Last Name Vasco

The last name "Vasco" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Basco," which is a short form of the names "Bartolomeo" or "Bartholomew." The name likely originated as a nickname for someone named Bartolomeo, meaning "son of Bartholomew." The name Vasco may also have originated as a surname for someone from the region of Vasconia in northern Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vasco

The meaning and origin of the last name Vasco

The surname Vasco is of Spanish origin and is derived from the personal name "Vasco," which was originally a given name of Basque origin. The name is believed to be derived from the Basque word "basko," meaning someone who walked with a limp or had a peculiar gait. The Vasco surname is primarily found in Spain and Portugal, but it can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Over time, the name Vasco also became associated with individuals of Portuguese descent, particularly those with roots in the region of Vasco da Gama, a historical figure known for his explorations in the 15th century. Today, the surname Vasco is relatively uncommon but carries a sense of historical significance and cultural heritage for those who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vasco

The last name Vasco is most commonly found in Portugal, where it originated. It is a surname of Portuguese origin and is often associated with individuals of Portuguese descent. Additionally, the surname Vasco can also be found in countries with historical connections to Portugal, such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. In these countries, individuals with the last name Vasco are likely to have ancestors who emigrated from Portugal. While the surname Vasco is not as common as some other Portuguese surnames, it still maintains a presence in various parts of the world due to the diaspora of Portuguese people over the centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Vasco reflects the historic ties between Portugal and its former colonies, as well as the movement of Portuguese people to different regions around the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vasco

The last name Vasco can be spelled and seen in various forms and variations such as Vazco, Visco, Vasko, Vasquez, Vaskoz, Vazquez, and Vascono. These variations may occur due to different languages, regions, or historical changes in spelling. Additionally, variations can also be influenced by the phonetic pronunciation or transliteration of the original surname. Commonly found in Spanish-speaking countries, the name Vasco has roots in the Basque region of Spain and can also be derived from the Italian word "vasca," meaning "wheelbarrow." Despite its numerous variations and spellings, the surname Vasco continues to hold significance and can be traced back to a noble ancestry with connections to military and social prominence in various cultures and societies.

Famous people with the last name Vasco

Among the famous people with the last name Vasco is Roberto Baggio, an Italian former professional footballer who is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Baggio, known for his skillful play and iconic ponytail hairstyle, had a successful career playing for top clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan before retiring in 2004. Another notable figure with the last name Vasco is Blasco Ibáñez, a Spanish novelist and politician who was a key figure in the Generation of '98 literary movement. Ibáñez's works, including "The Cabin," "The Blood of the Arena," and "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," have contributed significantly to Spanish literature and earned him international acclaim. Both Baggio and Ibáñez have left a lasting legacy in their respective fields and continue to be celebrated for their contributions.

Genealogical research on the last name Vasco

The last name Vasco is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the personal name "Vasco" which means "crow" or "bird." It is believed to have been a nickname for someone who was agile and quick like a bird. The surname Vasco is quite rare and is found primarily in the Iberian Peninsula. Genealogical research on the name Vasco shows that it has ancient origins, with records dating back to the 14th century. It has been documented in various regions of Spain and Portugal, with some branches of the family eventually migrating to other parts of Europe and the Americas. Many individuals with the surname Vasco have left a mark in history through their achievements in various fields, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Vasco family legacy.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vasco"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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