The origin of the surname Chaves is the border between Portugal and Spain, where a surname is considered a very noble and ancient house.

One branch of the lineage passage to Spain.

Some variations of this surname are: Chaves, Chavez and others.

The oldest data you have on the surname Chaves is in 1160 when Rui Lopez and Garcia Lopez, contributed to the conquest of the town of Chaves, taking after the name of the town as their surname.

The name was extended to all Spain but mainly to the south.

Famous people with the surname Chaves:

Carlos Chavez (1899-1978): Composer and conductor of the Orchestra of Mexico.
Julio Cesar Chavez: Mexican boxer.
Hugo Chavez: President of Venezuela.