Last Name Recio

The surname Recio is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the occupation of a shepherd (remeriego) or someone who tends sheep (recio). In medieval Spain, many surnames were assigned based on one's profession, place of origin, or personal characteristics. The name Recio is most prevalent in Spain and among Spanish-speaking communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Recio

The meaning and origin of the last name Recio

The surname Recio is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the Iberian Peninsula. It derives from the Old Occitan word "rechiu," which means a small rock or pebble. This surname was likely given to someone who lived near such a rocky area or possessed some distinctive physical characteristic reminiscent of a pebble, such as having a round or small build. Over time, it has been latinized and romanized into various forms like Recio, Reccio, Recios, or Recioso in different regions. In some cases, the spelling may have evolved through misinterpretations during the process of recording names in various languages and eras.

Geographical distribution of the last name Recio

The last name Recio is primarily distributed across several regions in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and Leon, Valencia, and Andalusia, reflecting its historical roots in these areas. The name also has a presence in some of the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands. Outside of Spain, Recio is found in significant numbers among Hispanic communities in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the surname Recio in the United States, primarily in Florida due to Spanish immigration waves. Overall, while Recio is a common last name in Spain and many Latin American countries, it has a more dispersed presence globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Recio

The surname Recio has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects and historical transcriptions. Some common variations include Recios, Reccio, Reciò, Recyó, Rekio, and Reckio. In Spanish, the name is often pronounced [re'θjo] with a soft 'c' sound, while in other regions it might be pronounced as [re'kjo]. It is also possible to find this surname written as Rekyo, Recciu, or Recyu in certain historical records or immigrant documents. The name's origin is unclear, but it could be of Spanish, Italian, or Basque descent, with the 'Recio' variant being more prevalent in Spain and Latin America.

Famous people with the last name Recio

Notable individuals sharing the surname Recio include:

1. Juan Antonio Recio Garrido - A renowned Spanish architect and urban planner, he won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2019 for his contributions to sustainable architecture.

2. Rafael Recio - A Spanish former professional road bicycle racer, he competed in numerous Grand Tours during the 1970s and early 1980s. He won four stages of the Vuelta a España throughout his career.

3. Pedro Recio - A Mexican composer, conductor, and pianist, he was born in Mexico City in 1962. Known for his contemporary classical music compositions, Recio has received numerous awards and recognition for his work.

4. Carlos Recio y Morales - A Spanish lawyer, journalist, and politician, he served as the Minister of Finance during the First Spanish Republic (1873-1874). He is also known for his significant contributions to Spanish constitutional law.

5. José María Recio de Valos, Count of Oropesa - A Spanish nobleman and military officer born in 1796, he held various political positions throughout his life, including serving as the Minister of War under Queen Isabella II. He played a significant role during the First Carlist War (1833-1840).

Genealogical research on the last name Recio

The surname Recio, originating from Spain, has a rich and varied history. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Ricius or Riccio, which was used by the Visigoths and later adopted by the Christian Spanish population during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Recio can be traced back to the Kingdom of Castile in the 13th century. Over time, the Recios spread across Spain, with significant populations found in regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Andalusia. Notable bearers of this name include Juan de Recio y Recio, a Spanish painter, and Manuel Recio y Carabantes, a prominent military leader during the Spanish Civil War. The Recio family tree is vast and complex, with many branches and sub-branches, reflecting the mobility of the Spanish population throughout history. Today, the Recio surname can be found in various parts of the world, due to historical migrations, particularly to Latin America and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Recio"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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