Last Name Mauricio

The surname "Mauricio" is of Latin origin and is derived from the male given name "Mauritius," which means "sea of bitterness" or "moorland of great military power." This name has its roots in Ancient Rome, where it was a popular name among the Roman nobility. However, it should be noted that surnames did not become widespread until the Middle Ages, and the use of family names varied significantly across different regions and cultures. The spread of the name "Mauricio" to other parts of the world is closely tied to historical events such as colonization and migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mauricio

The meaning and origin of the last name Mauricio

The surname Mauricio is primarily of Spanish and Portuguese origin, stemming from the given name Mauricio, which is derived from the Latin name Mauritius. This name has roots in the Roman Empire, where it was given to those who were born on the feast day of Saint Maurice, a legendary 3rd-century Roman military martyr. Over time, families adopting this name migrated to various regions, including Spain and Portugal, where the name persisted. In Spanish-speaking countries, the surname Mauricio is quite common and can be found in numerous communities around the world. It signifies a connection to these cultural backgrounds and historical periods.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mauricio

The last name Mauricio is predominantly distributed across Latin America and Spain, primarily due to its origins from the medieval Iberian male given name, derived from Mauritius or Maurice, which was introduced during the Moorish rule in Iberia. In Latin America, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, Mauricio is a common surname due to European immigration, mainly from Spain and Portugal. Smaller populations of people with the last name Mauricio can also be found in other parts of the world, including the United States, where it may have been adopted by individuals or families of Latin American descent. The name's distribution reflects historical migration patterns and cultural connections between these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mauricio

The surname Mauricio has several variations and spellings across different regions. The most common English spelling is "Mauricio," which is derived from the Latin name Mauritius, meaning "dark-skinned." Variations include:

1. Maurycy (Polish)
2. Maurice (French)
3. Moritz (German)
4. Mauro (Italian and Portuguese)
5. Moisés (Spanish, a variant of Moses, with Mauricio being a derivative)
6. Murice (Irish, less common)
7. Maoricius (Latin, the original spelling)
8. Mourício (Brazilian Portuguese)
9. Moritzis (Greek)
10. Moretz (Jewish, a diminutive form)

These spellings represent different languages and cultures, each adding to the rich history and diversity associated with the name Mauricio.

Famous people with the last name Mauricio

Mauricio Macri is a well-known individual bearing the surname Mauricio, primarily recognized for serving as the President of Argentina from 2015 to 2019. Born in Rome, Italy, to Argentine parents, he is an entrepreneur and former footballer who played professionally in Argentina, Spain, and Italy before focusing on his business career. Mauricio Charles Shwartz, another notable figure, is a Mexican-American neuroscientist and the co-founder of Illumina Inc., a global leader in DNA sequencing technology that revolutionized genomics research. In 2018, Time magazine included him on their annual list of the 100 most influential people globally. Lastly, Mauricio Pochettino is an Argentine professional football manager and former player who managed Tottenham Hotspur from 2014 to 2019. He led Spurs to consecutive Champions League appearances for the first time in their history and was named Premier League Manager of the Season in 2018-2019. These three individuals, each excelling in distinct fields, exemplify the diverse accomplishments associated with the last name Mauricio.

Genealogical research on the last name Mauricio

The surname Mauricio originates from the medieval Spanish given name Mauro, which means "dark-skinned" or "Moor." The name Mauricio first appeared during the Middle Ages and gained popularity among Christians as an alternative to the Moorish name Mahomet (Mohammad). The surname Mauricio is most common in Portugal, Spain, and South America, particularly in Brazil, where it was introduced by Portuguese explorers and settlers. Variations of the name include Maureco, Mourinho, Moreira, and others depending on regional spelling conventions. Notable individuals with this surname include Mauricio Macri, former President of Argentina; Mauricio Pochettino, Argentine football manager; and Mauricio Kagwa, a Rwandan politician. The Mauricio lineage is richly diverse, encompassing various professions and contributions to the societies where its bearers reside.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mauricio"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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