"crow, raven (from Basque bela)"
Origin: Basque
Language: Basque
Vasco
Pronunciation: [ v-ASK-oh ]
Does Vasco flow with your last name?
A bold explorer name with centuries of heritage
Portuguese
Spanish
Italian
Galician
Basque
Vintage
Strong
Bold
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"from the Basque people or region"
Origin: Basque/Portuguese
Language: Portuguese
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The Story of Vasco
Vasco is a Portuguese and Spanish name derived from the medieval Basque name Velasco or Belasco, itself rooted in the Basque word bela meaning crow or raven. The Basque people of northern Spain and southwestern France have been naming their children with this root for over a thousand years. The name was carried into Portuguese and Galician naming traditions through medieval Iberian cultural exchange, where it became established as a standalone given name.
Vasco is a traditional name in Portugal, Spain (particularly Galicia), and Italian regions with Iberian connections. It has remained in steady use across generations, associated with the explorer Vasco da Gama. In recent years, as vintage and international names gain favor with parents seeking something distinctive, Vasco has attracted new attention in the English-speaking world.
The name is inseparably linked to Vasco da Gama (c. 1460-1524), the Portuguese explorer who opened the sea route from Europe to India in 1498, transforming global trade and history. In Portugal, he is a national hero second only to Columbus in the Age of Exploration narrative.
Historical Record
Vasco first appeared in US Social Security records in 1952.
Over 229 babies have been named Vasco in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Vasco is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #5,808 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Vasco da Gama was the first European to sail directly from Europe to India, arriving in 1498 and transforming global trade routes
- The Indian city Vasco da Gama in Goa is named after the explorer and is the most populous city in Goa today
Vasco in Other Languages
French
Vasco
Italian
Vasco
Spanish
Vasco
Galician
Vasco
Portuguese
Vasco
Popularity Over Time
#5,808
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Vasco
V
Vasco Rossi
Musician
1952
Italian rock musician known as Vasco, one of the most beloved Italian rock stars of all time
V
Vasco da Gama
Explorer
1460
Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea (1498), opening trade routes that transformed the w...
Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea (1498), opening trade routes that transformed the world economy
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Compare Vasco with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,808
- Total SSA Count
- 16
- Cultural Origins
- Portuguese Spanish Italian Galician Basque
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Vas
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Portuguese heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Vasco
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Portuguese)
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Hebrew (saraf) origin
"burning, fiery one"
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Latin niger origin
"dark-complexioned"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vasco
What does the name Vasco mean?
"crow, raven (from Basque bela)" (from Basque). "from the Basque people or region" (from Basque/Portuguese). Vasco is a Portuguese and Spanish name derived from the medieval Basque name Velasco or Belasco, itself rooted in the Basque word bela meaning crow or raven. The Basque people of northern Spain and southwestern France have been naming their children with this root for over a thousand years. The name was carried into Portuguese and Galician naming traditions through medieval Iberian cultural exchange, where it became established as a standalone given name.
What is the origin of the name Vasco?
Vasco has Basque, Basque/Portuguese, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and Galician origins. In Basque, it means "crow, raven (from Basque bela)". In Basque/Portuguese, it means "from the Basque people or region".
Is Vasco a boy or girl name?
Vasco is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Vasco?
Vasco is pronounced v-ASK-oh.
How popular is the name Vasco?
Vasco is currently ranked #5808 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Vasco?
Common nicknames for Vasco include Vas.
What are good middle names for Vasco?
Popular middle name pairings include Vasco Antonio, Vasco Miguel, Vasco Luis, Vasco Carlos, Vasco Henrique, and Vasco Fernando.
What are good sibling names for Vasco?
Names that pair well with Vasco as siblings include Marco, Lucas, Isabel, Clara, Ines, and Pedro.
How many syllables does Vasco have?
Vasco has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Vasco a common or rare name?
Vasco is an uncommon name, ranked #5808 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Vasco
Vasco is a boy name with Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Galician, and Basque origins . The name means "crow, raven (from Basque bela)" in Basque .
Vasco is currently ranked #5,808 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Vasco has 2 syllables and is pronounced v-ASK-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Vasco include Vas. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis