across South America.
Shanar is also a relatively common last name in other parts of the world, including throughout Europe. In Europe, the surname can be found in France, the Netherlands, and in other countries with established Jewish communities.
In recent years, the surname has increased in popularity in other parts of the world, such as the Middle East and North Africa. This is due to the inclusion of Israel in the global community, which has increased the spread of Jewish people and their surnames across the world.
Variations of the surname Shanar
The surname Shanar is believed to have been derived from the Hebrew language and is spelled variously as Shannar, Shannor, Shinar, Shinor, Shanor and Shanaar. It is also spelled as Senor, Senar and Shainaar and is believed to have originated in Spain.
In documents, the name has been recorded in various forms out of which the most commonly found are Shanar, Shannar, Shannor, Shinar, Shinor, Senor, Senar and Shainaar. It is believed that these variants of the name are derived from a Hebrew word meaning 'the dweller of the woods'. Although Shanar is particularly common in Spanish-speaking countries, variations of the name have been found in Latin America as well as in England and the United States.
Variations of the surname Shanar are also found in other countries and cultures, such as Sha'ar in Greece, Shariar in the Middle East, and Shinaar in India. Other variants of the same origin include Shainar, Shenar, Schanar and Shannar in Germany, Schinar in Switzerland, and Schonor and Schonar in Austria.
Overall, the surname Shanar can take on various different spellings and surnames, however they all are believed to originate from the same Hebrew root and convey the same meaning.
Famous people with the name Shanar
- Emma Shanar: Emmy Award-winning American film and television actress, best known for her roles in Daytime Divas, Chicago Fire, and Private Practice.
- Jason Shanar: American composer and lyricist, best known for his musical theatre works That’s Life and Last Date.
- Barry Shanar: American photographer and photojournalist, credited for his work on the documentary film Storm over Pax Americana and other productions.
- Rachel Shanar: American voice actress, best known as the voice for the character “Daughter” in the animated series Xiaolin Showdown.
- Bobby Shanar: American singer and songwriter, best known for his work with the funk band the Kool & the Gang.
- Deputy Shanar: American race car driver, best known for his victory at the 1966 Indianapolis 500 with a record-breaking time of 3:39.25.
- Andrew Shanar: American artist and educator, known for his abstract expressionist-style works.
- Peter Shanar: American politician, serving as a representative in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1972-1976.
- Deborah Shanar: acclaimed British novelist, best known for her works Holocaust: The Long Journey Home and The Queen of Heaven.
- Marisa Shanar: popular British radio host and television presenter, most famed for her work on BBC Radio 2.