Last Name Ciraco

The surname Ciraco is believed to have origins in Spain. It is derived from the medieval Spanish nickname "cirugia" which means "surgeon" or "skilled craftsman." Over time, this surname evolved into its present form, Ciraco. It's important to note that while this is a common origin theory for the name, it's always best to consult genealogical resources and experts for accurate information about specific family lineages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ciraco

The meaning and origin of the last name Ciraco

The surname Ciraco is of Italian origin, derived from various local places named Ciraco or Ciracò, found primarily in the Calabria region of southern Italy. These places derive their name from the Latin "Ciriacus," which is believed to be related to the Greek "Kyriakos," meaning "belonging to the Lord." The surname may also have originated as a nickname for someone associated with these locations, or perhaps for a person born on the feast day of Saint Cyrus (San Ciriaco), celebrated on March 16th in the Roman Catholic calendar. Over time, the name has been adopted and adapted by individuals who migrated from Italy to other parts of the world, becoming a part of diverse cultural and linguistic landscapes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ciraco

The surname Ciraco is primarily found in Italy, specifically in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. It originates from the medieval Latin name "Ciracius," which was brought to these regions by the Normans during their conquest in the 11th century. Over time, the name evolved into its current Italian form, Ciraco. While it is most prevalent in Italy, there are also some instances of the surname being found among Italians who have emigrated and settled in other countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, particularly in regions with a high concentration of Italian immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ciraco

The surname Ciraco has various spellings and regional variations. Some of the most common include Ciracco, Ciraolo, Ciraolo-Ciraco, and Cirraco. These variations may have originated due to differences in transcription or transliteration over time, as well as from different Italian dialects. The name is believed to be derived from the Latin word "circulus," meaning circle, and was likely given to someone who lived near a circular landmark, such as a hill or a pond. In contemporary times, individuals with this surname can be found primarily in Italy and its diaspora communities around the world.

Famous people with the last name Ciraco

Notable individuals with the surname Ciracó include:

1. Ignacio Cirac (b. 1964), a Spanish theoretical physicist known for his work on quantum computing and the development of the Cirac-Zoller model.
2. Josep Lluís Cirac (b. 1950), a Catalan musician and musicologist who has made significant contributions to the revival and promotion of Catalan folk music.
3. Francesc Cirac i Pera (1876–1949), a Spanish composer, pianist, and conductor who was one of the leading figures in the modernization of Catalan classical music during the early 20th century.
4. Eduard Cirac i Prats (1856–1933), a Catalan painter and illustrator known for his works depicting scenes from rural Catalonia.
5. Montserrat Cirac i Ribó (b. 1948), a Spanish archaeologist who has made significant contributions to the study of Iberian prehistory, particularly in relation to ceramics and metallurgy.
6. Lluís Cirac i Tudó (1923–2015), a Catalan journalist and writer who was a prominent figure in the Catalan cultural renaissance during the Franco dictatorship.

Genealogical research on the last name Ciraco

The Ciraco surname is predominantly Italian and Spanish in origin. In Italy, it derives from various locations such as Ciracò, a town in the province of Catanzaro, Calabria, and Ciracò Marina, a frazione of San Pietro A Maida, also in Calabria. The name may also be associated with the Latin word "circa" meaning "around," reflecting its geographical origin. In Spain, Ciraco is a variant of the Basque surname Ciraza or Txiraza, which comes from the village of Cirauqui in Navarra. The Ciracos, as a family name, can be traced back to the 16th century in both countries. Notable individuals with the Ciraco surname include Italian artist Giuseppe Ciraco (1753-1824) and Spanish footballer José Ciraco González (born 1970).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ciraco"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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