What is the origin of the last name Cicchini?

The surname Cicchini is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Emilia-Romagna. It derives from a given name, likely "Cicco" or "Giacomo," which were diminutive forms of the name Jacopo or Giacobbe. The surname evolved as a way to identify family members and to distinguish between different individuals with the same first name. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down from generation to generation.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Cicchini

The surname Cicchini is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name "Cicco" or "Zicco," which is a diminutive of the name Giacomo, meaning "supplanter" in Hebrew. This name was popularized by Saint James the Greater, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The surname Cicchini is typically found in central and northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lazio. Over time, various spelling variations of this name have emerged due to differences in transliteration and transcribing, including Cicconi, Zicchi, and Zighi. The name Cicchini is a testament to the rich history and culture of Italy, reflecting the country's religious heritage and regional diversity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cicchini

The surname Cicchini is primarily found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, where it originated from the town of Cicciano, near Naples, in Campania. However, over time, the name has spread due to migration, with significant populations in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and other Italian immigrant communities in South America. In North America, there are substantial Cicchini descendants in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, as well as in the United States, primarily in New York, Pennsylvania, and California. The distribution of the name Cicchini reflects historical migration patterns, with a strong concentration in areas that have received significant Italian immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cicchini

The surname Cicchini possesses several variations due to phonetic adaptations and regional dialects over time. Some of these variants include:

1. Cichini
2. Cicchigni
3. Chichini
4. Zichini
5. Tiziano Ciccioni (a common variation in some regions)
6. Zichino
7. Tizziani
8. Tischini
9. Citichini
10. Cichinelli
11. Chichio or Cicchio (diminutive forms)

These variations may occur due to differences in spelling conventions, dialectal pronunciation, or assimilation during immigration processes. It is important to note that these variants share the same etymology and likely derive from an Italian origin, with possible roots in Latin or Greek.

Famous people with the last name Cicchini

Notable individuals with the surname Cicchini include:

1. Joe Cicchini (born 1946), an American football coach who served as the head coach for the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the University of Connecticut Huskies.
2. Tony Cicchini, an Italian-American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly representing the 86th district from 1973 to 1976.
3. Maria Rosa Cicchini (born 1952), an Italian astronomer who is the director of the Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste and a member of the International Astronomical Union's Executive Committee.
4. Michael Cicchini, an American writer and producer known for his work on television shows such as "Star Trek: Voyager," "Battlestar Galactica," and "The 100."
5. Salvatore Cicchini (1923–1984), an Italian painter who was part of the Transavanguardia movement, a group of artists that revived figurative painting in Italy during the late 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Cicchini

The surname Cicchini originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Its etymology is believed to be derived from the medieval personal name "Cicho" or "Cicio," meaning "little bird." The earliest documented records of the Cicchini family date back to the 13th century, with Giacomo de Cicchi appearing in a document from Modena in 1289. Over the centuries, variations in the spelling of the name have emerged due to differences in transliteration and transcription, such as Cichini, Chichini, and Chiggi. The family migrated to various parts of Europe, including France, Switzerland, and Germany, during the late Middle Ages and early modern period, further expanding the global reach of the name. Significant figures with the surname include Leonardo Cicchini, a composer, and Giuseppe Cicchini, an Italian politician and journalist.

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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