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Last Name Indalecio

What is the origin of the last name Indalecio?

The surname "Indalecio" is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It comes from a given name, which is derived from the Latin words 'in' (meaning "on") and 'deus lex' ("God's law"). This name was popular in regions where Christianity was dominant during the Middle Ages. The surname indicates that a person or their family were associated with someone named Indalecio.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Indalecio

The meaning and origin of the last name Indalecio

The surname Indalecio is of Spanish origin, derived from the given name "Indalecio," which is believed to be a compound name formed by combining "In dulci jubilo," a Latin phrase meaning "in sweet joy," and "lecio" or "lécio," an old term for "letter" or "writing." The name Indalecio, therefore, carries the meaning of "joyful letter" or "letter of joy." This surname, like many in Spain and Portugal, was traditionally passed down patrilineally, from father to son. Over time, variations of the spelling have emerged due to differences in regional pronunciation and record-keeping practices. Today, individuals with this surname can be found primarily in Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Puerto Rico, as well as other parts of the world where Spanish-speaking immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Indalecio

The surname Indalecio is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, due to its origins in the Iberian Peninsula. It's also present in other Portuguese-influenced regions such as Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India) where Portuguese colonization occurred historically. Additionally, there are individuals with this surname in Spain, due to similarities between Spanish and Portuguese languages and cultures. In the United States, it's likely that people with the last name Indalecio originate from immigrants or descendants of immigrants from these countries. The distribution of the name is relatively sparse globally, reflecting its historical roots and cultural influences in specific regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Indalecio

The surname Indalecio has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling variations include: Indalecios, Indalecius, Indaleci, Indalezio, and Indalizio. These variations may be found across different regions and countries, reflecting the diverse heritage of individuals bearing this name. Additionally, some people may use a combination of the given name and surname as one word, such as IndalecioRamos or Indaleciotorres. It is essential to note that the correct spelling can depend on factors like regional dialects, cultural influences, and historical records.

Famous people with the last name Indalecio

Indalecio is a rare surname with notable figures hailing from various fields and regions. One of the most distinguished individuals is Indalecio Barrio Mejía (1875-1936), a Spanish Republican politician who served as President of the Second Spanish Republic for a brief period. In the Philippines, Indalecio Amoranto (born 1957) is a prominent lawyer and politician who served as Undersecretary of the Department of Justice. Another notable figure is Indalécio Carvalho (1842-1920), a Brazilian composer and musician known for his contribution to the samba genre. Lastly, Indalecio Cruz (born 1936) is a Filipino artist recognized for his abstract expressionist paintings. These individuals have left indelible marks in their respective fields, contributing significantly to their societies.

Genealogical research on the last name Indalecio

The last name Indalecio is of Spanish origin, derived from the given name Indalecio, which means "rule of the house" or "reign in the palace." It first appeared in recorded history during the Middle Ages, stemming from various regions in Spain, including Galicia, Castile, and Aragon. The earliest known bearer was Alvaro Indalecio, a nobleman from Castile who lived in the 12th century. Throughout the centuries, the name has been passed down through numerous generations of Spanish families, including the prominent Indalecio de la Cadena family from Seville and the Indalecio de los Rios family from Galicia. The name also expanded to other parts of the world with Spanish colonization, such as the Philippines, where the Indalecio family was among the earliest settlers in Cebu and Iloilo provinces. Today, the Indalecio surname can be found in various countries worldwide, reflecting its rich and diverse history.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 13 June 2025

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