Surname Caesar - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Caesar: What does the surname Caesar mean?
The last name Caesar is thought to have originated from the Roman cognomen, or family name, ‘Caesar’ which is believed to come from the Latin word ‘caesaries’. This term was applied to people who had been awarded a special head of hair, or a crown of hair, as a sign of distinguished manhood. The term later became associated with great rulers and was adopted by some of the most powerful figures in Roman history, such as Julius and Augustus Caesar.
The Caesars were well known for their courage and military competence, and the last name has endured to this day in a variety of contexts. It has been strongly associated with power, leadership, and courage, and continues to be used by many families around the world. There have also been many prominent public figures throughout history who have carried the last name, such as Claudia Cardinale and Jonathan Rhys Meyers who both played the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar in movies.
The last name Caesar can be seen as a symbol of distinction and strength, and it continues to be prominent in our society. It has stood as a testament to great leaders and distinguished individuals throughout history, and continues to serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished if strength, courage and leadership are present.
Order DNA origin analysisCaesar: Where does the name Caesar come from?
The last name Caesar is a popular name which is now primarily associated with Italian heritage and culture, however it has roots reaching much further back. The origin of the name is believed to come from an ancient Roman family of the same name which dates back to before the rise of the powerful Roman Empire. Throughout history the last name has been primarily used in Italy, however in recent centuries it has spread beyond the country’s borders. Today, the last name is a common sight in many countries where Italian immigrants have settled, such as the United States, Canada, South America as well as parts of Europe and Africa. It can also be found in other parts of the world such as Australia and New Zealand due to the multiple waves of Italian immigrants who have settled there.
Generally speaking, those who are of Italian heritage are more likely to bear the name Caesar, however it is certainly not exclusive to those of Italian descent. It is increasingly becoming a popular name for parents who are not of Italian heritage to give to their children, making the name more widespread than ever before.
Variations of the surname Caesar
The origin of the surname Caesar can be traced back to Roman antiquity and the first Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. Today, many of his descendants still carry the surname, which is also commonly spelled as Cesar, Cäsar, Kasar, Kaisar, Kesar, Cesari, Casar, and Casare, as well as its various regional variants and alternate spellings. Variants of the surname descend from various Russian, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Jewish, and Dutch influences.
In Russia, the name is spelled as Цезар (Tsezar) and in some cases with a combination of the two spellings, Цесар (Tsesar). In France, the name is pronounced as Sésar and in Germany as Kaisar or Käsar. In Italy, the name is spelled Cesari or Caesari. In Spain, it is spelled Casar and its regional variations include Casares, Cesares, Kasares, and Cisares. In Portugal, the name is spelled Cesário and in Flanders, Kesar. In Dutch, it is pronounced Kaaijser and their Jewish variations mostly consist of Kerscher, Kaschner, and Kessner.
Overall, Caesar is a very adaptable surname in many languages all over the world due to its Roman roots and is still widely used by its descendants.
Famous people with the name Caesar
- Julius Caesar: Roman military and political leader who rose to become one of the most powerful men in the Roman republic and is best known for his role in the Gallic Wars and for his role as dictator of the Roman Republic.
- William Caesar: English actor and composer who became widely known for his appearances in the ITV show Up Pompeii, the 1970 film Carry On Up the Jungle, and the BBC sitcom Going Straight.
- Auguste Caesar: 19th-century French painter, noted for his history paintings.
- Nero Caesar: Roman emperor who was infamous for his debauchery and brutality.
- Augustus Caesar: the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, who rose to power after the assassination of his great-uncle Julius Caesar.
- Gaius Julius Caesar: Roman patrician who was one of the most celebrated figures in Roman history, having a significant impact on the government, economy, and religion of Rome.
- Brutus Julius Caesar: Roman senator and general who was a leader in the conspiracy that assassinated Julius Caesar and then declared himself emperor in 44 BC.
- Aviola Julius Caesar: Roman governor and consul in AD 5 who was the son of the emperor Julius Caesar.
- Constantine I Julius Caesar: Roman Emperor who famously became the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity.
- Marc Antony Julius Caesar: Roman general, politician, and statesman who was a supporter and close friend of Julius Caesar and served as Roman dictator for a brief period in the 1st century BC.