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Last Name Buonocore

What is the origin of the last name Buonocore?

The surname "Buonocore" is an Italian patronymic surname derived from a given name "Buono", which means 'good' in Italian, and "core", which can mean 'heart'. It suggests that the original bearer was considered as someone with a good heart. The name likely originated in Southern Italy, specifically Sicily or Calabria, and is common among people of Italian descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Buonocore

The meaning and origin of the last name Buonocore

The surname Buonocore is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name Buono, meaning "good" in Italian. The suffix "-core" or "-cori" is often added to names in Southern Italy and denotes a place name, indicating that the original bearer of this name either lived near such a place or was named after someone who did. Over time, as families moved from their original locations, they took their surnames with them, creating widespread distribution of Italian surnames across the country and abroad. The Buonocore family can be found predominantly in Southern Italy, particularly in areas such as Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily. It is also common among Italian immigrants who settled in other parts of Europe and the Americas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buonocore

The surname Buonocore is predominantly Italian in origin, with its highest concentration found in the region of Campania, particularly in and around the city of Salerno. It is also frequently encountered in Sicily, Calabria, and Apulia. Emigration from Italy, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led to a significant spread of this surname in North and South America, with communities in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Additionally, smaller clusters of individuals bearing the Buonocore name can be found in France, Australia, and other parts of Europe and the Americas, reflecting historical migration patterns from Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buonocore

The surname Buonocore has several variants and spellings in English. These include Buonocura, BuonoCore, Buonacora, Buonacore, BuonaCORE, Bonacore, BonaCora, and Bonacura, among others. The variations may occur due to differences in transcription over time, regional dialects, or personal preferences. Despite these differences, all these surnames share the Italian origin, meaning "good core" or "noble heart." In genealogical research or official records, it is essential to consider multiple spellings and variations when searching for an individual with this name.

Famous people with the last name Buonocore

The Buonocore surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. In music, Giuseppe Buonocore was an Italian composer and violinist who contributed to the development of opera buffa in Naples during the late Baroque period. In the realm of mathematics, Maria Buonocore is a renowned mathematician known for her work on algebraic geometry and group theory. From the world of sports, Fabio Buonocore is a professional tennis coach who has worked with top-ranked players such as Novak Djokovic and Marin Čilić. In the field of politics, Vito F. Buonocore served as Mayor of Yonkers, New York, from 1985 to 1993. These individuals represent a diverse range of accomplishments that have left an indelible impact on their respective fields and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Buonocore

The surname Buonocore originates from Italy and is primarily found in Sicily. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Buono, meaning "good" or "well-born." The first recorded appearance of this name was in the 13th century in Messina, Sicily. Over time, the family spread throughout the island, with notable settlements in Palermo and Catania. Some of the most prominent families bearing the Buonocore name include the noble Buonocore di Raddusa from Raddusa, a town near Palermo, and the illustrious Buonocore di San Mauro from San Mauro Castle, near Messina. The Buonocores played significant roles in Sicilian history, with many holding positions in government and religious institutions. They were also known for their contributions to the arts and sciences during the Renaissance period. Today, the Buonocore name can be found among Sicilians in Italy as well as their diaspora in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina.

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 : 12 June 2025

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