Last Name Vicari

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vicari

The meaning and origin of the last name Vicari

The surname Vicari is of Latin origin, derived from the word "vicarius," which means substitute or deputy. Originally, this name was used by officials appointed to govern Roman provinces during the late Roman Empire. Over time, it became a surname in various regions of Europe, particularly Italy and Spain. The name Vicari is found among descendants of those who were administrators or representatives under the Roman Empire or later feudal systems. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive name worldwide, reflecting its historical roots in the ancient Roman Empire.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vicari

The surname Vicari is predominantly distributed across Italy and Brazil, with significant concentrations in other parts of the world where Italian immigrants have settled. In Italy, it is most frequent in regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont. A notable group can also be found in Sardinia, where the name has historical roots dating back to the Spanish rule. The migration of Italians to South America, particularly Brazil, led to a substantial increase in the number of Vicari families there. Other countries with sizeable Vicari populations include Argentina, Uruguay, and Switzerland, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Italy. Additionally, smaller clusters of Vicari individuals can be found across Europe, North America, Oceania, and Africa, as a result of diaspora and global migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vicari

The surname Vicari possesses multiple variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some of these variations include Vicarie, Vichary, Viccheri, Vicarri, Vichari, Vicaree, and Vicarino. Each variation may have originated from distinct geographical locations or timeframes, reflecting the migration patterns and linguistic changes over centuries. The original Italian surname "Vicario" is derived from the Latin term "vicarius," meaning deputy or substitute, which was common among the Roman Catholic Church clergy. Over time, this name underwent phonetic adaptations as it was passed down through generations in various countries and regions.

Famous people with the last name Vicari

Notable individuals with the surname Vicari include:

1. Giuseppe Vicari (born 1968), an Italian football referee who officiated in multiple UEFA Champions League matches and two World Cups.
2. Luigi Vicari (1797-1863), an Italian composer, conductor, and violinist, notable for his operas and contributions to the revival of opera in Italy during the 19th century.
3. Maria Luisa Vicari (born 1954), an Italian journalist, television presenter, and author, known for her work as a reporter on current affairs programs on RAI, the Italian national public broadcasting company.
4. Silvia Vicari (born 1962), an Italian archaeologist who has worked extensively in Egypt, particularly at Tell el-Amarna, where she was the director of excavations between 1987 and 2006.
5. Vincenzo Vicari (1924-1988), an Italian film and television director, known for his work on popular soap operas and films in Italy during the 1960s and 1970s.

Genealogical research on the last name Vicari

The surname Vicari is of Italian origin, stemming from the medieval Latin term "vicarius," meaning deputy or substitute. The name was commonly given to officials who acted as representatives for local authorities. Early records show the name being concentrated in the regions of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. One notable Vicari family from Verona traced their lineage back to the 14th century, with members serving in various public offices throughout the Italian peninsula during the Renaissance period. The family eventually branched out, with some migrating to other European countries such as France and Spain, while others remained in Italy. In the modern era, Vicari descendants can be found across several continents due to migration waves. Notable individuals bearing this surname include musicians, politicians, scientists, and athletes.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vicari"
• 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 June 2025