Last Name Cirica

The surname Cirica is of Slavic origin, specifically from Croatia and neighboring regions. It is derived from various place names throughout those areas, with the most common being Cirić, a village in Croatia. The surname is an occupational or locative name, indicating that the original bearer was likely from, or employed in, one of these places named Cirica/Cirić.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cirica

The meaning and origin of the last name Cirica

The surname Cirica is believed to have origins in Italy, specifically in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. It is derived from various place names throughout these areas, with the most common being Ciriaca or Ciriacca, which can be found in several Italian towns. The name itself is thought to originate from the Latin word "circius" meaning "oak circle," referring to a clearing surrounded by oak trees. Over time, variations of this name emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during migration and record-keeping.

In modern times, the surname Cirica can be found in various countries, particularly among Italian diaspora communities. Like many surnames, it serves as an important link to a family's cultural heritage, providing insight into their ancestral origins and historical context.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cirica

The surname Cirica is predominantly found in Romania and Moldova, countries that share historical and cultural ties. According to research, it is most frequent in the eastern regions of Romania, particularly in counties like Bacau, Neamt, Suceava, and Iasi. In Moldova, the surname Cirica is also common, especially in the northern district of Basarabeasca. The name may originate from various places named Circa or Chirca in Romania, suggesting a possible geographical origin for the surname. Additionally, there are small populations of individuals with the surname Cirica in other parts of Europe, such as Italy and Spain, possibly due to migration or historical connections.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cirica

The surname Cirica has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical changes. Some of these variants include: Ciricha, Cziricha, Csoricha, Ciryca, Chirica, Cirich, Cyrica, and Tsirica. These variations may arise from changes in spelling conventions over time or from different phonetic interpretations of the same name in various regions. The root form of the name is likely to be related to place names containing the element 'cirka' or 'tsirk', which means 'circle' in some Slavic languages, although its specific origin and meaning may vary depending on the country and ethnic group it is associated with.

Famous people with the last name Cirica

Notable individuals with the surname Cirica include:

1. Igor Cirica (born 1983), a Serbian footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs, including Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade. He also represented the Serbia national team.

2. Slobodan Cirica (born 1954), a Serbian politician who served as Minister of Defense from 2004 to 2008. He was a member of the Democratic Party and later joined the Serbian Progressive Party.

3. Aleksandar Cirica (born 1976), a Serbian handball player who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal with the Yugoslavia national team.

4. Predrag Cirica (1956-2005), a Serbian singer and musician known for his contributions to the Yugoslav rock scene in the 1980s as a member of the band Panker.

5. Bojan Cirica (born 1972), a Serbian actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including "The Trap" and "The Oath." He is also known for his work on stage.

Genealogical research on the last name Cirica

The surname Cirica is primarily found in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, suggesting Slavic origins within the South Slavic group. One notable branch of the family can be traced back to the Cirica family from the town of Bjelovar, Croatia, dating back to the 18th century. The family name may have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a circular enclosure or as an occupational name for someone who worked with circular objects, derived from the Slavic word "kružnica" which means "circular."

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Cirica family members emigrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas in search of better opportunities. Notable diaspora communities can be found in Germany, Austria, Australia, and the United States. In the United States, the name is most commonly concentrated in California and Ohio.

Throughout history, various members of the Cirica family have contributed to their respective communities as farmers, artisans, and skilled laborers. Today, the Cirica surname remains a strong identifier for those with Croatian or Bosnian heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cirica"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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