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Last Name Bocchino

What is the origin of the last name Bocchino?

The surname Bocchino is of Italian origin. It is derived from the diminutive form of the given name "Boccaccio", which means "mouthed one" or "cask-shaped". This name was borne by Giovanni Boccaccio, a famous 14th-century Italian author best known for his work "The Decameron." The surname Bocchino may have been originally used as a term of endearment or to distinguish someone with a particular facial feature. Over time, it became a hereditary name in various parts of Italy where the family bearing it resided.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bocchino

The meaning and origin of the last name Bocchino

The surname Bocchino is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the given name 'Boccaccio', which means 'mouthed' or 'beak' in Italian. It emerged during the Middle Ages as a nickname for someone with a distinctive facial feature, such as a large mouth or nose resembling a beak. As with many surnames of this era, it was often used to identify individuals within a family group, helping to differentiate between various members. The name Bocchino became widespread in regions of Italy where dialects derived from the Tuscan language were spoken, particularly in Central and Northern Italy. It is important to note that the distribution of the surname Bocchino, like many Italian surnames, does not necessarily reflect its original place of origin due to historical factors such as migration and assimilation. Today, it remains a common Italian surname found worldwide among Italian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bocchino

The surname Bocchino is predominantly Italian in origin and distribution. It is most commonly found in regions such as Tuscany, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna, which are known for their rich historical and cultural backgrounds. In these regions, the name is relatively frequent due to the large number of people with Italian ancestry. The largest concentration of individuals with the surname Bocchino can be found in cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome. In addition to Italy, there are also significant numbers of people bearing this surname in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with a strong Italian immigrant population, such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bocchino

The surname Bocchino has several variations and spellings. Some common alterations include Bochino, Buchino, Bucchino, and Buccino. These differences may arise from regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or individual preference. Other less common variations might be Boccino, Boscchino, or Butticino, which could result from phonetic changes or misinterpretations of the name's origin. The root "Bocco" means "mouth" in Italian, suggesting a possible relation to occupations involving speech or communication. Regardless of the spelling, all these surnames share the common thread of being derived from the Italian language.

Famous people with the last name Bocchino

The Bocchino surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. In music, Salvatore Bocchino, known professionally as Sal "The Voice" Bocchino, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer who has worked with artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Michael Jackson. In sports, Mike Bocchino was a professional baseball player for the New York Yankees in the 1960s, while Lena Bocchino is an Italian-born Australian former soccer player who represented Australia at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Lastly, in academia, Mario Bocchino is an Italian-American physicist and professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, known for his contributions to the field of nuclear physics. These individuals demonstrate the versatility and achievements of those bearing the surname Bocchino.

Genealogical research on the last name Bocchino

The Italian surname Bocchino is believed to have originated from the region of Lombardy, specifically the province of Pavia, where it is one of the most frequent surnames. The name Bocchino, derived from the Latin word "buccina," meaning horn or trumpet, is indicative of a historical occupation as a trumpeter, herald, or instrument maker. Notable individuals bearing this name include Giovanni Bocchino (1879-1940), an Italian operatic baritone, and Antonio Bocchino (born 1956), an Italian footballer who played for clubs such as Inter Milan and the Italian national team in the 1980s. The Bocchino family tree extends across Italy, with notable branches in cities like Milano, Pavia, and Genova. Genealogical research has revealed that many Bocchinos emigrated from Italy to other parts of Europe and America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, dispersing the family name globally.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 10 June 2025

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