Last Name Quirico

The surname "Quirico" is of Latin origin. It derives from the given name "Quiricus," which was a Roman cognomen (surname) derived from the god Mars, known as Quirinus in Roman mythology. The name Quiricus is believed to have been given to children born during the period when Mars was considered the protector of Rome. This name and its variations, such as "Quirico," are found among Italian-speaking populations and can be traced back to ancient Rome.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quirico

The meaning and origin of the last name Quirico

The surname Quirico is of Latin origin, stemming from the given name "Quiricus" or "Quiricius." This personal name is derived from the Roman god Quirinus, who was syncretized with other deities in ancient Rome, such as Hercules and Jupiter. Quirinus was associated with fertility, agriculture, and protection of the city of Rome. The name Quiricus or Quiricius itself may have been given to children born during the period of festivals honoring Quirinus, such as the Parilia on April 21st or the Robigalia on April 25th. Over time, families bearing this name spread across Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain, where it remains relatively common today. The surname Quirico, Quirici, or its variants can be found among many cultures and nations, carrying with it a connection to the ancient Roman heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quirico

The surname Quirico has its roots in the Italian language and is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Lazio, Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche. It is also present in other Italian-speaking areas like Switzerland (Ticino), San Marino, and Vatican City. Outside of Italy, there are significant Quirico populations in Brazil, due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, the name can be found among Italian-Americans in countries like the United States and Canada. Smaller Quirico communities exist in other parts of Europe, such as Spain and France, as well as in South America (Argentina, Chile), Australia, and New Zealand, mostly due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quirico

The surname Quirico has several variants and spellings, depending on regional dialects and historical transcription methods. Some of these include Quirici, Quirichio, Kirico, Kirichio, Curico, Corico, and Kyrich. These variations can be found across various countries with Italian heritage or influence, particularly in Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States. While the name is most commonly spelled as Quirico in contemporary usage, it's essential to remember that these variations reflect historical changes and regional adaptations of the original name.

Famous people with the last name Quirico

Notable individuals bearing the surname Quirico include:

1. Piero Quirici (1926-2014), an Italian classical composer and conductor, known for his operas "La verità in ciascun atto" and "Fuori di mezzo", among others.
2. Ennio Quirico (born 1958), an Italian politician who served as the Mayor of Ravenna from 2004 to 2013 and again since 2018. He also worked as a lawyer and professor of Criminal Procedure at the University of Bologna.
3. Marco Quirino (born 1975), an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder for several clubs, including AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles and one Champions League.
4. Antonio Quirós (1880-1962), a Spanish architect known for his Neomudéjar style buildings in Madrid, most notably the Casa de los Lujanes and the Restaurant Botín. He was also an influential urban planner in his time.
5. Quirico Filone (1783-1849), an Italian sculptor whose works are found across Italy, including in the Vatican Museums and Naples' National Archaeological Museum. His most famous work is probably "The Last Supper" statue at the Church of San Giacomo degli Incoronati in Milan.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as music, politics, sports, and architecture, showcasing the versatility associated with the surname Quirico.

Genealogical research on the last name Quirico

The surname Quirico is believed to have Italian origins, deriving from the given name Quirico, meaning "599" in Latin, symbolizing the number of years since the birth of Christ when Saint Cyrus (Quiricus) was martyred. The name became a popular moniker during the Middle Ages and subsequently a surname among Italian families. In Italy, the most significant regions with the highest concentration of Quiricos are Lombardy, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Umbria. Over time, various spelling variations have emerged due to regional dialects and record-keeping inconsistencies, such as Quiricchi, Quirici, Quirico, Kirichio, and Curico. The first recorded appearance of the Quirico surname in Italian documents can be traced back to the 13th century. In subsequent centuries, numerous bearers of this name made significant contributions in various fields such as art, literature, politics, and science. Today, the Quirico family continues to be found predominantly in Italy but also has a presence in other countries due to migration patterns over the past few centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quirico"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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