What is the origin of the last name Bucco?

The surname Bucco is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Bucchio, a diminutive of Buono (meaning good). It was initially used as a nickname for someone with a round or full face. Like many Italian surnames, it originated as a way to distinguish individuals with the same first name and has its roots in medieval Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bucco

The meaning and origin of the last name Bucco

The surname Bucco is of Italian origin, derived from various sources. One possible origin stems from a nickname for a person with a large or round face, as "buco" means "hole" or "opening" in Italian and could be used metaphorically to describe facial features. Another theory suggests that the name could have been occupational, referring to someone who was a butcher or a maker of bucchi, small clay pots. The surname Bucco has been recorded in various regions of Italy since medieval times, indicating its long and established history within Italian society.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bucco

The surname Bucco has a significant presence in various regions across Europe, particularly in Italy, where it originates. It is most prevalent in the central and northern regions, such as Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Lombardy, and Tuscany. Outside of Italy, the name can also be found among Italian diaspora communities in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. In these countries, Bucco is primarily concentrated in urban centers with a strong Italian immigrant population. The surname's geographical distribution suggests an historical association with the Italian peninsula but reflects the global migration patterns of Italian families over the past centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bucco

The surname Bucco has several variations and spelling forms, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include: Bucchi, Bucci, Buccio, Bucchia, Bucca, and Bucciu. These variations may originate from regional dialects or changes in spelling conventions throughout history. Another variation is Boccio, which might be a more archaic form of the same root. In Italian-speaking cultures, the name Bucco typically translates to English as "beak" or "mouth," possibly referring to a physical characteristic or an occupational nickname for someone who made or sold items resembling a beak or mouth.

Famous people with the last name Bucco

The Bucco family is noted for several prominent figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Louis J. Bucci, an American chemist known for his significant contributions to the study of chemical kinetics. He was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan. In the entertainment industry, there's Lorraine Bracco, an actress of Italian-American descent who gained fame for her role as Dr. Joyce Hennessey on the TV series "Law & Order." Additionally, James Bucco, a retired American football player, played as a defensive tackle for teams like the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions in the National Football League. Lastly, Maria Bucci, an Italian-born Australian businesswoman, is the co-founder of the global retail fashion chain Forever New.

Genealogical research on the last name Bucco

The surname Bucco is an Italian patronymic originating from the personal name Buccio or Bucio, which means "bearded" in Old High German. The name's earliest recorded instances are found in the late Middle Ages across Italy, primarily in regions such as Lombardy, Veneto, and Abruzzo. Some notable figures bearing the Bucco surname include Giovanni Bucci (1483-1560), a prominent Renaissance sculptor from Florence; Giuseppe Bucci (1792-1865), an Italian politician who served as Minister of War under King Vittorio Emanuele II; and Salvatore Buccio (born 1949), an Italian actor and comedian. The surname Bucco remains widespread in Italy today, with significant populations found in cities such as Rome, Naples, and Bologna.

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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