Surname Cesar - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Cesar: What does the surname Cesar mean?
The last name Cesar is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, although its exact etymology is not known. It is likely related to the word “Caesar” which can have two meanings. The first is that it could be derived from the Latin word “caesaries” which means “long haired”, likely referring to someone of regal status or expertise. The second interpretation is that it comes from the Latin word “caesarem” which means “to cut”, possibly referring to a cutting tool such as a scissor.
In modern times, Cesar is often used as an Italian or Spanish version of the name Caesar, or as a surname of notable historical figures such as during the Roman Empire. It may have also been adopted by members of wealthy and aristocratic families of the region as a way to distinguish themselves.
Due to Spanish colonization, the surname is most widespread in the Americas, particularly in the countries of Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Cuba, Chile, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It is also found in parts of Europe, including France, Portugal, and Spain.
The alternative spelling of the last name Cesar is Cesare, which has the same origin and is still found in many locations today. It is a fairly common and historic name, suggesting that the bearer is of strong character, charisma, and ambition.
Order DNA origin analysisCesar: Where does the name Cesar come from?
The last name Cesar is most commonly found in Hispanic and Portuguese countries today. It is believed to have originated in the Iberian peninsula in the medieval period. The name is derived from the Latin word caesārius, meaning "long-haired’. It is also thought to be related to the Hebrew version of the name Cesar, which has the meaning "to cut".
Today, the surname Cesar is present in several countries across South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia. It is also commonly found in Portugal, Spain, and Italy, as well as smaller populations found in the United States, Canada, and France. According to a DNA study by AncestryDNA, approximately 1.46% of the Hispanic / Latino population in the United States has the surname Cesar.
In Latin countries where the surname is most common, it is often shortened or modified to Casar or Cesár, although it can also be found as César, Caeser, Caesar, Cesaire, Cesare, Cesari, Cesaro, Cesareo, Ceasar, and other variations. Interestingly, Brazilian versions of the surname have been found to have an origin separate from other Hispanic countries, with many tracing their lineage to enslaved Africans who were brought to the country.
Overall, the surname Cesar is most heavily concentrated in Latin and Portuguese countries, with a significant presence in the United States and other countries as well.
Variations of the surname Cesar
The surname Cesar is derived from the Latin Cæsar, which is the cognomen of the Roman general and dictator Gaius Julius Cæsar. It is a very common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and Latin America, but is also used in many other countries.
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Cesar can be spelled in a number of different ways. Cesar can also be spelled Caesar, Cesare, Cesari, Cesaro, Cesarre, Ceasar, Sezar, Sesar, Sesare, or Sesar. Additionally, some other surnames derived from Cesar include Cesari, Cesaroni, Cesena, and Caesare or Cezare.
The variations in spelling can be attributed to the different pronunciation of the surname in the various regions where it is used. For example, the variation between Cesar and Caesar is due to the Spanish pronunciation of "C" as "S", which is why it can also be spelled Sesar or Sesare. Similarly, the variation between Cesare and Caesare/Cezare is due to the Italian pronunciation of "C" as "K" or "CH".
Due to the popularity of Cesar as a surname, it has come to refer very generally to all the surnames derived from it. It is seen as the origin of many surnames, and can generally be considered synonymous with the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Cesar
- Julius Caesar: Roman Dictator of the Roman Republic and the founder of the Roman Empire
- César Chávez: Civil Rights Activist and labor leader in the United States
- João César Monteiro: Portuguese Actor, Film Director and Writer
- Cesare Borgia: Son of Pope Alexander VI and a Machiavellian political mastermind
- Diego Armando Maradona César: Argentine Soccer Player and Pioneer of Soccer
- Ruben Cesar Campos: Scottish Actor
- Lidia Isabel Gomes Cesar: Portuguese Olympian
- Julius Cesar Ibbetson: English Painter
- Manuel César: French Footballer
- Leonardo Andrade Cesar: Brazilian Actor and Model