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Last Name Bosco

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What is the origin of the last name Bosco?

The surname Bosco originates from Italian and Spanish roots. In Italian, "Bosco" means "forest," while in Spanish it translates to "bush" or "thicket." This name was often given to people who lived near a forested area or had the occupation of a forester. It may also have been a nickname for someone with bushy hair or a brusque personality.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bosco

The meaning and origin of the last name Bosco

The surname Bosco is of Italian origin, derived from the Italian word "bosco" which means 'wood' or 'forest'. It was often given as an occupational name to individuals who worked in a forest, such as woodcutters, rangers, or gamekeepers. The name may also have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a wooded area or forest. In some cases, it could also be a habitational name for someone from one of the numerous Italian places named Bosco, such as Bosco Chiese in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region or Bosco Marengo in Piedmont. The use of Bosco as a surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages and remains common among Italians today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bosco

The surname Bosco is predominantly of Italian origin and is widely distributed across Italy, particularly in the northern regions such as Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. It's also found in significant numbers in Tuscany and Umbria. Historically, the name was often associated with towns and villages named Bosco, suggesting that many bearers of this surname may have originated from these places. Bosco is less common outside Italy but can be found among Italian immigrants in other countries, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, and the United States. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of individuals with the last name Bosco are in states like New York, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bosco

The surname Bosco has several variations and spellings across different regions and countries. Some common variations include Boscoe, Bosch, Bosk, and Bosko. In Italian, the name is primarily spelled as "Bosco," which translates to "wood" or "forest." Other regional variants in English-speaking countries may have been anglicized over time. For instance, the Irish variation could be spelled as O'Bosc, while the Scottish version might be Boscough, Boskell, or Boshaw. In Eastern Europe, the name can sometimes be found as Боско (Bosko in Cyrillic). It's essential to note that surnames may also undergo changes due to factors like immigration and assimilation.

Famous people with the last name Bosco

Notable individuals with the surname Bosco include:

1. Father Gabriele Amorth (1925-2016), an Italian Roman Catholic exorcist who served as the chief exorcist of the Diocese of Rome from 1986 until his retirement in 2016.

2. Salvatore Bosco (born 1937), an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate of the Republic of Italy between 1987 and 2008, representing several political parties.

3. Stefano Bosso (born 1965), an Italian jazz trumpeter and bandleader who has performed worldwide and won numerous awards for his music.

4. Guido Bosso (born 1970), an Argentine-Italian jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader known for his eclectic style that blends various genres, including jazz, rock, tango, and Latin music.

5. Matteo Bosco (born 1982), an Italian visual artist who uses a mix of digital technology and traditional techniques to create hyper-realistic sculptures and paintings.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as religion, politics, music, and art.

Genealogical research on the last name Bosco

The surname Bosco originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian word "bosco," meaning "forest" or "wood." It is a topographic surname, indicating someone who lived near a forest or wooded area. The name has been traced back to medieval Italy, with early records showing variations such as Boschus, Boccius, and Boschi. Notable figures with the last name Bosco include Italian poet Angelo Maria Bosco, American professional wrestler John "Bradshaw" Layfield (born John Alan Bosco), and Italian Roman Catholic cardinal Giulio Cesare Bosco. The Bosco family has a significant presence in various regions of Italy, particularly Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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