Last Name Pacheco-del-barco

The surname Pacheco-del-Barco is of Spanish origin, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The name "Pacheco" is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Paciano or Pascual. These names were derived from the Latin names Paschalis (Easter) and Patricius (patriarch). The addition of "-del-Barco" indicates a geographical origin, specifically from a location called "El Barco" in various parts of Spain. In this case, it is likely that the original bearer of this surname lived near such a location or was associated with it. This part of the name is a compound word; "del" meaning "of" or "from" and "Barco" which refers to a boat or possibly a town named Barco. It's worth noting that surnames did not become widespread in Spain until the late Middle Ages, when they were introduced by Alfonso X in the 13th century as a means of taxation and record keeping. This new system led to the proliferation of various surname types, including those derived from personal names like Pacheco and geographical origins like del Barco.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Pacheco-del-barco

The surname Pacheco-Del Barco is a composite Spanish patronymic name, originating from two distinct ancestral lines. "Pacheco" is derived from the medieval nickname for a person with a pouch or small bag, as 'pacheco' means 'the pot-bellied one' in Old Castilian. This surname was popularized by the Pacheco family, an influential lineage hailing from the Spanish town of Pacheco, located in the province of Toledo.

On the other hand, "Del Barco" is a topographical name, indicating that it originated from a person who lived near a bridge or a boat landing. In Old Castilian, 'barco' means 'ship' or 'bridge'. The Barco family might have resided near a significant waterway or transportation point.

Over time, these two surnames were combined due to various reasons such as inheritance, intermarriage, or simple preference for a shorter and more memorable surname. The surname Pacheco-Del Barco is now widespread among the Spanish population, primarily in Spain but also among the Spanish diaspora worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pacheco-del-barco

The surname Pacheco-del-Barco has a notable presence primarily in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and some South American nations like Peru, Chile, and Colombia, due to historical reasons such as colonization and migration. In Spain, it is most common in regions like Castile and León, reflecting its medieval origins. In South America, it has been distributed through colonizers, immigrants, and the blending of indigenous and European populations. The name also appears in Portugal, where it is sometimes spelled as Pacheco Barbosa or Pacheco de Barros, due to historical ties between the Iberian Peninsula and Portuguese colonies. In recent times, people with this surname can be found across the globe, especially in countries with significant Spanish and Portuguese populations, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pacheco-del-barco

The surname Pacheco-del-Barco has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, regional dialects, and individual preferences over time. Some common variants include:

1. Pacheco Del Barco: This is the most straightforward version, using a hyphen to combine the two parts of the surname.
2. Pacheco de la Barca: In this variation, the hyphen is replaced with "de la" (of the) in accordance with Spanish naming conventions.
3. Pacheco Del Barco and Paccheco Del Barco: These versions might result from slight misspellings or typographical errors of the original surname.
4. Pacheco del Barco y...: This variant includes an additional element, "y" (and), which is often added when another surname is incorporated into a compound name in Spanish-speaking cultures. For example, it could be written as Pacheco del Barco y Lopez or Pacheco del Barco y Garcia.
5. Del Barco Pacheco: This variation reverses the order of the two parts of the surname, which might occur due to personal preference or regional custom.
6. Pachenco Delbarco and Pachenco Del Bargo: These variations might represent attempts at phonetic transliteration from other languages or misspellings of the original surname.

Famous people with the last name Pacheco-del-barco

Juan Pablo Pacheco del Barco, a renowned Peruvian artist, is recognized for his contributions to contemporary Latin American art. Born in Lima in 1960, he gained international acclaim for his work that explores themes of identity, memory, and migration. His paintings have been exhibited worldwide, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In the world of literature, Miguel Ángel Pacheco del Barco is a notable figure. He is a Spanish novelist who has published several critically acclaimed works, such as "La piel de la montaña" and "La sombra del viento", both adaptated into successful films. In Spain, he was awarded the National Literature Prize in 1985. Lastly, María Isabel Pacheco del Barco, a Spanish lawyer, gained recognition for her work defending human rights, particularly in relation to women's issues and the rights of refugees and migrants. She has served as the President of Amnesty International Spain and has been recognized with numerous awards for her efforts.

Genealogical research on the last name Pacheco-del-barco

The Pacheco-del-Barco lineage originates from Spain, with roots traced back to the medieval period. The surname "Pacheco" is of Moorish origin and was adopted by Christian families during the Reconquista, signifying a victorious battle against the Moors. The "del Barco" suffix indicates a connection to the region of La Rioja, specifically the town of Villamediana de Iregua, where many Pacheco-del-Barcos resided.

Notable members of this lineage include Juan Pacheco (1419–1474), Marquis of Villena and Grand Master of the Order of Calatrava, who held significant political power in the Spanish court during the reigns of Henry IV and John II. Another prominent figure was Alonso Pacheco de Narváez (1503-1528), who explored what is now known as Florida under the auspices of the Spanish Crown.

The Pacheco-del-Barco family has also made significant contributions to art and literature, with members such as Francisco Pacheco, a prominent painter and author of "Arte de la pintura" (1649), an influential treatise on painting. The genealogical record of the Pacheco-del-Barco lineage showcases a rich history of political influence, exploration, and artistic achievement in Spain over several centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "pacheco-del-barco"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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