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Last Name Cesca

What is the origin of the last name Cesca?

The surname Cesca is of Italian origin. It derives from the given name "Cesco," a diminutive form of the male name Cesare, which means "to cut, to excise" in Latin. The use of diminutive forms for surnames is common in Italy and other countries where such practice exists, reflecting affection or endearment towards the original name bearer.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cesca

The meaning and origin of the last name Cesca

The surname Cesca is of Italian origin, derived from the female given name 'Cecilia', which has roots in Latin. The name Cecilia means "blind" or "blinded by divinity," reflecting the early Christian martyr Saint Cecilia who was said to have been musically gifted and offered her musical talents to God during her lifetime. Over time, the name evolved into various forms in different regions of Italy, including Cesca, which is particularly common in the Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions. The surname Cesca, like many Italian surnames, was often a way to identify one's family or region, as populations migrated or settled over centuries. Today, it can be found among Italians worldwide, serving as a connection to their heritage and ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cesca

The surname Cesca is predominantly found in Italy and has its highest concentration in the region of Emilia-Romagna, particularly in the provinces of Ravenna, Forlì-Cesena, and Rimini. It is also present in other parts of the country such as Lombardy, Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche. The name has a slight presence outside Italy, with small populations found in Argentina, Brazil, and Switzerland, likely due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In general, the geographical distribution of the Cesca surname reflects historical patterns of population movement within and from Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cesca

The surname Cesca has several variants and spellings due to phonetic, regional, and historical factors. Some of the most common versions include:

* Cessac (French origin)
* Checchia (Italian origin)
* Cheska (English origin)
* Ceška (Czech origin)
* Češka (Slovak origin)

These variations are often found in different regions and countries, with the Italian and French versions being more common in Europe. The English version, Ceaska, is relatively rare but can be found in some parts of North America. It's worth noting that surnames can change over time due to factors such as language evolution, migration, or assimilation, so there may be additional variants and spellings of the name Cesca not listed here.

Famous people with the last name Cesca

The Cesca surname, though less common, has produced notable figures across various fields. Maria Francesca Cesca (1926-2014), an American actress and dancer, is perhaps most known for her role as Carmela Soprano in the popular HBO series "The Sopranos." In Italy, Fabio Cesari (b. 1973) is a renowned architect and designer, whose works include the design of the Italian Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. In the realm of sports, Francesca Martinez Cesca (b. 1986), an American Paralympic swimmer, has won numerous medals in the Summer Paralympics since 2004. Lastly, in music, Fabio Cesari (b. 1975) is a violinist from Italy, known for his collaborations with notable musicians and orchestras worldwide. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements associated with the Cesca surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cesca

The surname Cesca is of Italian origin, primarily found in regions such as Tuscany and Lombardy. It is derived from the personal name Caesarius, a Latin name meaning "caesar," which was given to those born on the feast day of St. Caesarius (December 25). The surname Cesca can be found with various spellings including Cesaro, Cesa, and Cecco, reflecting the phonetic variations that occurred over time due to regional dialects. Notable figures bearing the name include the Italian composer and singer Claudio Cesari, known as Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643), and Cesare Beccaria, an Italian criminologist and philosopher (1738-1794). Genealogical research on the Cesca family lineages is abundant in both online databases and regional archives throughout Italy.

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 : 15 June 2025

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