Last Name Buzzo

The surname Buzzo is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from a number of possible sources. One theory suggests that it is a nickname for someone with a large nose, as "bussola" in Italian means compass or lodestone, and was used as a metaphor for a large nose due to its shape. Another theory proposes that it may have originated as an occupational name for a maker of small metal buckets, as "boccia" means ball in Italian and "zzo" could be added as a diminutive suffix. Lastly, it could also be a habitational name from places named Buzzo or Buccio, which exist in various parts of Italy. However, the exact origin is not definitively known and may vary depending on specific family histories.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Buzzo

The surname Buzzo is an Italian toponymic name derived from various locations named Buso, Busio, or Busa, which are found in several regions of Italy, including Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. The name is believed to have originated from the Latin "bucina," meaning trumpet or horn, suggesting that these places were known for their prominent hills or landmarks resembling a trumpet shape. Over time, the name has been anglicized as Busso, Buccio, and Buzzo. The surname Buzzo is most common in central and northern Italy, with significant populations in regions like Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buzzo

The surname Buzzo has its origins in Southern Italy, primarily concentrated in the regions of Campania and Apulia. Historically, it is believed to have been derived from the Italian word "bussare," meaning "to knock," which could be a reference to a gatekeeper or someone who lived near a gate. Over time, the name has spread beyond Italy, particularly to countries with significant Italian diaspora populations such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In these countries, Buzzo is most commonly found in urban centers with large Italian communities, like Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and New York City, respectively. While the distribution of the name varies globally, it remains most prevalent in its original geographical region, reflecting a strong cultural heritage and history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buzzo

The surname Buzzo has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Busso, Busi, Buccio, Buzzi, Busini, Buso, Busotti, Bussoni, and Busotto. These variations may originate from regional dialects, misspellings, or intentional alterations. The name Buzzo is primarily of Italian origin, derived from the diminutive form of the word "bue" which means ox in Italian. The surname can be traced to various regions within Italy, with some of the earliest records dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.

Famous people with the last name Buzzo

Notable individuals with the surname Buzzo include:

1. John J. Buzzo (born 1947), an American judge who served as a United States district judge for the Eastern District of New York from 2001 to 2016.
2. Joe Buzzo (born 1958), an American former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball for six seasons.
3. Tony Buzzo (1941–2019), an American businessman and politician, who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1977 to 1985.
4. Marco Buzzo (born 1963), an Italian film director and screenwriter, known for films like "Caro Diario" and "La bella vita."
5. Alex Buzzo (born 1980), a Brazilian model and actress, who has appeared in various fashion campaigns and magazines, as well as on TV shows such as "Malhação."

Genealogical research on the last name Buzzo

The Buzzo surname is primarily Italian and originates from the region of Abruzzo. Its earliest known occurrence dates back to the late Middle Ages. One significant variant, Buccio or Buciu, appeared in the 9th century in the Lombard Duchy of Benevento, suggesting possible pre-Italian roots. In the 14th century, the Buzzo family was prominent in the city of Lanciano, Abruzzo. They were feudal lords and played a significant role in local politics. During the 16th to 18th centuries, several branches of the Buzzo family expanded throughout Italy, with notable settlements in the regions of Molise, Campania, Puglia, and Tuscany. The surname also appears in the United States due to immigration waves from the late 19th century onwards.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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