Last Name Amico

The last name "Amico" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "amico," which means "friend." It is a patronymic name, indicating that it was originally used to denote someone as the "son of Amico" or a similar ancestor named Amico. It is a relatively common surname in Italy and is found primarily in the southern regions, such as Sicily and Calabria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Amico

The meaning and origin of the last name Amico

The surname Amico has origins in southern Italy and is rooted in the Italian language. The word "amico" in Italian translates to "friend" in English. Therefore, the name Amico likely originated from the nickname or epithet given to someone who was known for being friendly, sociable, or amiable. It is quite common for surnames to emerge from personal characteristics or occupations in many cultures.

The surname Amico is primarily found in regions of Italy, such as Sicily, Calabria, and Puglia, where it has been passed down through generations. It is possible that families with the surname Amico may have adopted the name due to a significant ancestor who was widely esteemed for their amicable nature. Over time, as families migrated to different countries, the surname Amico could have spread to other parts of the world. Thus, individuals with the surname Amico today may have ancestral ties to southern Italy and carry on the tradition of friendliness in their family.

Geographical distribution of the last name Amico

The last name Amico has an extensive geographical distribution primarily found in Italy. It is a relatively common surname in the country, especially in the southern regions. In Sicily, Calabria, and Campania, the name is particularly prevalent, with numerous individuals bearing the last name Amico. The surname can also be found across other regions of Italy, including Abruzzo, Lazio, and Puglia, albeit with lesser frequency compared to the southern areas. Outside of Italy, the distribution of the Amico surname is comparatively limited. Some individuals with the surname Amico can be found in countries with historical ties to Italy, such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina, due to migration patterns throughout the years. However, overall, the geographical concentration of the last name Amico remains primarily within Italy, highlighting its strong connection to the southern regions of the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Amico

The last name Amico has several variations and spellings, including Amic, Amick, Amichi, Amicc, Amicci, Amik, Amiko, and Amicki. These different versions may be the result of misspellings or regional variations in pronunciation and transcription. The name Amico is of Italian origin, meaning "friend" or "buddy," and is a common surname in Italy. It is often found in southern regions such as Sicily and Calabria. The variations and spellings of Amico can be seen in various documents, such as birth certificates, immigration records, and census data, reflecting the diversity and evolution of surnames over time. Despite the different forms, the essence of the name remains consistent, symbolizing the importance of friendship and camaraderie in the Amico family line.

Famous people with the last name Amico

There are several famous people with the last name Amico, including Paolo Amico, an Italian film director known for his work on "Villa Borghese" and "Divorce - Italian Style." Another notable figure is Cristina Amico, an Italian politician who has served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies. In the world of music, Roberto Amico is a respected jazz guitarist who has toured internationally and worked with renowned artists such as Pat Metheny. Additionally, Joey Amico is a well-known Canadian musician and producer who has collaborated with various artists in the indie music scene. Overall, the Amico surname has produced talented individuals in the fields of film, politics, music, and more, leaving a lasting impact on their respective industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Amico

The surname Amico is an Italian name that originated from the Latin word "amicus," meaning friend or companion. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was derived from the given name of an ancestor. The genealogical research on the last name Amico reveals a widespread distribution throughout Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as Sicily and Calabria.

The earliest recorded instances of the Amico surname can be traced back to the medieval period, as it was common for people to adopt surnames during that time. The name could have been initially bestowed upon someone known for their friendly and sociable nature. Over time, several branches of the Amico family may have emerged, spreading across different areas of Italy.

Today, descendants of the Amico family can be found not only in Italy but also in other parts of the world, where migration and diaspora have contributed to their dispersion. Through genealogical research, it is possible to trace one's Amico heritage, uncovering the ancestral roots and connections to other branches of the family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Amico"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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