Bolívar

Bolívar, often rendered Bolivar in English, is a Spanish-language surname most closely associated with Simón Bolívar, a central figure in Latin American independence. The name has been applied to people, places, and currencies across the region, reflecting Bolívar’s lasting historical influence.

Simón Bolívar (1783–1830) was a Venezuelan military and political leader whose campaigns helped liberate much of northern South America from Spanish rule. He played a key role in the independence of present-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, and he contributed to the creation of Gran Colombia, a political entity that encompassed several of these regions. Bolívar is regarded as a foundational figure in several nations and as a symbol of unity and republican ideals in the region.

The bolívar is the official currency of Venezuela. Named in Bolívar’s honor, the currency has undergone multiple redenominations in the 21st century, including forms known as bolívar fuerte and bolívar soberano. The current unit is the bolívar soberano, though high inflation and monetary changes have shaped its recent history.

The name Bolívar also appears in numerous toponyms and institutions across Latin America, reflecting Bolívar’s prominence in the region’s history. The republic of Bolivia is named after Simón Bolívar, and many towns, streets, and organizations bear his name as well.