The surname Pico is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It comes from a medieval nickname derived from the Old Castilian and Old Portuguese word "pico" meaning 'beak' or 'peak'. It was originally used as a descriptive name for someone with a prominent nose, beaked nose, or pointed chin. In some cases, it could also have been an occupational name for a falconer or bird trainer. The surname Pico is found in many Spanish-speaking countries and Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Pico
The surname Pico is of Spanish origin, derived from the diminutive form of the word "piedra," which means "stone" in English. Originally, it was used as a nickname for someone who was small or compact, much like a stone. The name first appeared during the late Middle Ages in Spain and was later brought to other parts of Europe by Spanish explorers and settlers. Notable individuals with this surname include the Italian mathematician Luca Pacioli (who used the Latinized form of Pico), and Francisco de Pizarro, a famous Spanish conquistador who explored South America in the 16th century. The name has since spread across the globe, with various spellings and pronunciations arising due to linguistic influences in different regions.
Geographical distribution of the last name Pico
The surname Pico is primarily distributed across various regions, with a significant concentration in Portugal and Spain. In Portugal, it originates from the Minho region and is commonly found in the districts of Braga, Viana do Castelo, and Porto. In Spain, it is predominantly found in the regions of Galicia, Castilla y León, and Aragón. The name also has a presence in South America, particularly in Brazil, where it is one of the most common surnames due to the historical influence of Portuguese settlers. Additionally, smaller populations bearing the Pico surname can be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, and Africa, largely as a result of migration from the Iberian Peninsula over centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Pico
The surname Pico has several variations and spellings in different regions and historical periods. Some of the most common variations include Picó, Picho, Pichón, Pígo, and Pigu. These variations may stem from regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, or errors during transcription. Additionally, some individuals with this surname have altered their name slightly to make it more pronounceable or easier to spell in other languages. For example, the Spanish-speaking Pico family might be referred to as Picque or Picqo in French-speaking regions. It's essential to note that these variations can lead to confusion when researching genealogy, and proper context is crucial for accurate identification of individuals with this surname.
Famous people with the last name Pico
Notable individuals with the surname Pico include:
1. Francisco de Vitoria y Xerez (circa 1483-1546), a Spanish Dominican friar and professor of theology at Salamanca University, known for his contributions to international law and human rights.
2. Pedro de Pico (died 1530), a conquistador who participated in the conquest of Mexico under Hernán Cortés.
3. Fernando de Pico (c. 1474-1531), a Spanish explorer who accompanied Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca on his expedition to what is now Texas in the early 16th century.
4. Juan Pablo de Orosco y Pico (1806-1867), a Mexican politician and military leader, serving as Governor of Coahuila during the Reform War.
5. Luis Pico (c. 1493-1521), one of the original eight conquistadors who accompanied Hernán Cortés in the conquest of Mexico, known for leading the successful siege of Tenochtitlán.
These individuals have left significant marks on history, contributing to various aspects such as exploration, law, and politics.
Genealogical research on the last name Pico
The Pico surname originates from Portugal and is associated with several notable historical figures. One of the most prominent was Francisco de Almeida Pinto, Count of Lindsay and Viscount of Vau, who played a significant role in the Portuguese conquest of Ceuta (1415). The Pico family, originating from the town of Pico on the Azores islands, produced several distinguished figures including Fernão de Lorde, a prominent figure in the colonization of Brazil, and Juan Rodriguez de Fonseca, the first Archbishop of Lima in Peru. The Pico dynasty also ruled over the Azores during the 15th century. In Spain, the Pico family was represented by Gaspar de Pico, a prominent philosopher and theologian during the Spanish Renaissance.
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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