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Tavares
Pronounced tə-VAR-iss /təˈvɑr.ɪs/Medium
Meaning: From the Portuguese surname Tavares — from a place-name, likely 'of the hermitage; of a place of monks' cells'Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Tavares comes from the Portuguese surname Tavares — from a place-name, likely 'of the hermitage; of a place of monks' cells' (the precise root is debated, which we note). A smooth, modern surname-name across the Portuguese-speaking and Cape Verdean worlds (the musical group Tavares; nickname Tav).
In the U.S. it appears in Portuguese, Cape Verdean, and African-American families. Rare, of-the-hermitage at the (likely) root, and smooth.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Tavares mean?
Tavares is a Portuguese surname, likely 'of the hermitage'; the root is debated, which we note.
How do you pronounce Tavares?
It's said tə-VAR-iss /təˈvɑr.ɪs/ — three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Tavares a boy or girl name?
Tavares is a boy's name.
How popular is Tavares?
Tavares is a rare name in the U.S.