Last Name Vicario

The surname "Vicario" is of Latin origin, derived from the ecclesiastical term "vicarius," meaning deputy or substitute. This surname was often given to individuals who served as deputies for church officials, particularly in the Middle Ages when the Roman Catholic Church had a significant influence on society in many European countries. Over time, the name spread and became a common last name among different populations. In Portugal, for example, it is one of the most frequent surnames due to its association with the Knights Templar and the colonization of Brazil during the 16th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vicario

The meaning and origin of the last name Vicario

The surname Vicario is of Italian and Spanish origin, derived from the ecclesiastical term "vicarius," which means deputy or representative. In the Middle Ages, this title was given to clergy members who were responsible for managing churches or dioceses in the absence of the bishop. Over time, the term evolved into a surname, and it became common among individuals who worked as church officials or had connections with the Catholic Church. Today, Vicario is a widely distributed surname, particularly in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. In Italy, it is most prevalent in regions such as Tuscany, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna, while in Spain, it is more common in the Basque Country, Catalonia, and Galicia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vicario

The surname Vicario is primarily found in Portugal, Spain, and Italy, with significant concentrations in these countries. In Portugal, it ranks among the top 300 most common surnames. In Spain, it's more frequent in regions such as Galicia, Castilla y León, Valencia, and Catalonia. In Italy, it's particularly prevalent in southern regions like Calabria, Campania, and Sicily. The name also has presence in other countries with significant Portuguese or Spanish migrant populations, such as Brazil, Argentina, and the United States. Its origins can be traced back to Latin and means "vicar" or "substitute".

Variants and spellings of the last name Vicario

The surname Vicario possesses multiple variants and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and historical transcription practices. Some common variations include: Vicary, Vichary, Vicheri, Vicarie, Vicarrey, Vicaria, Vicarias, Vicariou, Vicarious, Vicariae, and Vicarian. These variations may stem from slight phonetic changes or linguistic adaptations during migration and settlement of families bearing this name in various parts of the world. It is essential to note that these differences do not indicate distinct lineages but rather represent different transcriptions of the same root origin.

Famous people with the last name Vicario

Notable individuals with the surname Vicario include:

1. Roberto Vicario (born 1942), an Italian film and television actor, known for his roles in films such as "The Godfather" and "A Man Called Blonde."

2. Giulio Vicario (born 1960), an Italian composer and conductor, who has collaborated with various opera houses and symphony orchestras worldwide.

3. Antonio Vicario (born 1976), a Chilean football coach, who was the manager of the Chile national team during their successful run at the 2015 Copa América tournament.

4. Francesco Vicario (born 1983), an Italian theoretical physicist and professor at the University of Pisa, known for his work in string theory and AdS/CFT correspondence.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as acting, music, sports, and academia. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the diverse talents that bear the Vicario surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Vicario

The surname Vicario is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "vicarius," meaning substitute or deputy. It was initially used as a professional title for officials appointed by the Roman Catholic Church to manage the spiritual affairs of a diocese in the absence of the bishop. Over time, it became a hereditary surname among Spanish and Portuguese families.

Notable bearers of this name include several Catholic clergy members such as Juan Vicario y Ponce de León, a 16th-century bishop of Chiapas, Mexico, and João Vicente de Oliveira Vicário, who served as the Archbishop of Goa in the 18th century. In contemporary times, José Vicente de Castro Vicario is a renowned Portuguese jurist and former judge at the European Court of Human Rights.

The Vicario family also made significant contributions to various fields such as arts and sciences during the Spanish Golden Age, with figures like Bartolomé Vicario, a poet and dramatist, and Diego Vicario y Soto, an astronomer who authored several works on celestial navigation.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vicario"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends