Last Name Leocadio

The surname Leocadio has Spanish origins. It is derived from the given name Leocadio, which comes from the Late Latin name Leocadius, itself derived from the Greek names Λεοκάδιος (Leokádios), meaning "belonging to the city of Leukada" or "of the white fortress". The island of Leukas (modern-day Lefkada) in Greece was named for its white cliffs.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Leocadio

The meaning and origin of the last name Leocadio

The surname Leocadio is of Greek origin, derived from the given name Leocadios, which means "delivered by Apollo." It is one of the many Greek names that have been adapted and spread throughout various cultures due to the influence of the Byzantine Empire, particularly in Southern Europe. In Spain, the name is often found as Leocadio or Lleócadi, although it may also appear in other spellings depending on regional variations. Over time, the name has been passed down through generations, creating numerous families bearing this unique surname across diverse cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leocadio

The surname Leocadio has a significant presence primarily in Spanish-speaking countries due to its origins in the Iberian Peninsula. It is most frequently found in Spain and Portugal, particularly in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and the Canary Islands in Spain, and the Northern and Central regions of Portugal. The name has also been dispersed to a lesser extent through Spanish and Portuguese immigration to Latin America, primarily in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. In these regions, the name may be found more commonly among people of Spanish or Portuguese descent. Additionally, small communities carrying the surname Leocadio can be found in other parts of the world where there has been historical Spanish or Portuguese influence, such as the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and some U.S. states with large Hispanic populations like California and Florida.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leocadio

The surname Leocadio can have various spellings and pronunciations due to differences in regional dialects and transcription conventions. Here are some of the common variations:

* LeoCadio (Capitalized L)
* Leocadio (One 'o')
* Leocadio (Two 'o's)
* Leocadios (Plural form ending in 's')
* Leocácio (Portuguese spelling)
* Leokádios (Greek spelling)
* Leokadiou (Cypriot Greek spelling)
* Leukadios (Ancient Greek spelling)

The name is of Latin origin, derived from the word "leocardia," meaning "heart of a lion." It has been popular in various cultures throughout history and continues to be used as a surname today. The pronunciation typically rhymes with "Adio" in English-speaking countries, although there may be regional variations.

Famous people with the last name Leocadio

Notable individuals sharing the surname Leocadio include:

1. Leocádio de Almeida Carvalho (1846-1932), a Brazilian lawyer, politician and President of Brazil from November 15, 1919 to March 25, 1922.

2. Leocadio José y Rudolpho Ruiz (1870-1937), a Cuban poet known for his works such as "La catedral de Santa Clara" and "Poemas de amor y muerte."

3. José Leocádio da Silva (born 1954), also known as Mestre Bimba, is a Brazilian martial artist and the creator of Capoeira Regional, a regional style of capoeira.

4. Leocadio Pagkalinawan (1932-1987), a Filipino visual artist who was recognized for his abstract works, particularly in batik painting and metal sculpture.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in Brazil, Cuba, and the Philippines. Their work continues to be celebrated and influential within and beyond their home countries.

Genealogical research on the last name Leocadio

The surname Leocadio is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from the given name Leocadio, which means "lion's strength" in Latin. This name was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Leocadius, a martyr who lived during the 3rd century and is recognized as a patron saint of lepers. The name, along with its variants such as Leocadio, became more prevalent in Spain following the Moorish invasions, as many Christians adopted surnames based on their given names to distinguish themselves from the Muslim population. The surname Leocadio can be found throughout Spain today and has also been carried by immigrants to other parts of the world, particularly Latin America and the United States. Notable individuals with the name include Leocadio R. Viñas y Rodríguez-Velarde, a Spanish architect who designed several notable buildings in Madrid during the early 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Leocadio"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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