Last Name Aquino

The last name Aquino has origins in Italy and the Philippines. In Italy, Aquino is derived from the Latin word "Aquinum," which refers to the Italian town Aquino in the province of Frosinone. It is believed that the surname Aquino originated from a person's association or connection with this town. In the Philippines, Aquino is a prominent last name associated with the political dynasty of the Aquino family. Benigno Aquino Jr., also known as Ninoy Aquino, was a prominent Filipino politician who opposed the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. His assassination in 1983 led to widespread political unrest and eventually played a significant role in the restoration of democracy in the country. His wife, Corazon Aquino, served as the President of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992, and their son, Benigno Aquino III, later became the President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016. The surname Aquino gained widespread recognition and association with this influential family due to their significant contributions to Philippine politics.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Aquino

The meaning and origin of the last name Aquino

The surname Aquino has its origins in Italy, specifically in the southern region of Calabria. The name is derived from the Latin word "Aquinas," which means "water." It likely originally referred to someone who lived near a water source or had some connection to water. Over time, the name evolved into Aquino. It is important to note that the surname has multiple variations and spellings, such as D'Aquino or Di Aquino, which may indicate different branches or regional variations of the family. The Aquino surname gained prominence with the renowned Italian philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. Descendants of this illustrious figure often adopted Aquino as their surname, passing it down through generations. With time, the surname became more widespread and found its way to different parts of the world through Italian emigration, thus becoming a recognizable name internationally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Aquino

The surname Aquino is most commonly found in the Philippines, particularly in the Luzon region. This region is where the nation's capital, Manila, is located. Aquino is a prominent surname in the Philippines, largely due to the prominence of the Aquino political family. They are known for their significant contributions to the country's politics, particularly through the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and his wife, former President Corazon Aquino. As a result, the name has gained considerable recognition and popularity within the country. However, it is important to note that the surname Aquino can also be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, where many individuals of Filipino descent have migrated and settled, contributing to the dispersion of the name beyond the Philippines.

Variants and spellings of the last name Aquino

The last name Aquino, originating from Italy, can have several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Aquini, Aquina, and Aqueno. These variations may be influenced by regional accents or dialects. In the Philippines, where the surname has gained popularity, the spelling may slightly differ, with Aquino often being spelled as Akino or Akinoy. Over time, as families have migrated to different countries, further adaptations have occurred. For instance, in Mexico, the name can be spelled as Aquiño, incorporating the Spanish ñ. Another variation commonly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil or Portugal, is Aquinho. Additionally, individuals with this surname who have migrated to English-speaking countries may adopt alternative spellings, such as Aquin, Akweeno, or Akyno. It is important to remember that name variations and spellings can vary widely depending on factors like migration, historical influences, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Aquino

The Aquino family of the Philippines has produced several prominent and influential figures throughout history. One of the most well-known is Benigno S. Aquino Jr., commonly known as Ninoy Aquino, a renowned journalist and politician. He staunchly opposed the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos and ultimately paid the price with his life, being assassinated upon his return to the Philippines in 1983. Ninoy's wife, Corazon C. Aquino, then took up the mantle of opposition to Marcos and became an icon of democracy as the first female President of the Philippines. Another notable member is their son, Benigno S. Aquino III, who also served as President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016, continuing the family's political legacy. With their unwavering dedication to democracy and their significant contributions, the Aquino family remains an integral part of Philippine history and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Aquino

The Aquino surname has a rich and fascinating genealogical history. It originates from Italy, specifically from the Latin word "aqua" meaning water. The name likely started as a nickname for someone living near a water source or with a water-related occupation. Over time, it spread across different regions and evolved as people migrated. One prominent branch of the Aquino family can be found in the Philippines, where it gained significant historical importance. Here, the surname became renowned through the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., an influential political figure who fought against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. His son, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, later served as the President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016. Today, the Aquino name is celebrated and respected, symbolizing a strong lineage of leadership and resilience. Genealogical research on the Aquino surname offers a deep exploration into a diverse and influential family history. Overall, the Aquino family name has left an indelible mark on both Italian and Philippine history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Aquino"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 14 June 2025

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