Vasco

/VASH-koo/

PortugueseBoy

Vasco is a Portuguese boy's name pronounced /VASH-koo/. A classic name associated with exploration, derived from the medieval name Velasco meaning crow.

Meaning of Vasco

A classic name associated with exploration, derived from the medieval name Velasco meaning crow.

Vasco is a classic Portuguese name derived from the medieval Spanish and Portuguese name Velasco. It originates from the Basque word 'belats', meaning 'crow' or 'raven', and was originally used as a surname before becoming a popular given name.

Origin
Portuguese
Pronunciation
/VASH-koo/

Cultural background

The name is primarily common in Portugal and Brazil, where it carries strong historical prestige. It is also famously associated with the CR Vasco da Gama sports club in Rio de Janeiro.

Variations & nicknames

  • Velasco
  • Blasco
  • Basco
  • Vasquinho

Famous people named Vasco

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Vasco da Gama

    Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea.

    Exploration · 1460s–1524

  • Vasco Rossi

    Italian singer-songwriter and record producer.

    Music · 1970s–present

  • Vasco Gonçalves

    Portuguese army officer and Prime Minister during the Carnation Revolution.

    Politics · 1921–2005

  • Vasco Fernandes

    Renowned Portuguese Renaissance painter, also known as Grão Vasco.

    Art · c. 1475–1542

  • Vasco Núñez de Balboa

    Spanish explorer and conquistador who reached the Pacific Ocean.

    Exploration · 1475–1519

Frequently asked about Vasco

What does Vasco mean?
Vasco is derived from the medieval name Velasco, which comes from the Basque word 'belats', meaning 'crow' or 'raven'.
How do you pronounce Vasco?
In Portuguese, it is typically pronounced 'VASH-ko'. In Spanish and English, it is often pronounced 'VAS-ko'.
Is Vasco a boy or girl name?
Vasco is a masculine name used exclusively for boys.
Is Vasco a common name?
Vasco is a traditional and moderately common name in Portugal and is also well-known in Brazil and Italy.

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