Avelar
A Iberian surname likely tied to places or words for hazelnuts or hazel trees.
The #4,692 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 40,818 Americans shares it.
Etymology
The surname Avelar is most likely locational, from a place-name in the Iberian Peninsula. The root appears to be connected with Latin and Romance words for the hazel or hazelnut, such as Spanish avellana and related forms. In this tradition, Avelar would originally have meant something like "the place of hazels" or "hazelnut grove."
History
Avelar is found as a Portuguese and Spanish surname and also as a place-name, especially in Portugal. Like many Iberian surnames, it probably began as an identifier for someone who came from a settlement or estate with that name. The name survives today in Portugal, Spain, and in Latin American communities through migration.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The word family behind Avelar is related to Romance terms for hazelnuts, so the surname likely began as a reference to hazel-covered land.
From the historical record
“varla. Avelar. Poner a la vela el navio. Avellaneda. El sitio poblado de avellanas. Arrugarse, ponerse enjuta alguna persona o cosa como las ave- llanas.”
— Diccionario de los apellidos