Last Name Centurion

The surname "Centurion" is of Latin origin, derived from the term "centurio," which was a military rank in the ancient Roman army. A centurion commanded approximately 100 soldiers, and the title signified both leadership and honor. The name later became a hereditary one, passed down through generations, particularly among families with a history of military service.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Centurion

The meaning and origin of the last name Centurion

The surname Centurion is of Latin origin, derived from the term "centurio" which means a Roman military officer commanding a century or unit of around 80 soldiers. This title was given to officers who led centuriae, the basic infantry units in the Roman army. Over time, as many Romans migrated and settled across Europe, the name Centurion became a surname among their descendants. The Centurion family name is now widespread, particularly in countries with a significant history of Roman influence such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and England. It can also be found in other parts of the world due to migrations and historical events throughout the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Centurion

The surname Centurion is predominantly of Latin origin, derived from the Roman military term "centurio," meaning commander of a century (a unit of approximately 80 soldiers). Over time, the name has spread globally due to historical migration patterns and colonialism. In Europe, Centurion can be found most frequently in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and England. In the Americas, the name is common among descendants of early European settlers, particularly in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States. The presence of Centurions can also be traced in African countries with a significant Portuguese influence, such as Angola and Mozambique, as well as in Australia due to British colonialism.

Variants and spellings of the last name Centurion

The last name Centurion has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include Centurione, Centurio, Censurion, Centsurion, and Centorion. These variations may arise from different linguistic backgrounds or historical periods. In some cases, the name may also be translated or anglicized as Censorius, Censore, Cenzo, or Centori in other languages. It's important to note that these variations can make genealogical research challenging but also offer insights into the diverse heritage and migration patterns of people bearing this surname throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Centurion

Notable individuals bearing the surname Centurion include:

1. John Centurion (1897-1973), a British stage and film actor best known for his roles in films like "The Third Man" and "Lawrence of Arabia."
2. William George Centurion (1854-1906), an English architect and designer who created several notable buildings in London, including the Royal Horticultural Society's Lindley Hall.
3. Trevor Centurion (born 1947), a South African cricketer who played for Northamptonshire and Transvaal in first-class cricket.
4. Lennie James Centurion (born 1968), an English actor known for his roles on television series such as "Line of Duty," "Fear the Walking Dead," and "Broken."
5. David Centurion (1720-1792), a French painter who was part of the Rococo movement and was active in London during the 18th century.
6. Jean Baptiste Pierre Léonard Centurion (1735-1794), a French painter, brother of David Centurion, who also worked in the Rococo style.

Genealogical research on the last name Centurion

The Centurion surname originates from the Latin word "centurio," meaning a commander of one hundred men in the Roman army. This name was given as an occupational name to individuals who served in the Roman military or were descended from such individuals.

The Centurion family is believed to have originated in France, with early records dating back to the 13th century. Some of the earliest known bearers of this surname include Roger Centurio, recorded in Normandy in 1205 and Guillaume Centurion, mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Essex in 1218.

The Centurion family migrated to England during the Norman Conquest and was one of the families that accompanied William the Conqueror from France. They later settled in various parts of England, with significant populations found in Kent, Surrey, and London.

Over time, members of the Centurion family immigrated to other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, where they have made notable contributions to their respective societies. Some famous individuals with this surname include English explorer Sir James Lancaster and American artist Edward S. Centurion.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Centurion"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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