What is the origin of the last name Quinio?

The surname Quinio has roots that can be traced back to several origins, depending on the specific lineage. In Italy, it's derived from the Italian given name Quinzio, a variant of Quintus, which is a Roman praenomen (a name given to male citizens in ancient Rome) meaning "fifth-born". In Spain and Portugal, it may also have origins related to the Arabic name Khalid or the Hebrew name Chananiah, both of which can be translated as "eternal" or "immortal". These names were introduced into Iberia during the Moorish invasions. In France, the name could potentially stem from the Occitan word "quini", meaning five, due to a person being the fifth child in a family. However, it's important to note that surnames didn't become common in France until the 14th century, and their origins can often be less clear compared to those in Italy or Iberia. It's always best to consult genealogical resources or a professional genealogist for more precise information about a specific lineage of the Quinio surname.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Quinio

The surname Quinio is of Italian origin, derived from the given name Quinziano or Quintino, which are variants of the Latin name Quintus, meaning "fifth" in number. The name was likely used as a surname to denote someone born fifth in their family or as a nickname for someone who shared the qualities traditionally associated with being the fifth child. Over time, it spread beyond Italy, particularly to South America, where Italian immigration was significant. Today, Quinio is a relatively uncommon surname but can be found in various parts of the world among communities with Italian ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quinio

The surname Quinio is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, due to its origins from those regions. It also has significant presence in Spain, especially in the autonomous community of Galicia, where it is considered a variant of the name Quino or Quiño. Outside Europe, there are communities with the surname Quinio in South America, particularly Argentina, and in some African countries with Portuguese colonization history such as Angola and Mozambique. In North America, the distribution of the surname is relatively low but present, with concentrations among Portuguese immigrants and their descendants, primarily in cities with larger Portuguese-American communities like Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quinio

The surname Quinio has several variations and spellings, some of which include Quinne, Quinni, Quini, Quynn, Quyno, and Kwinio. These variations may occur due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, or individual preferences. Additionally, the name can also be found as O'Quinn or Mac Quinne in Irish contexts, where 'O' is a prefix indicating descent from a common ancestor. In Welsh, it may be spelled Kinio or Quinniog, reflecting the country's unique spelling conventions. These variations highlight the name's versatility and adaptability across different cultures and historical periods.

Famous people with the last name Quinio

The Quiniones are known for their significant contributions across various fields. One notable figure is Jean-Jacques Quinet (1794-1875), a French historian and political writer who played a crucial role during the July Monarchy in France. Another prominent individual is David Quinion (born 1960), an English journalist and media executive, who served as editor of The Independent from 2003 to 2016. In sports, there's Clyde Quinones (born 1978), a Filipino professional basketball player who played in the Philippine Basketball Association for several teams throughout his career. Lastly, in the world of art, we have Juan Gris Quintanilla, known as Juan Gris (1887-1927), a Spanish painter who was part of the Cubist movement along with Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. These are just a few examples of well-known individuals bearing the surname Quinio.

Genealogical research on the last name Quinio

The surname Quinio, of potential Portuguese origin, is believed to have been derived from the place names "Quinta" or "Quino", found in various regions of Portugal. In Portugal, it's primarily concentrated in the Minho and Trás-os-Montes districts. In Brazil, where it's one of the most common Portuguese surnames, it is often associated with the state of Bahia due to the influence of Portuguese colonists. The Quinios were among the early settlers of Brazil, including António Quinio who arrived in Pernambuco in 1624. In the United States, the name became more prevalent during the immigration waves from Portugal and Brazil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly to states such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California, and Florida. Notable individuals with the surname include Brazilian musician João Gilberto and Portuguese actor Leonor Quaresma.

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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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