Last Name Riscado

The surname Riscado is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Occitan word "riscat", meaning "rooster" in English. It was likely a nickname for someone who resembled a rooster or had a lively and energetic personality. Alternatively, it could be a habitational name for someone from a place called Risco or Riscas, which exist in several regions of Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Riscado

The meaning and origin of the last name Riscado

The surname Riscado is a variant of the Spanish surname "Risco," which means "cliff" in English. It is derived from a geographical location where the original bearer lived near a prominent cliff or hill. Over time, it has been spelled and pronounced differently due to various factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and migration patterns. The surname Riscado may have originated in Spain, but it is also found among populations of Spanish descent in other parts of the world, including Latin America, North America, and Australia, due to historical colonization and immigration events. Today, individuals with the surname Riscado can be found worldwide, representing a diverse range of cultures and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Riscado

The surname Riscado is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most common in the regions of Minho, Lisboa, and Alentejo, where the name may have originated from the Occitan word "riscada," meaning cleared or cultivated land. In Brazil, Riscado is more prevalent in the Southeast region, especially in São Paulo state, possibly due to historical migrations from Portugal. The surname has also been recorded in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, indicating a dispersal of Portuguese immigrants over time. Additionally, there are small communities of people with the last name Riscado in English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada, likely due to immigration from Portugal or Brazil during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Riscado

The surname Riscado can have various spelling variations due to differences in pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include: Riscardo, Riscardoe, Riscarado, Riscatto, Rizzardo, Rizardo, Riscardi, and Rissardo. These variations may be found in different regions or among families with diverse origins. Additionally, some individuals might hyphenate the name (e.g., Riscado-Smith) or alter it due to personal preference or cultural assimilation. It's essential to note that these variations can affect the family history research and genealogy of individuals carrying this surname.

Famous people with the last name Riscado

Notable individuals with the surname Riscado include:

1. Javier Riscado (born 1982), a professional baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball teams, including the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs.

2. Maria Riscado (born 1974), a Mexican actress known for her roles in telenovelas such as "La Otra" and "Tierra de Reyes."

3. Rafael Riscado (born 1961), a former professional soccer player who played for several teams in Mexico, including Club América, Atlante, and Pumas UNAM. He was also part of the Mexican national team at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

4. Yuri Riscado (born 1985), a Mexican professional boxer who has held multiple world titles in various weight classes. He is known for his battles against Juan Francisco Estrada and Carlos Cuadras.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of sports and entertainment, gaining recognition both in Mexico and internationally.

Genealogical research on the last name Riscado

The surname Riscado is believed to have origins rooted in Spain and Portugal, derived from the Old Spanish "arriar" or Portuguese "arrancar," both meaning "to uproot." This surname was often given to individuals who were farmers, as they were known for uprooting trees to create farmland.

In the New World, particularly in Latin America, the Riscado family is well-documented, with notable descendants in countries like Mexico and Brazil. In Mexico, the Riscado family played significant roles during the colonial period, with members serving as landowners, soldiers, and clergy. In Brazil, records show that a prominent branch of the Riscado family arrived in the 17th century and contributed to the settlement of Minas Gerais region.

Further research reveals that variations of the name, such as Risco, Riscos, and Rischard, can also be found throughout Latin America, Europe, and the United States. These variations may have arisen due to regional differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Riscado"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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