Last Name Cercos

The surname Cercos is of Spanish origin. It derives from various sources, with one possible origin being from a topographic name for someone who lived near a wall or enclosure, derived from the Old Castilian word "cerco" meaning "wall" or "enclosure." Another possibility is that it could be a habitational name from any of several places called Cercos in Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cercos

The meaning and origin of the last name Cercos

The surname Cercos is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Aragon region in northeastern Spain. It derives from a geographical or topographical location named "Cerco" or "Las Cercos," meaning "walls" or "enclosures." This name could have been originally given to someone who lived near such a place or as a nickname for someone who was thought to be strong and protective, like a wall. The surname Cercos has since spread across Spain, and its variants can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries due to migration. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved slightly in different regions, reflecting regional dialects and phonetic changes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cercos

The last name Cercos is predominantly distributed in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and León, Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia. It's a common surname in these areas due to historical reasons, as many Spanish families have kept their surnames from the Middle Ages. The name Cercos has also been found in Portugal, mostly in the northern region of Minho, reflecting possible migrations or shared history between the two Iberian countries. In recent times, people with the last name Cercos can be found in various parts of the world due to migration, especially to South and North America, where there are significant Spanish-speaking communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cercos

The surname Cercos has several variations and spellings in different countries and historical periods. Here are some of them:

1. Cerco: This is a variation of the Spanish surname, pronounced nearly the same but with a slight difference in spelling.
2. Circos: A rare variant that might have arisen due to transposition errors or regional dialects.
3. Serco: A possible anglicized version, although it may also be a separate surname unrelated to Cercos.
4. Serchos: This could be a misspelling or a variant of the Spanish surname, pronounced similarly but with different spelling.
5. Circeos: An Italian variation of the surname, often pronounced with a stress on the second syllable.
6. Circes: A more common English spelling, although it might also be a reference to the mythological character Circe from Greek mythology.
7. Cirqos: This could be a misspelling or an uncommon variant of the surname.
8. Serkos: Another potential variation or misspelling of the surname.
9. Circus: While not directly related to Cercos, it is worth mentioning that in English, circus can refer to a traveling group of performing artists, which could be a coincidence or a nickname derived from the surname.

Famous people with the last name Cercos

The Cercos family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Juan Antonio Cercas, a Spanish novelist and essayist who won the National Literature Prize of Spain for his work "Solito en su propia casa." He is best known internationally for his novels such as "The Soldiers of Salamis" and "The Impostor," which have been translated into multiple languages. In the realm of sports, Eduardo Cercos Serrano, also known as "Keko," is a prominent figure. A former Spanish footballer, he played for several top-tier clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, and represented the Spanish national team in international competitions. Lastly, in the world of academia, Luis Eduardo Cercas Fernández is a well-known archaeologist specializing in Pre-Columbian civilizations, particularly those of Central Mexico. His research has led to significant contributions to our understanding of ancient Mesoamerican cultures.

Genealogical research on the last name Cercos

The surname Cercos originates from the Basque region, specifically in the province of Navarre, Spain. Historically, it is believed to be derived from a geographical location or topographical feature, such as a hill or a river bend, with the word "cerco" meaning "encircle" or "enclosure" in Basque.

The Cercos family is one of the oldest and most prominent families in Navarre, with records dating back to the 13th century. Notable members include Juan de Cercos, who was a prominent lawyer and politician during the Spanish Renaissance, and Father Francisco de Cercos, a missionary who played a crucial role in Christianizing the indigenous populations in South America.

The surname Cercos spread to other parts of Spain, particularly to the Canary Islands, as a result of migration waves throughout history. Today, the Cercos family can also be found in Latin American countries such as Argentina, Cuba, and Mexico due to colonial expansion and subsequent immigration.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cercos"
• 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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