"son of Taveiro; from the hermitage"
Origin: Portuguese
Language: English
Tavares
Pronunciation: [ t-ahv-AHR-ehs ]
Does Tavares flow with your last name?
A Cape Verdean Portuguese surname with R&B soul
Portuguese
Brazilian
Cape Verdean
African American
Strong
Vintage
Unique
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"from the place Taveiro"
Origin: Portuguese/Galician
Language: Portuguese
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The Story of Tavares
Tavares is a Portuguese and Galician surname derived from the place name Taveiro in Portugal, possibly from the Latin "taberna" (tavern, hermitage) or from an old personal name. As a given name, it reflects the American tradition of using Portuguese and Cape Verdean surnames as first names, particularly in African American communities with roots in Cape Verde.
Tavares gained recognition in American culture through the R&B group Tavares, a family band of five brothers from New Bedford, Massachusetts with Cape Verdean heritage, who had major hits in the 1970s including "Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel." The name resonates particularly in Cape Verdean American communities.
Cape Verde, a Portuguese-speaking island nation off the coast of West Africa, has produced significant diaspora communities in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Tavares reflects this heritage, honoring both African and Portuguese roots in a uniquely Cape Verdean American identity.
Historical Record
Tavares first appeared in US Social Security records in 1974.
Over 2,966 babies have been named Tavares in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tavares is past its peak , currently ranked #6,025 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Tavares brothers were one of the most successful Cape Verdean American musical acts of the 1970s disco era
- New Bedford, Massachusetts has one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States
Tavares in Other Languages
French
Tavares
Spanish
Tavares
Portuguese
Tavares
Popularity Over Time
#6,025
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Peaked 1976
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Tavares
T
Tavares
Athlete
1991
John Tavares, Canadian NHL hockey player and captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
T
Tavares (band)
Musician
Cape Verdean-American R&B family group from New Bedford, Massachusetts, known for 1970s hits including Heaven Must Be Mi...
Cape Verdean-American R&B family group from New Bedford, Massachusetts, known for 1970s hits including Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel
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Compare Tavares with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #6,025
- Total SSA Count
- 15
- Cultural Origins
- Portuguese Brazilian Cape Verdean African American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Tav
Tee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Brazilian heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Tavares
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Tavares
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Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Tavares is also used as a girl name, ranked #61130.
View Tavares as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Portuguese)
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Greek origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tavares
What does the name Tavares mean?
"son of Taveiro; from the hermitage" (from Portuguese). "from the place Taveiro" (from Portuguese/Galician). Tavares is a Portuguese and Galician surname derived from the place name Taveiro in Portugal, possibly from the Latin "taberna" (tavern, hermitage) or from an old personal name. As a given name, it reflects the American tradition of using Portuguese and Cape Verdean surnames as first names, particularly in African American communities with roots in Cape Verde.
What is the origin of the name Tavares?
Tavares has Portuguese, Portuguese/Galician, Brazilian, Cape Verdean, and African American origins. In Portuguese, it means "son of Taveiro; from the hermitage". In Portuguese/Galician, it means "from the place Taveiro".
Is Tavares a boy or girl name?
Tavares is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #6025. As a girl name, it is ranked #61130. Tavares is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Tavares?
Tavares is pronounced t-ahv-AHR-ehs.
How popular is the name Tavares?
Tavares is currently ranked #6025 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Tavares?
Common nicknames for Tavares include Tav and Tee.
What are good middle names for Tavares?
Popular middle name pairings include Tavares James, Tavares Andre, Tavares Michael, Tavares Leon, Tavares Ray, Tavares Emmanuel, and Tavares Augustus.
What are good sibling names for Tavares?
Names that pair well with Tavares as siblings include Darius, Marcus, Zara, Amara, Malik, and Celeste.
How many syllables does Tavares have?
Tavares has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Tavares a common or rare name?
Tavares is an uncommon name, ranked #6025 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Tavares
Tavares is a boy name with Portuguese, Brazilian, Cape Verdean, and African American origins . The name means "son of Taveiro; from the hermitage" in Portuguese .
Is Tavares a boy or girl name? Tavares is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #6,025 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #61,130. Tavares is more commonly used as a boy name.
Tavares is currently ranked #6,025 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Tavares has 3 syllables and is pronounced t-ahv-AHR-ehs, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Tavares include Tav and Tee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis