Last Name Cassese

The surname Cassese is of Italian origin and it has multiple possible origins. 1. One origin suggests that it comes from the city of Caserta, a town near Naples, Italy. In this case, the surname would have been originally a nickname for someone from or associated with Caserta. 2. Another theory proposes that Cassese is a variant of the Italian surname Cassio, which was originally an occupational name for a person who was a cashier (from the Latin "cassa," meaning chest or box) or a butcher (since 'casso' means 'empty' in Latin and refers to the emptying of animals). 3. It is also possible that the surname Cassese comes from the personal name Gisilasius, which was popular during the Middle Ages in Italy, and eventually evolved into the modern form Cassese due to various phonetic changes over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cassese

The meaning and origin of the last name Cassese

The surname Cassese is an Italian name, originating from the southern region of Apulia (Puglia). It is derived from the medieval occupational name "casale" or "castellano," meaning "one who lives near a small castle" or "a castle-dweller." Over time, this name evolved into Cassese as a result of regional dialectical changes and the normalization of surnames in Italy during the Middle Ages. The name spread across Italy, particularly to northern cities like Rome, where it is still common today. The name Cassese may also have variations such as Cassetta, Casse, Casas, and others, reflecting the local phonetic adaptations and spelling differences that emerged over centuries in Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cassese

The last name Cassese has its roots in Italy and is most commonly found in that country. According to various genealogical databases, it originates from the region of Campania, particularly from the province of Naples. Cassese is one of the most frequent surnames in this region, specifically in cities like Caserta, Aversa, and Capua. The name has also spread internationally due to migration, with significant numbers of people bearing the surname Cassese found in various parts of North America, such as the United States and Canada, as well as Australia and South America, reflecting Italian diaspora during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cassese

The surname Cassese can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variations of Cassese include Cassisi, Cassis, Casassa, Casas, Cassey, Cassai, and Cassia. These variations are primarily a result of factors such as geographical origin, immigrant ancestry, or even simple typos in historical records. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name Cassese is an Italian surname that likely originated from locations with the same name, like Cassese in the province of Avellino, Italy. It's important to note that the variations may also reflect changes in pronunciation and phonetic transliteration across different languages.

Famous people with the last name Cassese

Antonio Cassese (1937-2011) was an Italian jurist and academic, best known for his work on international criminal law. He served as President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia from 1993 to 1997 and as President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda from 1994 to 1997. Cassese was also a professor at universities in Italy, Germany, and the United States, and authored numerous books on international law, including "The Crime of Aggression" and "International Law in a Divided World". Another notable figure with the last name Cassese is Salvatore Cassese (1924-2011), an Italian writer and philosopher. He was a prolific author, publishing over 70 books on topics ranging from philosophy to literature, and was a member of the Italian Academy of Sciences.

Genealogical research on the last name Cassese

The Cassese surname is of Italian origin and is believed to have roots in southern Italy, specifically in the region of Calabria. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Giovanni de Casasius, who lived during the 13th century. Over the centuries, variations of the name such as Cassia, Casasia, Casis, and Casessi emerged due to spelling inconsistencies in records. The family migrated to other parts of Italy and later, overseas, including France, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Notable individuals with the last name Cassese include Salvatore Cassese, a prominent Italian jurist, and Anthony J. Cassese, an American judge known for his work on international law. The family history is rich in legal and political tradition, making it a significant lineage within Italian and global society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cassese"
• 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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