Find out how popular the first name Tavares has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tavares by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tavares is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Tavares being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tavares.

The history of the first name Tavares

The name Tavares has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, originating from the Portuguese and Spanish languages. It is derived from the Latin word "tavarius," which means "tavern keeper" or "innkeeper." This suggests that the name may have initially been an occupational surname for those who worked in taverns or inns.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Tavares can be traced back to medieval Portugal and Spain, where it was commonly used as a surname. However, over time, it also gained popularity as a given name, particularly in Portuguese-speaking regions.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Tavares was Tomás Tavares, a Portuguese explorer and navigator who lived in the 15th century. He is known for his contributions to the Age of Discovery and his expeditions along the western coast of Africa.

In the 16th century, Tavares de Sousa was a prominent Portuguese nobleman and military commander who played a significant role in the Portuguese conquest of India. He served as the Governor of Portuguese India from 1542 to 1545.

Moving forward to the 19th century, Tavares Bastos was a Brazilian politician, lawyer, and writer who advocated for the abolition of slavery and the development of the Brazilian Amazon region. He lived from 1839 to 1875.

In the realm of literature, Tavares Rodrigues was a renowned 20th-century Portuguese poet and writer. Born in 1892, he is celebrated for his contributions to the modernist movement in Portuguese literature.

More recently, Tavares Strachan is a contemporary Bahamian artist known for his conceptual and multi-disciplinary works. Born in 1979, he has exhibited his art globally and has received numerous awards and accolades for his innovative approach.

While the name Tavares has its roots in the Iberian Peninsula, it has since spread to various parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Portuguese and Spanish cultural influences. The name continues to be popular, carrying with it a rich historical legacy and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tavares was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tavares, please contact us.

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