The surname Vecilla is of Spanish origin. It derives from a variety of sources, but one of the most common is from the Old Castilian word "vega" which means "meadow" or "plain". Over time, it evolved into the patronymic surname Vecilla, meaning "son of Veiga", with Veiga being a variant of Vega. Another possible origin suggests that it might have been derived from a personal name Vicelio, which was popular during the Middle Ages in Spain. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary depending on specific family histories and regional variations.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Vecilla
The meaning and origin of the last name Vecilla
The surname Vecilla is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the given name Vicente, which means "victor" in Latin. The -illa suffix was added to indicate a diminutive form of the name, meaning "little Vicente." This surname originated in the Iberian Peninsula and spread throughout Spain due to historical events such as the Christian Reconquista, where many inhabitants were given surnames as a way to distinguish themselves from Moorish invaders. The name Vecilla is most commonly found in regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Castile, reflecting the migration patterns of Spanish populations over time. Today, it remains a popular Spanish surname, with variations including Vecilla, Vecciola, and Vezzolla appearing in other parts of Europe as well.
Geographical distribution of the last name Vecilla
The surname Vecilla is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, which are located on the northwestern coast. Historically, these areas have strong ties to the Celtic culture, where names were often based on occupations or geographical features. Vecilla, derived from "vega" meaning "meadow," could possibly be a place name in these regions. Outside of Spain, the surname is less common but can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries due to immigration, particularly in Latin America and the United States.
Variants and spellings of the last name Vecilla
The surname Vecilla has multiple variations and spellings due to historical phonetic translations and regional differences. Some common variations include Vecillia, Veccilia, Veccilla, Vecchiola, Vecciola, Vecchia, Veccia, and Vechia. These variations may arise from minor transcription errors or dialectical pronunciation differences over time. Additionally, it is also possible to find the name spelled as Vecilio or even shortened forms like Vecci, Vechi, or Vechi in some cases. It's important to note that these variants can be found across different countries, particularly among Spanish and Italian speakers due to shared linguistic roots.
Famous people with the last name Vecilla
The Vecilla family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Francisco Javier Veicilla Díaz (born 1947), a Spanish physicist and professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, who specializes in nanotechnology and biophysics. Another prominent figure is Manuel Veciana (1895-1969), a Cuban politician who served as Prime Minister of Cuba from 1952 to 1958 during the presidency of Fulgencio Batista. In the realm of sports, Rafael Veciana (born 1973) is a former professional tennis player from Spain, reaching a career-high singles ranking of No. 40 in 1997. Lastly, Juan Vecilla (1936-2018), was a Spanish film and theater actor who starred in more than 100 productions throughout his career. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the surname Vecilla.
Genealogical research on the last name Vecilla
Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name Vecchi is of Italian origin and is a surname derived from the word "vecchio" meaning "old" or "senior" in Italian. This surname may have originated as a nickname for ...
The last name Vecida is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "vecino," which means neighbor or resident. It is likely that the surname was originally used to identify som...
