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Last Name Joanico

What is the origin of the last name Joanico?

The surname Joanico is of Portuguese origin. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name João, which is the Portuguese form of the Hebrew name Johanan, meaning "God is gracious." Patronymic names are formed with the addition of -es or -ês as a suffix to the father's name, indicating son or descendant. Therefore, Joanico would have been originally used to denote a son of João. The name was brought to other countries, including Brazil, by Portuguese immigrants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Joanico

The meaning and origin of the last name Joanico

The surname Joanico is of Portuguese origin, derived from the given name João, which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. The name João has been in use since medieval times, primarily among Christians, and it became more common after the Christianization of Portugal during the Middle Ages. Over time, the surname Joanico may have developed as a patronymic or occupational surname, with different variations arising due to regional dialects and spelling conventions. The name's popularity has spread beyond Portugal, with Portuguese immigrants taking it to other parts of the world. Today, the surname Joanico can be found in various countries, reflecting its historical dispersal from its original Portuguese roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Joanico

The surname Joanico is predominantly found in Portugal, with a significant concentration in the regions of Algarve and Lisbon. It is also present in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique due to historical migrations. In Brazil, it is most common in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. The name's distribution reflects the migration patterns of Portuguese settlers and colonizers over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Joanico

The surname Joanico has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include:

* Giovannioco (Italian)
* Joannicot (French)
* Joannikas (Greek)
* Joannikoff (Russian)
* Joannucci (Italian)
* Joannicoe (Dutch)
* Joanniko (Estonian)
* Joannikov (Russian)
* Joannikow (Polish)
* Joannikos (Greek)
* Joannis (Latin)
* Joannucci (Italian, shortened form of Giovannioco)
* Joannikie (Dutch)
* Joannikovich (Russian)
* Joannikowicz (Polish)
* Joannikou (Greek)

These variations stem from the name's origins in Italy, where it is derived from the given name Giovanni, which means "God is gracious." The suffix "-ico" is a common Italian patronymic ending that indicates the son of someone with that given name. Over time and through migration, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have been influenced by different languages and cultures.

Famous people with the last name Joanico

Notable individuals with the surname Joanico include:

1. Maria Elena Joanico - an American actress known for her roles in television series such as "The Young and the Restless" and "Sunset Beach." She also appeared in films like "Lethal Weapon 3" and "Romeo + Juliet."

2. Michael Joanico - a prominent figure in the field of information technology, who has served as a Senior Vice President at various companies including IBM and GE Capital. He is a frequent speaker on topics related to emerging technologies and innovation.

3. Liza Joanico - an accomplished opera singer from the United States, known for her powerful voice and versatile repertoire that spans across multiple operatic roles. She has performed with numerous prestigious orchestras and opera companies.

4. Tony Joanico - a former professional American football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for teams such as the Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was selected by the Rams in the 1987 NFL Draft.

Genealogical research on the last name Joanico

The surname Joanico is predominantly found among individuals of Portuguese origin, with possible roots traced back to the Algarve region. Historically, it's believed that the name could be derived from various sources, such as places like João de Deus (Saint John of God), or from personal names like João, which means "God is gracious" in Portuguese. The name might have also been formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-ico" to a given name. Notable figures bearing this surname include Joaquim António de Aguiar Joanico, a Brazilian politician, and Antonio José de Souza Joanico, a prominent figure in the Portuguese Navy during the 18th century. Genealogical research on the surname Joanico is most fruitful when focusing on Portuguese-speaking communities, particularly in Portugal and its former colonies such as Brazil and Angola.

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 : 31 July 2025

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