Last Name Luceno

Learn more about the origin of the last name Luceno

The meaning and origin of the last name Luceno

The surname Luceno is of Spanish and Italian origin. It is derived from the place name "Lucena," which was the name of several towns in Spain and Italy during the Middle Ages. The town of Lucena in Cordoba, Spain, is believed to be the most likely source for the surname, as it has a long history dating back to Roman times. The name is thought to come from the Latin word "lucus," meaning "grove" or "wood," which was a common element in place names during that period. Over time, families living near these towns began to take on the name of their hometown as a form of identification and it eventually became a hereditary surname. Today, the surname Luceno is primarily found in Spain, Italy, and Latin America, although it can also be found in other parts of the world due to migration over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Luceno

The surname Luceno has its origins in Spain and is primarily distributed within that country. According to various sources, it is most prevalent in regions such as Galicia, Castile-La Mancha, Castile and Leon, and the Basque Country. Outside Spain, significant numbers of people with the last name Luceno can also be found in countries like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and the United States, particularly in areas with a strong Spanish or Galician heritage. In these countries, it is often spelled as Luceno or Lujano due to phonetic variations and historical influences on naming conventions. Additionally, there are smaller communities of Lucenos in Portugal, Italy, and other Latin American countries, reflecting the historical ties between these regions and Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Luceno

The surname Luceno has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Luccheno, Luchino, Lucchin, Luchene, and Lucciano. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or assimilation during immigration. In some cases, the surname may have been misspelled or altered slightly over time. For example, in Portuguese, the surname is spelled Lúceno, while in Italian it might be Lucchese or Luciani. The Spanish and Filipino variants remain Luceno. It's essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different names but rather different ways of spelling the same name.

Famous people with the last name Luceno

The Lucena family, known for their significant contributions across various fields, boasts several distinguished members. One prominent figure is Luis de Lucena, a Portuguese-Jewish author and philosopher who lived during the 14th century. He was among the first to write books on chess strategy and contributed significantly to the development of the game. In the 16th century, Francisco de Lucena, a Spanish jurist, played an essential role in the creation of the first codified civil code for Spain. Moreover, Jorge Luis Borges, born as Hugo Luis Ovidio Reyes Yzquierdo but later adopting the pen name Jorge Luis Borges Lucena, was an Argentine writer, considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, known for his contributions to literature and philosophy. Lastly, Juan Pablo Lucena, a contemporary figure, is a professional tennis player who has competed in multiple Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Genealogical research on the last name Luceno

The surname Luceno originates from Spain and is primarily found in regions such as Galicia, Castile, and Aragon. The name is derived from the Latin "lux" meaning light or luminosity, indicating a profession related to light, such as a torch-bearer or lighthouse keeper. Early records show that the Luceno family had a significant presence during the Middle Ages in Spain. Notable individuals with the surname Luceno include Domingo de Lucena, a 15th-century scholar and humanist, and Juan de Lucena, a Spanish general during the late 16th century. As Spanish explorers and conquistadors ventured to the Americas in the 16th century, some members of the Luceno family emigrated, spreading the surname throughout Latin America. Today, the Luceno family is found primarily in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Luceno"
• 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 : 24 July 2025