Last Name Cisco

The surname Cisco is of Spanish and Italian origin. It is derived from the word "cisco," which means "merchant" or "trader" in both languages. This surname was often given to individuals who were involved in commercial activities, especially those who worked as merchants or traders. In some cases, it may have been a nickname for someone who was particularly skillful in business transactions. The name is also associated with the city of Cáceres in Spain and the region of Liguria in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cisco

The meaning and origin of the last name Cisco

The surname Cisco is primarily of Spanish and Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "cis" meaning "on this side," referring to someone living on the near or this side of a river, hill, or town. In Spain, it is often associated with a town called Ciscos, located in the Aragon region, while in Italy, it can be found in several regions including Calabria and Sicily. The name was likely brought to the Americas by Spanish or Italian immigrants during the colonization period. Today, it is a common surname in various English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, due to historical immigration patterns from Spain and Italy. It is important to note that the exact origin and spelling of a surname can vary, as it may have been adapted over time by different families and regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cisco

The surname Cisco is primarily distributed across several regions in the United States due to historical European immigration patterns. A significant concentration can be found in Florida, particularly around Tampa Bay and Jacksonville, reflecting Spanish influence from the early colonial settlements. Additionally, California, specifically the San Francisco Bay Area, has a substantial number of individuals with the surname Cisco. The name is also present in other parts of the United States such as Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina, indicating widespread dispersal over time. Outside the U.S., the highest concentration of people with the last name Cisco can be found in the Philippines, where it is a common surname due to Spanish influence during colonial times. The name is also present in other parts of Southeast Asia and Latin America, particularly Mexico.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cisco

The surname Cisco can be found with various spellings and minor variations. Some common forms include: Ciscoe, Ciscos, Cysco, Cysco, Cyscoe, Ciskew, Ciskow, Kysko, Kisco, Kisso, Kysco, and Kysce. These variations may arise due to regional differences in pronunciation, transcription errors over time, or individual preferences in spelling. While the most common spelling is Cisco, it is essential to recognize that all of these forms can represent the same family name.

Famous people with the last name Cisco

One of the most notable figures with the last name Cisco is John Chambers, a prominent American business executive who served as the CEO and chairman of Cisco Systems, an international technology company. Under his leadership from 1995 to 2015, Cisco expanded significantly and became one of the world's largest networking companies. Another well-known figure is Jennifer Anne Cisco, a former American actress who appeared in various television shows and films during the 1980s and 1990s, including the soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Additionally, John B. Cisco was an influential American meteorologist who played a key role in developing severe-weather forecasting technology for the National Weather Service in the United States during the mid-20th century. These individuals are a testament to the accomplishments and diverse talents of people with the last name Cisco across different fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Cisco

The surname Cisco is primarily of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the word "cicso" meaning 'farmer' or 'peasant'. It is also found in some regions of France and Italy with similar meanings. In the context of North America, many bearers of this name are of English or Scottish descent due to historical links via Spain and Portugal.

The earliest known Cisco ancestors can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula in the 16th century. Some notable Ciscos include Sir Francis Drake's surgeon, John Cisco, who was aboard the Golden Hind during its circumnavigation of the globe; and Admiral William F. Cisco, a decorated American naval officer during World War II.

In the United States, the name became more prominent following European colonization. The Ciscos played significant roles in various regions such as Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas, with many families maintaining their surname over generations. Today, there are numerous branches of the Cisco family scattered globally, continuing to contribute to their respective communities and societies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cisco"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends