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Last Name Iscariot

What is the origin of the last name Iscariot?

The surname Iscariot has roots in various Christian traditions and legends, predominantly associated with the New Testament of the Bible. It is believed to be derived from the word "Ish Kerioth," which is Aramaic for "Man of Kerioth." In Christian legend, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is said to have been born in the town of Kerioth, located in ancient Judea. However, it's important to note that surnames like Iscariot did not come into widespread use until much later, during the Middle Ages, when European populations began to adopt hereditary surnames as a means of identification.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iscariot

The meaning and origin of the last name Iscariot

The surname Iscariot derives from the biblical figure Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles who is best known for betraying him. The name Iscariot is thought to be of Aramaic or Hebrew origin and is interpreted as "man of Kerioth" or "from the village of Kerioth." In the New Testament, it is mentioned that Judas was from the town of Kerioth in Judea. Over time, this biblical name was adopted as a surname by various families in Europe, particularly in regions influenced by Jewish culture, such as Spain and Italy. Today, the surname Iscariot can be found across the world, often among individuals with Jewish or Christian ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iscariot

The surname Iscariot has its roots in the Mediterranean region and is predominantly associated with countries that were part of the Roman Empire, particularly Italy, Spain, and Portugal. It is believed to have originated from the Biblical figure Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, suggesting an early Jewish ancestry. The name has been found in various forms such as Ischieri, Ischerio, and Iscariote across Italy, and Iskarioti or Iskariet in Spain and Portugal. Over time, due to migration patterns and the dispersal of Jews during the Middle Ages and subsequent centuries, the surname can also be found in other parts of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and even the Americas, primarily among Sephardic Jewish communities. Today, the Iscariot name is distributed globally, reflecting historical migration patterns and the diaspora of various cultures over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iscariot

The surname Iscariot has several variations and spellings, including Ischariot, Ishcarion, Ishcaroth, Ishcariot, Ishcarriot, Iskarious, Iskario, Ishkarios, Ishkaros, and Ishkaroth. These differences in spelling are often due to factors such as regional dialects, phonetic interpretations, or errors during transcription. The most common variation is Iscariot, which is derived from the Aramaic "Ish Keryah," meaning "man of the village." This name is most notably associated with Judas Iscariot in the New Testament of the Bible, who was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. However, it's important to note that the surname Iscariot is relatively rare today and may be found among people of various ancestries, not just those with Jewish or Middle Eastern heritage.

Famous people with the last name Iscariot

The Iscariot surname is historically associated with one of the most significant figures in Christian tradition: Judas Iscariot. According to the New Testament, Judas was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and is best known for betraying Jesus by disclosing his location to the religious authorities who subsequently arrested him. After the arrest, Judas remorseful over his actions, returned the thirty pieces of silver he received for betraying Jesus, threw the money into the Temple, and hanged himself. Other notable individuals with the surname Iscariot are less well-known; however, they have made significant contributions in their respective fields. For example, British actor Robert Iscariot has starred in several films, while American lawyer David Iscariot is a partner at a major law firm in New York City. Additionally, Italian violinist Giorgio Iscariot has performed with numerous orchestras around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Iscariot

The surname Iscariot, most notably associated with Judas Iscariot in Christian tradition, originates from the Aramaic word "Ish Karioth," meaning "man of Kiriath" or "town of the vineyard." This region is believed to have been near Hebron in ancient Judea. The name was eventually Latinized as Ischariotes and then Anglicized into Iscariot during the Middle Ages.

Throughout history, the distribution of the surname has expanded beyond its Jewish and Christian origins, with significant populations found today in Europe, particularly France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and England, as well as other parts of the world due to migration. Notable figures bearing this surname include Spanish composer Tomás de Iscariote (15th century) and French novelist Louis-Étienne Watelet d'Iscariot (19th century). The Iscariot family tree remains a fascinating study of diaspora, cultural assimilation, and the evolution of surnames over centuries.

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 : 15 June 2025

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