Surname Jura - Meaning and Origin
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Jura: What does the surname Jura mean?
The last name Jura is derived from the Latin word "jurat," meaning oath or vow. This last name is believed to have originated from a group of people who, after crossing the Alps, swore an oath to remain in the area and form a new community.
Jura is common in areas of Europe, particularly Switzerland and France, where it may have originated. It is likely that the name evolved over time, through dialectical changes and other influences from Slavic and Germanic languages.
The name Jura can indicate different meanings depending on where it originated. In some countries, such as France and Switzerland, the surname often has a religious connotation, as it could be related to Jesus. In other countries, it is associated with a mountain range or with knights of old.
Jura is an uncommon name in English speaking countries and its original roots have been obscured over time. For those with the name, it is a reminder of a past where families sought to create a better future for themselves and their descendants. Today, the name stands for commitment to faithfulness, loyalty, and dedication - all values that continue to endure within the family unit.
Order DNA origin analysisJura: Where does the name Jura come from?
The last name Jura is most commonly found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In the Czech Republic it ranks in the top 20 most common surnames and is found throughout the country, but is especially common in Moravia and Bohemia. In Slovakia, it's also a relatively common name and can primarily be found in the western regions of the country.
The roots of the surname Jura are believed to be Hungarian in origin. Historically, families named Jura were found in the region of what is now Slovakia as far back as the 12th century. It is believed that the name first originated from an old given name, which was likely derived from the Hungarian word 'jura', meaning 'forest'. Alternatively, some have suggested that the name originates from the Hungarian word 'jurgen', which means 'farming'.
Today, the Jura surname can also be found in small scattered pockets throughout Europe, especially in Germany and Austria. Additionally, it can be found some in the United States and Canada, where it is sometimes spelled 'Jurak' or 'Jurah'. In the Americas, it is likely of either Czech or Slovak origin. In the United States, Jura is listed as the 8,792nd most common surname.
Variations of the surname Jura
The surname Jura has variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Variants of the surname Jura include Jurah, Jury, Juray, Jure, Jiura, Jiry, Jyr, Jwira, and Ghyra.
Spellings of the surname Jura include Jure, Djura, Giure, Gjura, Gjure, Djure, Jera, Giera, and Gjeri.
Surnames of the same origin as Jura may include Yura, Jurić, Juretic, Juri, Yuriko, Giura, Yuri, Yuriy, Jurovics, Juric, Jurica, Jurišić, Jurišič, Jurič, Jurković, Jurkovics, Jurić, Jursic, and Juršić.
Jura is derived from the Germanic personal name 'Jur', meaning 'earthworker', 'farmer', or 'conservationist'. This name was popular in the Middle Ages, likely due to its occupational connotation.
The variant Jura may have stemmed from the former Slavic name 'Yura', which is derived from the personal name 'Iuri' or 'Juri'. 'Iuri' is the Latinized form of 'Juri' and roughly translates to 'farmer'.
Finally, other surnames of similar origin may have derived from the Hungarian name 'Juri', as well as the Middle English name 'Jor'. In some cases, the Croatian surnames Jurić and Juričs have stemmed from the military officers in 11th-century Slovenia.
No matter the origin, the surnames Jura, Jure, Jury, Juri, Yura, Giura, Yuriko, and Yuriy all have the same underlying meaning and carry the same occupational symbolism.
Famous people with the name Jura
- Craig Jura: Former Major League Baseball player
- Robert Jura: Award-winning Canadian writer
- Jura Synk: Author of colorful folktales from Bohemia's eastern border
- Pope Tomas II Jura: Former Catholic
- Kassiano Jura: Brassband Musician in Goran Bregović’s band
- Denise Jura: French-American graphic artist and sculptor
- Lorine Jura: Member of the Swiss National Council
- Johannes Jura: Austrian polka musician
- Michelle Jura: British Lyrical and balladic singer
- Júra Široký: Legendary Czech skier and ski jumper