Last Name Becchetti

Learn more about the origin of the last name Becchetti

The meaning and origin of the last name Becchetti

The surname Becchetti is an Italian name derived from the occupational term "botticello" or "botticino," which means little barrel-maker or small cooper. In the Middle Ages, these terms were used for craftsmen who made smaller wooden containers, such as caskets and boxes. Over time, the surname Becchetti, with various regional variations like Becchi, Bechini, and Beccati, emerged in Italy as a hereditary name for families of cooper-makers. It is most prevalent in central Italian regions such as Tuscany and Umbria. Like many Italian surnames, it reflects the occupational or geographical origins of the original bearers, offering insight into the economic and cultural history of medieval Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Becchetti

The surname Becchetti is predominantly Italian, originating from the Tuscan region. It is most frequently found in cities such as Florence and Prato, where it has been traced back to medieval times. Over the centuries, people with the name Becchetti migrated to other parts of Italy, including Rome, Bologna, and Turin. In recent years, a significant number of Becchettis have emigrated from Italy, with large communities now residing in countries like the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Australia. The name is also found in smaller numbers in other European countries due to historical migrations and marriages between Italian families living abroad.

Variants and spellings of the last name Becchetti

The surname Becchetti has several variations and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and family preference over time. Some common variations include Becchi, Becci, Becchetto, Bechet, Bechiti, and Becketti. In Italian, the name Becchetti means "little beak," derived from the occupational surname for a birdcatcher or falconer. It is most commonly found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. However, due to immigration, the surname can also be found in other parts of the world, including North and South America, Australia, and Europe. The spelling variations often reflect differences in regional dialects or transcription errors during immigration processes.

Famous people with the last name Becchetti

Notable individuals with the surname Becchetti include:

1. Giuseppe Becchetti (born 1963), an Italian businessman who has been involved in various sports businesses, including ownership stakes in football clubs AS Roma and SSC Napoli.
2. Andrea Becchetti (born 1958), an Italian economist and politician who served as the Mayor of Ravenna from 2013 to 2018.
3. Luca Becchetti (born 1964), an Italian former professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Roma, Juventus, and Parma, and represented the Italy national team at the UEFA Euro 1996.
4. Marco Becchetti (born 1973), an Italian journalist and writer, known for his investigative reporting on political corruption in Italy. He has received several awards for his work, including the Premio Ischia International Journalism Award.

Genealogical research on the last name Becchetti

The Becchetti surname is of Italian origin and is derived from the occupational name "battitore di legno," meaning "wood-beater." This surname was primarily found in Tuscany, particularly in cities like Florence, Prato, and Pistoia. Records show that the Becchetti family can be traced back to the 13th century, with the first documented mention of the name in a notarial document dated 1248. The family expanded across Italy during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with several notable members making contributions to various fields, including art, politics, and religion. Notable Becchetti figures include Girolamo Becchetti (1500-1573), a renowned Florentine painter, and Alessandro Becchetti (1598-1629), a cardinal and patron of the arts. The surname has also been found in other European countries due to immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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 : 25 July 2025