Surname Novoa - Meaning and Origin
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Novoa: What does the surname Novoa mean?
The surname Novoa is of Galician origin, an area located in the northwest of Spain. It is derived from the word "nova", which means "new" in Galician and Portuguese. The name may have been initially bestowed upon individuals who were the first people or new settlers living in a new town or village. This surname is relatively common in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and its former colonies. However, it's also found in Portugal and Italy albeit less frequently. Thus, the meaning and significance of the last name Novoa might primarily relate to ideas of novelty, innovation or pioneering, referring to individuals taking on new endeavors or settling in new places. Please note that surname origins can vary and meanings might not be entirely accurate as these are often based on conjecture and historical context.
Order DNA origin analysisNovoa: Where does the name Novoa come from?
The last name Novoa is of Spanish origin and is still common in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. Although the name is more commonly associated with Hispanic backgrounds, its presence can also be found in other countries. Novoa is a very popular surname in Spain and Latin America and is particularly common in its native Galicia region in northern Spain. According to a study conducted by the US Census, it ranks 63rd among all Spanish last names, making it one of the most widespread surnames of Spanish origin.
Outside of Hispanic countries, the surname Novoa is still quite common in Europe, especially in Switzerland, Portugal, and France. In the US, it is not as widespread as other Hispanic surnames such as García or Hernández, but it can be found in cities with larger Hispanic populations such as Miami, Los Angeles, and New York City. Interestingly, Novoa is also one of the most popular surnames in Ecuador.
Overall, Novoa is a common surname that has a strong presence in Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, Europe, and the US.
Variations of the surname Novoa
The surname Novoa is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Latin word Novus, meaning 'new'. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Nouvo, Nowo, Navoa, Navo, Novoa, Navar, Navarro, Navarete, Navarrete, and Nuvo.
Novoa is typically found in Portugal, Spain, and Latin America, indicating that the surname is of Iberian origin. Historically, Brena Novoa was part of the Castilian Culture in 9th Century Spain. As Christianity spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, the surname developed and spread to other countries.
In Portugal, Navo and Navoa are both spelled differently but ultimately, they can all be traced back to the same origin. In modern times, the surname is common in Galicia, Catalonia, and Madrid, where the Navo spelling is more popular. Additionally, the surname Navarr occurs in the Basque region.
The Navarro spelling is more common in Latin America, particularly in countries such as Colombia and Peru. It is not known why the spelling changed and developed in more than one way, however, it is believed that the original form was "Navo".
It is also possible that other variants developed due to regional dialect and language. In modern times, Novoa is not a very common surname, however, there are still plenty of people who can trace their ancestry back to the same Iberian origin and who bear this surname with pride.
Famous people with the name Novoa
- Juan Manuel Novoa Rebolledo: Chilean Political Activist
- José Rafael Novoa: Venezuelan Footballer
- Carlos Novoa: Chilean former president
- Mauricio Novoa: Chilean former Footballer
- Francisco Sáenz de Novoa: Spanish novelist
- Marcelo Novoa: Uruguayan former footballer
- Achá Novoa: Venezuelan professional baseball player
- Miguel Ángel Novoa: Spanish Former footballer
- André Novoa: Portuguese Businessman
- Héctor Novoa: Chilean television producer and actor