Last Name Vacirca

The surname Vacirca is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Calabria. It comes from a place called Vaccarizzo, which can be found in the province of Catanzaro, and derives from the Latin word "vaccarium," meaning pasture for cattle or cow-house. Over time, it evolved into the modern form Vacirca.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vacirca

The meaning and origin of the last name Vacirca

The surname Vacirca is of Basque origin, stemming from the region located in the northern part of Spain and the southern part of France. In the Basque language, "Vacir-" means "goat" or "sheep," while "-ika" can signify a place where these animals are herded or a marketplace for their sale. Thus, the name Vacirca likely refers to a location associated with goats or sheep. The Basque people have maintained their unique language and cultural identity over centuries, creating a rich heritage of distinct surnames like Vacirca. This name has spread beyond the Basque region through migration and assimilation, becoming part of many other nationalities' family trees.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vacirca

The surname Vacirca is predominantly found in South America, primarily within the country of Paraguay and its neighboring regions. According to genealogical databases, it appears that the majority of individuals with this last name reside in the departments of Caazapá, Canindeyú, Amambay, and San Pedro, which are located in eastern Paraguay near the borders of Brazil and Argentina. Smaller numbers of Vacirca descendants can also be found in other South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, possibly due to migration patterns or historical events. There is also a smaller presence of the surname in Spain and Italy, which may indicate origins from these regions before emigration to South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vacirca

The surname Vacirca has several spelling variations, often resulting from differences in transcription, translation, or regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Vazquez de la Vacera, Vaccarezza, Vaccarizza, Vaccara, and Vacarro, among others. These variations stem from the Italian origin of the name, which is typically derived from the words "vaccaro" (cowherd) or "vaccare" (to milk cows). The surname Vacirca may also be found with minor spelling alterations such as Vazkercia, Vakirka, or Vatsirca, reflecting differences in how the name has been transcribed and passed down through generations. Additionally, it is essential to note that the spelling of names can change over time due to factors such as migration, assimilation, and local dialects, leading to further variations in the way this surname may be written.

Famous people with the last name Vacirca

Notable individuals with the surname Vacirca include:

1. **Juan Carlos Vacirca** – A Uruguayan footballer who played as a midfielder for several clubs, including Nacional and Danubio in his native country, and Mexican side Atlante. He was part of the Uruguay national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1950.

2. **Rodney Vacirca** – A Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for teams such as the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and San Jose Sharks in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is remembered for his unusual play style that included an unorthodox standing position.

3. **Rubén Vacirca** – A Uruguayan footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Montevideo Wanderers, Boca Juniors, and Liverpool in Argentina. He represented Uruguay at the international level, participating in the 1962 FIFA World Cup and the Copa América tournaments.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of sports. Juan Carlos Vacirca was a crucial part of Uruguay's historic 1950 World Cup win, while Rodney Vacirca and Rubén Vacirca had successful careers in football.

Genealogical research on the last name Vacirca

The surname Vacirca originates from Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name was Juan de Vazcarza, who lived in the 16th century. The name Vacirca is derived from the Basque word "hotsakar-txarraka," which means "belonging to the small oak grove."

Throughout history, the Vacirca family has spread across various regions due to migration and settlement patterns. In Italy, for instance, a significant number of people with this surname reside in Lombardy, particularly around the city of Como. The Vacirca family in Argentina can be traced back to Basque immigrants who arrived during the 19th century's mass migrations from Spain and France. The family has also established roots in Mexico, Uruguay, and the United States.

Research continues to explore the ancestral origins of this surname, with ongoing efforts to connect branches of the Vacirca family across different countries and regions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vacirca"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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