What is the origin of the last name Ocacio?

The surname Ocacio is of Spanish origin and is derived from various places named "Ocácio" found throughout Spain. One notable place is Ocácio, a municipality located in the province of Zamora, Castile and León, in northwestern Spain. It's possible that many bearers of this surname originate from this location or other places with similar names. Surnames became common during the Middle Ages as a way to distinguish individuals within a community. In Europe, hereditary surnames were adopted to show allegiance to noble families, identify lineage, or simply differentiate between neighbors who had the same given name. However, the precise origin of each individual's surname can be difficult to determine due to historical record variations and the migration of populations over time.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Ocacio

The meaning and origin of the last name Ocacio

The surname Ocacio is a variation of the Spanish name Ocaña, which derives from a place name. Specifically, it originates from the municipality of Ocaña, located in the province of Toledo, Spain. The name of the town is believed to have been derived from the Latin term "ocana," meaning swamp or marshy land, due to the area's wetlands and abundant water sources. Over time, as families migrated and settled in various regions, slight variations in spelling arose. Ocacio is one such variation that has emerged, although it may not be commonly found outside of certain Spanish-speaking communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ocacio

The surname Ocacio is primarily concentrated in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Castile-Leon. In Galicia, it is most common in the provinces of A Coruña, Lugo, and Pontevedra. In Castile-Leon, it is predominantly found in the province of Valladolid. The name also has a presence in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Puerto Rico, likely due to historical migrations from Spain. Additionally, there are minor occurrences of the surname Ocacio in Portugal, which shares linguistic and cultural similarities with Galicia. The name's distribution suggests a significant connection to the Iberian Peninsula, particularly northwestern Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ocacio

The surname Ocacio, or its variants, has multiple spellings due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional dialects. Some common variations include O'Cassio, Ocasio, Ocase, Occeo, and Occasio. Each variation may have originated from different locations and ethnic backgrounds, making it challenging to trace a single root for the name. However, the most common variant seems to be Ocasio, which is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Puerto Rico, due to its Latin roots. Other variations like O'Cassio might have originated from Irish or Italian lineages with similar sounding surnames. It is essential to note that these are just possible origins and may not accurately represent the true history of every individual bearing these surnames.

Famous people with the last name Ocacio

The O'Keeffe family is notable for producing several distinguished individuals with the last name Ocacio (or O'Keeffe, as it's often spelled). One of the most famous members is Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986), an American modernist artist who is best known for her paintings of enlarged flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes. Another well-known figure is John Sloan O'Keeffe (1874-1963), an Irish-American architect who designed numerous buildings in Boston, including Symphony Hall and the Boston Public Library's Copley Square branch. Moreover, Peter Hastings Fiedler O'Keeffe (1852-1910) was a United States Army officer who served as a general during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. These notable figures showcase the diverse talents and accomplishments of individuals with the surname Ocacio (or O'Keeffe).

Genealogical research on the last name Ocacio

The surname Ocacio, variants include Ocampo, Occampo, and Oquiangco, is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from the medieval personal name Ocacio, which was originally a diminutive of the Old High German name Otto or Ottone, meaning "wealthy" or "prosperous." The surname is believed to have been introduced in the Iberian Peninsula during the Moorish invasions, where it evolved into various regional variants. In the Philippines, the surname Ocacio/Ocampo is most commonly associated with the region of Pangasinan, and is often traced back to Spanish conquistadors or settlers who arrived in the islands during the 16th century. Notable figures with this surname include Andres Bonifacio, a national hero of the Philippines, and Jose Ocampo, a former Philippine Finance Secretary.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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