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Last Name Capasso

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What is the origin of the last name Capasso?

The surname Capasso is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name "Caspiano" or "Giacopo," which are variants of the biblical name Jacob. Over time, the name evolved to become a common Italian surname, with regional variations such as Capassa (in Naples) and Capasso (in Sicily). The surname is most prevalent in southern Italy, particularly in Campania and Sicily, indicating its potential origin from those regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Capasso

The meaning and origin of the last name Capasso

The surname Capasso is an Italian last name of Sicilian origin. It derives from the occupational name "Cappacio," which means hat-maker or cap maker in Italian. This profession was common among various regions in Italy, but the name Capasso seems to have a strong association with Sicily due to its high frequency in that region. The name's etymology can be traced back to the Latin word "cappa" meaning cloak or cape, which may reflect the early trade of creating and selling such garments. Over time, the name evolved into Capasso as a result of regional dialects and phonetic changes in Italian surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Capasso

The surname Capasso has its roots in southern Italy, particularly in Campania and Apulia regions. According to genealogical databases, it is one of the most common Italian last names in the United States, with a significant concentration in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, which have large populations of Italian-American descent. In Canada, Capasso is also prevalent among communities of Italian origin, particularly in cities like Toronto and Montreal. The name has also been recorded in Brazil due to immigration from Italy during the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it's important to note that distributions can vary significantly based on specific family lineages and historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Capasso

The surname Capasso can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include: Capassa, Capazza, Capazzo, Capazo, Cappaso, Cappazza, Cappaço, and Capazzuoli. These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors during migration records, or simply personal preference. The name's Italian origins are derived from the occupational surname for a maker of hoods or small cloaks, derived from the Latin word "capa" which means cape.

Famous people with the last name Capasso

Notable individuals with the surname Capasso include:

1. Joseph Capasso (1924-2006), an American labor union leader who served as president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters from 1982 to 1991.

2. Vincent Capasso (born 1953), an Italian footballer who played as a defender for several clubs, including Lazio and the Italy national team.

3. Vincenzo Capasso (born 1960), an Italian mathematician known for his contributions to harmonic analysis, operator theory, and mathematical physics. He has been a professor at the University of Rome "La Sapienza" since 1984.

4. Stefano Capasso (born 1973), an Italian politician who served as Mayor of Reggio Calabria from 2016 to 2021. He is a member of the Five Star Movement.

5. Anna Capasso (born 1984), an Italian singer and songwriter who rose to fame after participating in the reality show Amici di Maria De Filippi. She has released several albums and participated in various television programs.

Genealogical research on the last name Capasso

The surname Capasso originates from southern Italy, specifically Naples and its surrounding regions. It is a variant of the more common Italian surnames Capasso or Cappasso, which are derived from the Latin word "caput," meaning head. The name was often given to someone who had a notable physical feature, such as a large head, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone who held a position of authority. The Capasso family can be traced back to the 16th century in Naples, where they were prominent landowners and merchants. The family expanded throughout Italy during the following centuries, with significant populations found in cities like Rome, Palermo, and Turin. Today, the Capasso name is widespread among Italian-Americans, particularly in areas with high concentrations of immigrants from southern Italy.

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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