Surname Torquate - Meaning and Origin

Torquate: What does the surname Torquate mean?

Torquate is not a common last name and it doesn't seem to have a direct connected meaning in any specific language. However, it could possibly derive from the Latin word "torquatus", meaning "adorned with a collar or chain". In ancient Rome, "Torquatus" was a cognomen used in several prominent families in the patrician gens Manlia. The original bearer of this name presumably received it because he wore a torque, a type of necklace. Torques were often worn by ancient Gauls, Germans, and other European tribal confederations as a sign of noble or warrior status. However, without more context or specific cultural or geographic ties, it's difficult to establish a definitive meaning to the last name Torquate. Please note, meanings of surnames can significantly vary based on regions and interpretations.

Torquate: Where does the name Torquate come from?

The last name Torquate is a name which can be found in multiple English-speaking countries. It is thought to be derived from a Norman French personal name, meaning “captain” or “leader”. This surname is most commonly found in the United Kingdom today. There, it appears to be especially concentrated in the counties of Somerset, Devon, and Gloucestershire.

In the United States, Torquate is found primarily in California, Illinois, Iowa, and Texas. Residents of these areas are likely to be descended from English immigrants who brought the name with them when they came to America.

There are also occurrences of the Torquate surname in Canada, primarily in Ontario and British Columbia.

Overall, the Torquate surname is a relatively rare one, but nonetheless can still be found in many English-speaking countries around the world. The French origin of the surname speaks to its historic roots, and continues to be a common feature of the name today.

Variations of the surname Torquate

The surname ‘Torquate’ is of Latin origin and can be found in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Torquatus'. Variants of the surname, along with their spellings and surnames of the same origin include Torquatus, Torquetti, Torquetti, Torquey, Torquette, Torquatto, Torquet, Torchetto, Torqueri, and Torquati.

In Scotland, ‘Torquate’ is thought to be a variant form of the pre-10th century Scots/Gaelic origin personal name of Torcuil or Torquil, an Anglicized form of the Gaelic ‘Torcall’ which, as ‘torc’, meaning ‘boar’, was very popular among the ancient Celts. The patronymic Torquilson is also found in Scotland. It was quite common in the 15th century for similar forms of the same name in England and Scotland to be interchanged, or for variants to be used.

In some cases of Scottish origin, the variant ‘Torquate’ may also be an Anglicized form of the Irish surname ‘MacTorkill’ which is itself derived from the Gaelic ‘MacThorcuill’ meaning ‘son of Torcall’.

In England, variants of the surname may have arisen through mistranscription, either during record-keeping or in everyday usages, or simply due to individual interpretations of the same name.

Alternate spellings of the surname ‘Torquate’ and of surnames of the same origin can also include Turquey, Turquey, Torquet, Turquet, Turbo, Torser, Turcott, Turco, Torkill, Turcillo, Turkus, Turco, Turquin, and Torquilla.

Famous people with the name Torquate

• Raffaele Torquato: Italian historian.
• Walter Torquato: Professional Italian cyclist.
• Leonarda Torquato: Well-known fashion designer.
• Isabella Torquato: Italian television presenter.
• Antonio Torquato: Professional soccer player.
• Eugenio Torquato: Famous Italian sculptor.
• Ilenia Torquato: Professional Italian volleyball player.
• Oliviero Torquato: Famous banker, politician and industrialist.
• Augusto Torquato: Italian journalist and television presenter.
• Daniele Torquato: Professional Italian basketball player.
• Sergio Torquato: Opera singer.
• Tiziano Torquato: Roman Catholic priest and bishop.
• Emanuele Torquato: Italian marine biologist.
• Susanna Torquato: Award-winning Italian actress.
• Lorenzo Torquato: Famous Italian chef.
• Giuseppe Torquato: Well-known Italian politician.
• Luciana Torquato: Italian painter.
• Giada Torquato: Italian blogger, influencer and fashion designer.
• Massimiliano Torquato: Professional Italian cyclist.
• Silvia Torquato: Award-winning Italian journalist.

Other surnames

TorquatTorquatte