The phrase "were native of" refers to someone or something that originated from a specific place. However, there are several synonyms to describe the same thing. For example, you can say "originated from," "hail from," "belong to," "come from," "are indigenous to," "have roots in," "were born in," or "are a product of." Using these alternatives not only adds variety to your writing but also helps to avoid repetition. Whether you're writing a scholarly article, a business proposal or a creative piece, using synonyms for "were native of" can make your writing more captivating and engaging.