Last Name Colucci

The surname Colucci originates from Italy. It is a variation of the original Italian surname "Colombo," which means "dove" in English. Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms including Coluccio, Colusso, and Colucci, as different regions developed their own unique ways of recording names. This name was often given to people who were thought to resemble doves or who lived near a place where doves were plentiful.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colucci

The meaning and origin of the last name Colucci

The surname Colucci is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name "Coluccio", which was itself a diminutive form of the Latin name "Columba" or "Nicolaus". The name is thought to have originated in Tuscany, specifically the cities of Lucca and Florence, where it was common among noble families. The meaning of Colucci can be translated as "little Nicholas" or "little dove", reflecting the combination of Latin and Italian roots. Over time, the spelling of the name has varied, with different regions adopting slightly different forms. Today, the surname Colucci is found primarily among people of Italian descent, although it may also be present in other countries due to migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colucci

The surname Colucci is predominantly Italian, originating from various regions across Italy, particularly Lazio, Campania, and Emilia-Romagna. It is most concentrated in these areas, with cities like Rome, Naples, and Bologna having a higher number of families bearing the name. However, it has also been carried by Italian immigrants to other parts of the world, notably South America (especially Argentina and Brazil), North America (such as the United States and Canada), and Australia. The distribution of Colucci is indicative of historical Italian migration patterns, reflecting economic shifts and global events such as wars and famines.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colucci

The surname Colucci has several spelling variants due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family traditions over time. Some common variations include Collucci, Coulouci, Coluci, Colucy, and Collucio. In Italian, the name typically originates from the adjective "colui" meaning "that one", which has been used as a surname. Other regional derivatives may exist, such as French or Spanish adaptations like Colin, Colombi, or Coluccio. It is important to note that each variant might have unique origins and distributions within different families or regions, and genealogical research can help determine the specific history of a particular lineage.

Famous people with the last name Colucci

The Colucci surname has produced notable figures across various fields. In the world of television and film, there is Giuliana Rancic, an Emmy Award-winning television personality, fashion correspondent, and co-host of E! News. Born in Italy and raised in the U.S., she has also hosted several red carpet events at the Oscars and the Grammy Awards.

In the realm of music, one finds Frankie Valli, a legendary singer from New Jersey, best known as the frontman of The Four Seasons. With hits such as "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," Valli has made an indelible mark on popular music, influencing generations of artists.

In the scientific community, Salvatore M. Colucci is renowned for his work in computational physics and quantum gravity. He serves as a professor at Northeastern University and has authored numerous academic papers. Lastly, in the sports world, Jeff Colucci is a former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball from 1986 to 2003. He was primarily a pitcher for several teams, including the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves.

Genealogical research on the last name Colucci

The Colucci surname is Italian and originates from the region of Calabria, specifically from the town of San Luca in the province of Catanzaro. The name, which means "little church" in Italian, is a common surname among Southern Italians, particularly those of Calabrian descent. Its earliest recorded appearance is believed to be around the 13th century. Notable figures bearing the Colucci surname include the Italian politician and economist Gaetano Colucci, who served as Italy's Minister of Finance in the early 20th century, and the Canadian-Italian professional ice hockey player Tony Colucci. The Colucci family has also been prominent in the history of San Luca, with many members serving as mayors or influencing the town's development throughout its history. Today, the Colucci surname can be found worldwide, particularly in Italy, Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colucci"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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