Pronunciation /ˈsɪməkoʊ/ SIM-ə-koh | Related names | |
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Meaning From the Greek Σύμμαχος, meaning "ally", or "trusted friend" / "confidante". Region of origin Italy (originally), United Kingdom, United States Language(s) of origin Italian, derived from the Latin, originally Latinized Greek Clan affiliations The historical Roman gens of Aurelia. | ||
Simmaco is an Italian surname of Roman origin. The name can be traced back to before the beginning of the common era, to Ptolemaic Egypt, shortly before the Roman annexation of the area under Augustus as the Roman province of Egypt.
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History
The family was one of the most prominent Plebeian families during late antiquity, producing several consuls, plebeian tribunes, provincial governors, urban prefects (or "mayors" of the city of Rome), and scholarly men of letters. Despite being most notable for their defense of Roman polytheism and traditional Roman culture (especially by Quintus Aurelius Symmachus) during the Theodosian persecution of paganism, the family also had several distinguished Christian members during the Ante-Nicene Period, including an early pope, Symmachus.
Being at the centre of the many political trials and tribulation ensuing both before and after the sack of Rome, the family declined significantly. Several members were executed for their political allegiances and religious beliefs, especially by the Goths and Vandals.
Demographics
As of 2015 it is one of the rarest surnames in the world, with only about 60 carriers, all of whom are related
Motto
"Virtute et Mos et Libertas", translated as "Valour, Tradition, and Freedom", with "mos" originally referring to the mos maiorum.
People
Maurizio Simmaco, Professor of Biochemical Sciences at Sapienza University of Rome, and Director of the Advanced Molecular Diagnostics laboratory at the Ospedale Sant'Andrea hospital in Rome, Italy.