What is the origin of the last name Coccia?

The surname Coccia is of Italian origin. It is derived from a geographical or topographical name for someone who lived near a small hill or mound. The word "coccio" in Italian means a lump or a little hill, and over time, this term was used as a surname. The use of surnames originated as a way to distinguish between individuals who had the same first names. In Italy, many surnames were derived from geographical features such as rivers, mountains, or towns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coccia

The meaning and origin of the last name Coccia

The surname Coccia is of Italian origin, derived from various regional toponyms and occupational names. The name is believed to have been originally a nickname for someone who was skilled at making pottery or was associated with a specific place named Cocia or similar in dialect. The root word "cocco" means 'a lump' or 'a shell', which could be indicative of the shape of pots or other vessels, hence the association with potters. Over time, the name spread across Italy and was later adopted by immigrants to various parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Italian populations such as the United States, Argentina, and Brazil.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coccia

The surname Coccia is primarily found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania, Lazio, and Sicily. These areas are historically associated with the origin of the name, which is derived from the Italian word "cocco," meaning hazelnut. The Coccia family has also been documented in Tuscany, Umbria, and Calabria. However, due to migration over centuries, individuals with this surname can now be found across various parts of the world. In particular, there are significant communities of people with the last name Coccia in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Australia, where many Italian immigrants settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coccia

The surname Coccia has multiple variations and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and immigrant influences. Some common variants include Coccia, Cozia, Cociya, Cochea, and Cocciah. In Italian-American communities, it is also sometimes spelled as Cozza or Cosia. These variations arise from the same root word but may have developed over time due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during immigration processes, or assimilation into different cultural norms. Regardless of its specific spelling, Coccia and its variants all originate from the Italian word for "pot" or "cask," indicating a possible occupational surname for someone who worked with these items.

Famous people with the last name Coccia

Notable individuals with the surname Coccia include:

* Vincenzo Coccia (1782-1869), an Italian composer and music teacher from Naples, best known for his operas and sacred music compositions.
* Giuseppe Coccia (born 1943), an Italian politician who has served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies since 2018, representing the Five Star Movement.
* Maria Teresa Coccia (born 1956), an Italian mathematician known for her work in algebraic geometry and differential equations.
* Francesco Coccia (born 1971), an Italian former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Sampdoria and Udinese, and the Italy national team.
* Angela Coccia (born 1980), an American poet and essayist whose work explores themes of identity, gender, and cultural heritage.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as music, politics, mathematics, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Coccia

The surname Coccia originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. The name is of occupational origin, derived from the Italian word "cocciaro," meaning a potter or brickmaker. The Coccias were traditionally artisans who worked with clay to produce various ceramics and construction materials.

The earliest documented reference of the surname dates back to the 12th century in southern Italy, where a Giacomo de Coccis is mentioned in historical records. Over the centuries, the Coccia family expanded and migrated, with some branches relocating to other parts of Italy, as well as overseas to countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Throughout history, notable figures bearing the name Coccia have contributed significantly in various fields such as politics, arts, and sciences. For example, Giuseppe Coccia (1780-1864) was an Italian composer, while Giorgio Coccia (1903-1985) was a prominent Italian politician who served as the Mayor of Palermo.

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NomOrigine Team
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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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