Find out how popular the last name Novar is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Novar.

Novar, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Novar surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Novar in America

Novar is the 144908th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Novar surname appeared 105 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Novar.

The history of the last name Novar

The surname Novar has origins tracing back to Scotland, specifically to the northeastern region known for its historical roots in Pictish culture. The name is believed to have originated in the vicinity of the area now known as Inverness, with early references dating back to medieval times. The etymology of Novar suggests it may derive from older Scottish or Gaelic words, though specific terms have evolved or faded from common usage over centuries.

One of the earliest recorded references to the surname Novar appears in historical documents from the 14th century in the context of land ownership and local governance. An example is the mention of a landholder named William de Novar in 1356, documented in local charters, reflecting the name's association with specific territories or estates. This indicates that the name likely originated as a toponymic surname, derived from a particular place.

By the 16th century, records show the name Novar being used in a variety of manuscript entries, often in contexts involving land disputes or transfers. One significant historical figure was John Novar, born in 1510, who was noted for his role in local administration and legal matters in Inverness, underscoring the name's association with civic duty.

In the ensuing centuries, the Novar surname appears sporadically in various legal and ecclesiastical records, reflecting the broader movement and dispersion of families within Scotland and occasionally into neighboring regions. Alexander Novar, who lived between 1602 and 1678, became known for his contributions to the maritime trade along Scotland's northeastern coast, another indication of how bearers of this name often participated in regional economic activities.

The 18th century saw the inclusion of Novar in several genealogical records and family histories, indicating a continued but modest presence. James Novar, born in 1745, gained some prominence as a clergyman in the Church of Scotland, with several documented sermons and theological writings that have survived to modern times. His works provide both a glimpse into the intellectual pursuits of the era and a record of the family name in religious contexts.

Documents from the late 19th century show that individuals with the Novar surname emigrated to various parts of the British Isles and even abroad, seeking opportunities beyond Scotland. George Novar, born in 1831, was a notable figure who migrated to Canada and played an influential role in the early development of agricultural communities in Ontario, illustrating the diaspora of families carrying this surname.

Over the centuries, the surname Novar has remained relatively rare, with its appearances often linked to specific regional activities or professions. Despite its rarity, the name stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Scottish heritage and its enduring legacy through the individuals who bore it.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Novar

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Novar.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Novar was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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