- Origin: unknown
- Meaning: unknown
- Gender: masculine
The name is of debated origin and meaning. It is argued to be derived from an unknown Iberic phrase indal eccius meaning, “messenger of the Gods,” though this etymology seems dubious. It has also been linked with the Basque element, inda meaning “strength.” It has been associated with the neolithic Indalo symbol found in Almería, Spain, now used as a good luck symbol and a popular motif found throughout the town. It was born by St. Indalacio of Almería of the 1st-century C.E. who was said to have evangelized the town of Almería and thus became its first bishop. He was later martyred by the pre-Christian Iberians.
The name is rare but does continue to experience usage in Almería and to a lesser extent, the rest of the Spanish-speaking world, a notable bearer was the Spanish politician, Indalacio Prieto (1833-1962).
In Spain, the designated name day is May 15th.
A common short form is Idalo.
Other forms include:
- Indalecio (Aragonese, Galician, Italian, Spanish)
- Indaleki (Basque)
- Indaleci (Catalan)
- Indalezio (Italian)
- Indalizio (Italian)
- Indaletius (Late Latin)
- Indalécio (Portuguese)
A feminine form is Indalecia.
Sources