Ascanio – Name Meaning
Ascanio is a masculine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin name Ascanius, which was the son of Aeneas in Roman mythology. The name means “from Ascanius” or “descendant of Ascanius”. Ascanio is also a surname in Italy.
Origin and History
The name Ascanio has its roots in Roman mythology. According to legend, Aeneas was a Trojan prince who escaped the destruction of Troy and eventually settled in Italy. He had two sons, Ascanius and Iulus, who were both named after their father’s grandfather, Ascanius. The name Ascanius was derived from the Latin word ascens, meaning “to ascend” or “to rise”.
In the Middle Ages, the name Ascanio became popular among Italian nobility as a way to honor their ancestors. It was also used by some families as a surname. In modern times, it is still used as a given name in Italy and other parts of Europe.
Popularity
Ascanio is not a particularly common name in the United States. According to Social Security Administration data, it ranked at #7,945 for boys born in 2019. However, it is more popular in other countries such as Italy and Spain.
Famous People Named Ascanio
There are several famous people with the name Ascanio:
- Ascanio Celestini, an Italian actor and writer
- Ascanio Sobrero, an Italian chemist who discovered nitroglycerin
- Ascanio Sforza, an Italian cardinal and diplomat
Variations of the Name
The name Ascanio can be shortened to Asca or Scanio. Other variations include:
- Aschaneo
- Aschanieo
- Aschanyo
It can also be combined with other names to create unique combinations such as Ascano Giovanni, Ascano Antonio, or Ascano Matteo.