What is the origin of the last name Antioco?

The surname Antioco is of Greek origin. It derives from the ancient Greek name Antiochus, which means "priceless" or "precious". This name was popular among the Seleucid dynasty rulers of the Hellenistic Empire, with one of the most famous being Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who reigned in Syria around 164-163 BC. Over time, the surname Antioco has been adopted by individuals of various ethnicities and nationalities, particularly those with Greek or Middle Eastern ancestry.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Antioco

The meaning and origin of the last name Antioco

The surname Antiochus, more commonly spelled as Antioco in some regions, is of Greek origin. It derives from the city of Antiochia, which was founded by Seleucus I Nicator in present-day Syria around 300 BC. The name Antiochia translates to 'city of Antiochus,' named after Seleucus' father, Antiochus, who was one of Alexander the Great's generals. Over time, the name evolved into a surname as people from Antioch migrated to other parts of the world, particularly during Roman and Byzantine times. The surname Antioco is still found in various countries today, reflecting its historical significance and global dispersal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Antioco

The surname Antioco is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, primarily due to its Greek origin. Notably, significant concentrations of this last name can be found in countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy, reflecting their rich cultural histories. Migration patterns also suggest that the Antioco family has spread globally through the diaspora from these regions, with communities now residing in various parts of Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. In recent times, due to global mobility and intermarriage, the Antioco name can be found across numerous geographical locations worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Antioco

The surname Antioco can exhibit various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and local dialects over time. Some of these variations include: Antiocco, Antiuko, Antuoko, Antuyoku, Antucho, Antooko, Antuokas, Antuokou, and Antookos. These variations may originate from different geographical locations or be the result of individual family preferences. However, it's important to note that these variations might lead to challenges when conducting genealogical research as records may not always match exactly.

Famous people with the last name Antioco

Seleucus I Nicator Antiochus (358 BC – 281 BC), also known as Seleucus I, was the founder of the Seleucid Empire, one of the successor states to Alexander the Great's empire. He ruled from 305 BC to his death and expanded his territory significantly, making the Seleucid Empire one of the largest empires of the ancient world. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175 BC – 164 BC) was a king of the Seleucid Empire who reigned from 175 to 164 BC. He is known for his religious persecution and conflicts with the Jewish High Priest, Jason, and later with the Maccabees. Antiochus III the Great (242 BC – 187 BC) was another Seleucid ruler who reigned from 223 to 187 BC. He is known for his military campaigns against Rome and Egypt, which strengthened the Seleucid Empire but eventually led to its decline. These three individuals are among the most famous people with the surname Antiochus in history.

Genealogical research on the last name Antioco

The Antioco surname originates from the Mediterranean region, particularly in Syria and Greece. It is derived from the Romanized form of the Semitic personal name "Hanokh" or "Hanukkah," which means "dedication." The Antiocos were a prominent family in the ancient city of Antiochia, located in modern-day Turkey, during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Notable individuals with this surname include the Byzantine general Flavius Antiocus (5th century) and the 14th-century Byzantine emperor Andronikos IV Palaiologos, who was of Armenian descent and adopted the name Antiocus. The surname has been found in various regions worldwide due to migrations, particularly during the Middle Ages and modern times. In Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, it is often spelled Antunez or Antunes. In Greece, it is frequently spelled Anthiokos or Antiokas.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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