Last Name Carcassi

The surname Carcassi is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Tuscany. It derives from a place name, likely either Carascio, a village near Siena, or Carasciano, a town in the province of Avellino in Campania. This name would have been originally given as a topographic or local surname to someone who was from one of these places. As with many Italian surnames, it was often simplified or altered during migration and naturalization processes over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carcassi

The meaning and origin of the last name Carcassi

The surname Carcassi is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Tuscany. It derives from a place name or a topographical reference, indicating someone who lived near a fortified tower (from the Latin 'casa' meaning house and 'castellum' meaning small castle). The name may have also been a nickname for someone who was strong or robust, derived from the same Latin roots. Over time, variations in spelling such as Carcasi, Carcasio, and Carcasone emerged due to regional dialects and recording errors. Notable figures with this surname include Mauro Carcassi, a prominent Italian guitarist and composer of the Romantic era.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carcassi

The surname Carcassi is predominantly found in South America, particularly in countries like Argentina and Uruguay. It is believed to have originated from Italy, with many early bearers of this name hailing from the region of Emilia-Romagna. The name spread to Spain, where it was subsequently brought to the New World during the colonial period by Spanish settlers. In Argentina, Carcassi is particularly common in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe. In Uruguay, it can be found in Montevideo and other urban areas. The name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in Italy, Spain, and countries with significant Italian or Spanish communities like the United States, Canada, Australia, and some Latin American countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carcassi

The surname Carcassi has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family lineage. Some common variants include Carcasi, Carcasio, Carcasy, and Carcassie. These variations may arise from historical changes in spelling or errors during migration records, census data, or genealogical research. In some cases, the surname might also be misspelled as Carcasa, Carcazzo, or Carcasse, although these are less common and may not be directly related to the original Italian origin of the name. It's essential to consider these variations when conducting family history research to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the name's origins and evolution over time.

Famous people with the last name Carcassi

Francisco Carcassi (1793-1842) was a Spanish guitarist and composer who had a significant impact on classical guitar music. Born in Seville, he studied under Fernando Sor and Antonio de los Rios. Known for his prolific output, he composed over 500 works, including the popular "Fantasia para un gentilhombre" and "Allegro de Concierto." His music is characterized by its technical difficulty and emotional depth.

Another notable figure with the surname Carcassi is Ignacio José Espinos Carcassi (1847-1903), a Mexican politician who served as Governor of Morelos from 1872 to 1875. He was known for his efforts in modernizing the state's infrastructure and promoting education.

Lastly, Juan Crisóstomo Carcassi (1745-1806) was a Spanish architect and engineer. He designed several notable structures in Seville, including the San Telmo Bridge and the Real Fabrica de Tabacos, which is now the Archivo General de Indias. His work significantly contributed to the city's urban development during the late 18th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Carcassi

The Carcassi surname originates from the Italian region of Tuscany and is derived from various localities named Carcasse or Carcasa. Historically, the family was present in several towns in the provinces of Pisa, Lucca, and Siena. One notable individual with this surname was Mauro Giuseppe Carcassi (1792-1857), a renowned Italian guitarist and composer of the Romantic era. He contributed significantly to the development of classical guitar repertoire and published numerous collections of his own compositions. As for genealogical records, significant sources include the Italian State Archives, Church records, and family history publications like "Italian Surnames Anatomy." Carcassi is recorded among the most frequent surnames in Tuscany and its diaspora reflects migration patterns of Italians to other countries, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "carcassi"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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