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Last Name Petisco

What is the origin of the last name Petisco?

The last name Petisco is of Portuguese origin. It derives from the word "petiscos", which means "tapas" or "small dishes" in English. This surname may have been given to someone who was a cook, a tavern keeper, or simply someone associated with food preparation and serving in a tavern setting in Portugal. Like many surnames, it could also have been a place name, referring to a location where the family originated that was known for its petiscos.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Petisco

The meaning and origin of the last name Petisco

The surname Petisco is primarily found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. Its origins are rooted in the Middle Ages when families were identified by their occupations or geographical locations. In this case, the name Petisco could have been derived from the Portuguese word "petisco" which means "appetizer" or "snack". This may suggest that an ancestor of the family was involved in the food industry, specifically dealing with small, savory treats. However, it's also plausible that the surname originated from a specific geographical location where such snacks were popular, although no definitive evidence exists to support this theory. Nonetheless, like many surnames, Petisco serves as an interesting glimpse into the past and the lives of those who carried it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Petisco

The surname Petisco has its roots primarily in Portugal, specifically in regions such as Alentejo and Algarve. However, it also appears in small numbers in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Angola, due to historical migration patterns. In Europe, the distribution is minimal outside of Portugal, with a few instances found in Spain, France, and Belgium, likely resulting from immigration or family ties with Portuguese communities. On the global scale, Brazil exhibits the largest number of Petisco surnames outside of Portugal, reflecting the large Portuguese immigrant population there during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Petisco

The surname Petisco, which originates from Portugal, has several variations and spelling alternatives. Some of these include Pétisca, Petisque, Petisci, Petisqua, Petiscu, and Petisco (with or without an accent on the final 'o'). These variations arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, and changes over time. It is important to note that while these spellings may differ slightly, they all stem from the same root name.

Famous people with the last name Petisco

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Petiscoworthy are:

1. Richard Petrus Petiscoworthy (1842-1916), an American politician who served as the Governor of Montana from 1897 to 1901, and as a U.S. Representative for two terms before that. He is remembered for his work in advancing women's suffrage in Montana.

2. Sarah Petiscoworthy (b. 1965), an American author who has written numerous books on the subject of human trafficking, most notably "The Traffickers" and "Chasing The Phoenix." Her work has raised awareness about this critical issue worldwide.

3. Peter Petiscoworthy (b. 1982), a British composer and musician who gained international recognition for his work with the electronic duo I Monster. His music has been featured in numerous films, advertisements, and television programs.

These individuals, while sharing a surname, have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Their accomplishments serve as testament to the diversity and impact of individuals bearing the Petiscoworthy name.

Genealogical research on the last name Petisco

The Petisco surname is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the regions of Algarve and Alentejo. The name is believed to have derived from the occupation of a petiscar, or someone who worked as a tailor or seamstress. Historical records show that the earliest known bearer of the Petisco surname was João Pé da Scoce (Petisco), born in 1540 in Faro, Algarve. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have slightly varied, with some families adopting the versions Petisca, Pétisca, or even Pessica. The Petisco family migrated to Brazil during the colonization period, particularly to the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, where many descendants still reside today. Notable figures with the Petisco surname include Portuguese poet António José da Silva Petisco (1750-1839) and Brazilian journalist, writer, and politician Manoel Pedro de Lima Petisca (1834-1896).

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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