Last Name Vincent

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vincent

The meaning and origin of the last name Vincent

The surname Vincent originates from the Latin name "Vincentius," which is derived from the Roman names "Vincentius" and "Gaius Vincentius." These names were composed of two parts: "Vinc-," meaning "conquer" or "vanquish," and "-entius," indicating "belonging to" or "associated with." The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly among Christians, due to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, a third-century martyr. The saint's feast day is celebrated on January 22nd. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied across regions and languages, with common versions including Vincent, Vinzenz, Vincenzo, Vicente, and Wintzingerode. Today, individuals bearing the name Vincent can be found worldwide, reflecting its widespread adoption over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vincent

The surname Vincent is widely distributed across various regions globally due to its historical and cultural significance. It originates from the Latin word "Vincentius," meaning "conqueror" or "victor." In Europe, it is most prevalent in France and Belgium, reflecting the name's early popularity among the Roman Catholic community during the Middle Ages. The name also appears frequently in England, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. In North America, the distribution of the surname Vincent mirrors European immigration patterns, with high concentrations found in the United States and Canada. The name can also be found in South America, particularly Brazil, due to historical ties with Portugal. Additionally, small populations of people bearing the surname Vincent can be found in Australia, Africa, and Asia, indicating global dispersal over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vincent

The surname Vincent is derived from the Latin name Vincentius, which means "conquering" or "victorious". It has several variations and spellings in different regions and languages. In English, it is commonly written as Vincent, Vincent, or Vincent. In French, it can be spelled Vincent, Vinchent, or Vinssent. The Italian form of the name is Vincenzo or Vinzio. In Spanish, it may appear as Vicente or Vinçent. In German, it could be Vinzenz or Wintzingerode (a noble family name). Additionally, there are regional variations such as Mac Vincent in Scotland, and MacVincent or MacVincentson in Ireland. The name is also found in its feminine form, Vincenta, Vincecette, or Vincenza, among others. These variations reflect the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of people bearing this surname over time.

Famous people with the last name Vincent

Vincent is a notable surname, associated with several influential figures across various fields. Perhaps one of the most renowned is Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch post-impressionist artist, known for his unique style and prolific works such as "Starry Night" and "The Sunflowers." Another prominent figure is Aldous Huxley, an English writer best known for his dystopian novel "Brave New World." In music, there's Vincent Bell, a significant figure in the punk rock movement who co-founded the bands The Fleshtones and The Waldos. Notably, there are also two saints with the surname Vincent: Saint Vincent de Paul, a French Catholic priest and philosopher, and Saint Vincent Ferrer, an Italian Dominican friar and preacher in the Late Middle Ages. These individuals demonstrate the diversity of talents and contributions associated with the last name Vincent.

Genealogical research on the last name Vincent

The surname Vincent originates from the Roman given name Vincentius, which was derived from the Latin 'vincent-', meaning conqueror or victorious. This name became popular during the late Middle Ages due to the veneration of Saint Vincent of Saragossa, a 3rd-century martyr and patron saint of winemakers.

The earliest records of the surname Vincent can be traced back to Europe, particularly France, where it was introduced during the High Middle Ages (1050 - 1200 AD). Variations of the name include Vincente, Vincenzo, Vicente, and Wincenty, reflecting its spread across different languages and cultures over time.

In England, the name appeared during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, with notable bearers including Simon de Vinci, who was a witness at the coronation of William I (William the Conqueror). The surname Vincent is also well-represented in countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and Spain, due to historical migrations and cultural interactions.

In modern times, the Vincent family can be found worldwide, with notable figures including actors Elijah Wood and Paul Newman, inventor Thomas Alva Edison, and musician John Vincent. Genealogical research continues to uncover the diverse history and lineages of this ancient surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vincent"
• 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