Ciríaco is a Portuguese form and Spanish variant of the Latin name Cyriacus. Rooted in the Greek Kyriakos (Κυριακός), meaning “of the Lord,” it derives from kyrios (kyrios) “lord.” The name carries strong Christian connotations, as it was borne by several early saints who often suffered martyrdom during the Roman persecutions. In Spanish, the standard variant is Ciriaco, while both forms are used in Portuguese-speaking regions, especially in Brazil. Notable Bearers Perhaps the most prominent usage in modern times is Ciríaco, Rio Grande do Sul, a municipality in southern Brazil, which shares the name of the Catholic saint. The town, founded by Italian immigrants, reflects the religious heritage that made saint names common toponyms. Other notable bearers include early Christian martyrs such as Cyriacus of Ancona, a 4th-century saint, though the variant Ciríaco is less frequently documented among historical figures. Cultural Significance In Portuguese-speaking countries, Ciríaco is a traditional but uncommon first name, often chosen in honor of Saint Cyriacus. The name’s meaning aligns with mainstream Christian given names that emphasize devotion to Jesus as Lord, parallel to names like Cyril (derived from kyrios) and Kyriakos in Greek. Meaning: “Of the Lord” Origin: Portuguese form of Cyriacus, from Greek Kyriakos Type: First name (male) Usage Regions: Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, especially Brazil