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Last Name Acurcio

What is the origin of the last name Acurcio?

The surname Acurcio is of Portuguese origin. It derives from the occupational name "Curcó" or "Courcó," which means a maker or seller of cork products, such as stoppers for wine bottles. The name was brought to Portugal by Moorish invaders in the Middle Ages and gradually became more common among the Christian population over time. Similar names can be found in other European countries where Portuguese immigrants settled.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Acurcio

The meaning and origin of the last name Acurcio

The surname Acurcio is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin name "Acurcius." This name is an adjective form, indicating someone who was curly-haired or wavy-haired. Over time, it became a common surname in Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The name Acurcio first appeared during the Middle Ages when personal names were beginning to be passed down from one generation to the next. As Italian immigrants dispersed across Europe and later to other continents, including America, the surname Acurcio spread, maintaining its original meaning. Today, it is a relatively uncommon name but retains its roots in the rich history of Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Acurcio

The last name Acurcio has its origins primarily in Portugal and Spain, with a significant concentration in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Castile-Leon in Spain, and Minho, Braga, Viseu, Coimbra, and Lisbon in Portugal. Over time, due to migration and colonization, the surname Acurcio can also be found in South America, particularly in Brazil, where it is most common in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Paraná. In North America, a notable presence of the Acurcio family can be found in the United States, especially in Florida, with smaller communities in California, Texas, and New York. The last name Acurcio is less common but can also be found in other parts of Europe, Africa, and Oceania due to historical migrations and diaspora events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Acurcio

The surname Acurcio exhibits several variations and spelling forms due to factors such as regional differences, transliteration, and personal preference. Some common variants include: Acúrcio, Acurzio, Accurcio, Acurzio, Accursio, Acursio, Acursyo, Ackurcio, Accorto, Akurcio, Acurcyo, among others. These variations are primarily found in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal and Brazil, but can also be encountered in other regions where Portuguese or Portuguese-speaking individuals have immigrated. It is important to note that the correct spelling may depend on personal preference or historical context.

Famous people with the last name Acurcio

Notable individuals with the surname Acurcio include:

1. Jorge Acurcio (1967-), an Ecuadorian footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Barcelona Sporting Club and Deportivo Quito, and represented his national team in international competitions during the 1980s and 1990s.
2. Mateus Acurcio (1994-), a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Spanish club Real Sociedad and the Brazilian national team. He has represented his country in both the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, and is known for his strong defensive abilities.
3. José Antonio Acurcio (1962-), a Peruvian architect, urban planner, and professor who has been instrumental in the development of Lima's urban landscape and has received numerous awards for his contributions to architecture and urban design. He served as the dean of the School of Architecture at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru from 2010 to 2014.
4. Elvira Acurcio (1968-), an Ecuadorian politician who has served as a member of the National Congress of Ecuador since 2017. She is a member of the Democratic Left party and has been active in politics for over two decades, advocating for social justice and women's rights.
5. José Acurcio (1864-1937), a Brazilian composer, pianist, and conductor who was instrumental in promoting classical music in Brazil during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He founded the National Conservatory of Music in Rio de Janeiro, where he taught many prominent musicians.

Genealogical research on the last name Acurcio

The surname Acurcio originates from Italy, specifically from the region of Abruzzo, where it is believed to have been first used as a patronymic name derived from the personal name Accurzio or Acuto, which means sharp or keen in Italian. Records show that the earliest known bearer of this surname was Accurzio de' Medici, who lived during the 13th century in Abruzzo. The family later migrated to other regions of Italy and eventually to other countries such as Spain, France, Brazil, and the United States. In Brazil, the Acurcio family is most prominently found in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Notable individuals with this surname include Jose Acurcio de Souza, a Brazilian composer, and Antonio Acurcio, a Brazilian cardiologist who made significant contributions to the field of cardiac surgery. The genealogical research on the Acurcio family is ongoing, as many members continue to contribute to the family's history and legacy around the world.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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