Žagar is a Slovenian occupational surname derived from the word žaga, meaning "saw" (of German origin), referring to a woodcutter or sawyer. The name is pronounced /ʒáːɡar/. The surname Žagar reflects a common pattern in Slovenian and other Slavic onomastics where occupational terms become hereditary surnames. Such names often originated in medieval times when trades and professions were key to social identity. As Slovenia was historically part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the influence of German vocabulary, such as the source of žaga, is evident in many Slovenian surnames. Today, Žagar is found primarily in Slovenia, with smaller numbers in neighboring countries due to historical migration. Variants of the name may include Žagar v individual forms, but the root žaga appears in related terms such as žagati (to saw). No prominent notable bearers are recorded in available sources, but the name remains common in Slovenian communities. Etymology The name originates from the Slovene word žaga, meaning "saw", itself borrowed from German Säge. The addition of the suffix -ar indicates an occupational agent - one who works with a saw, i.e., a sawyer or woodcutter. Cultural Significance As a surname, Žagar underscores the importance of forestry and woodworking in Slovenian historical economy. These occupations were vital in the heavily forested regions of Slovenia, and such surnames persist as markers of ancestral professions. Meaning: Occupational name for a woodcutter ("sawyer") Origin: Slovene, from the word žaga (saw) Type: Occupational surname Usage Regions: Slovenia, with diaspora communities