Last Name Croco

The surname Croco is of Italian origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone with a hooked nose, as "croco" is Italian for "crocodile." Nicknames were often used as surnames in medieval Italy to identify people easily and to differentiate them within a family or community. In some cases, they may have been given based on physical characteristics, occupations, or personal traits of the individual. However, it's important to note that surname origins can be complex and subject to various interpretations, as many Italian surnames have evolved over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Croco

The meaning and origin of the last name Croco

The surname Croco is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "crocus," which means "crow" or "crane." It may also have origins related to the Greek word "krokodilos," meaning "crocodile." In Italy, the name was often given to individuals who lived near marshy areas inhabited by these animals. Over time, the spelling evolved into Croco as a result of regional dialect variations and phonetic changes. The surname is relatively uncommon but can be found predominantly in Italy, with smaller populations in other countries where Italian immigrants have settled, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Croco

The surname Croco is predominantly found in regions with significant Italian-speaking populations, reflecting its Italian origin. In Italy, it is most common in the northern provinces of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Veneto, where Italian is the official language. Additionally, pockets of individuals with the surname Croco can be found in other Italian-speaking communities worldwide, including Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States, particularly in areas with large immigrant populations from Italy. Beyond these regions, the distribution of the Croco surname is relatively sparse.

Variants and spellings of the last name Croco

The surname Croco has various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. Here are some of the common forms:

* Crocco: This is the Italian form of the surname, derived from the word "croce" which means cross in English.
* Croco-: In French, the hyphenated version is sometimes used as a suffix to indicate a place name or noble title.
* Kroko: This is a variant spelling often found among individuals of Slavic descent.
* Crokos: A Greek variation of the surname.
* Croccus: While not a common surname, it can be a Latinized form of the word "croce" and may have been used as a surname in some contexts.
* Crocus: In English, this is a botanical name for a type of flower, but it is not typically used as a surname.
* Krokowski, Krokosz, Krokoszewski: These are Polish variations of the surname.
* Krokoš: A Slovak variation of the surname.
* Crocciu: This is a Corsican form of the surname.
* Crocchiola: An Italian diminutive form of the surname, meaning "little cross."
* Crocko: A variant spelling that may be found among individuals of various ethnic backgrounds.

Famous people with the last name Croco

Notable individuals with the surname Croce include:

1. Jimmy Croce (1932-2020), an American jazz guitarist and composer, best known for his work with artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

2. Adriano Celentano Croce (born 1940), an Italian singer-songwriter, actor, and television personality, often referred to simply as Adriano Celentano. He has sold over 50 million records worldwide and is a prominent figure in Italian pop music.

3. Gianna Croce (born 1978), an American actress known for her role as Lara Mendes on the daytime drama "One Life to Live." She also appeared in films such as "The Last Castle" and "Catch Me If You Can."

4. Paolo Conte Croce (1937-2019), an Italian singer-songwriter, pianist, and painter who gained international recognition for his unique blend of jazz, pop, and Italian songwriting tradition. His most famous works include "Un Gelato al Limon" and "La Cosmonauta."

5. Mario Croce (born 1948), an Italian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Juventus and Italy's national team. He won two World Cups with the latter in 1982 and 1986.

Genealogical research on the last name Croco

The surname Croco is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Lombardy. It is derived from the occupation of a fisherman or someone who worked with crabs, as "croco" means 'crocodile' in Italian and was used metaphorically for crustaceans. The family may have originated from the city of Crema, where the Croco clan held significant political power during the medieval period. Notable members include Girolamo Croce, a 16th-century painter, and Pier Luigi Croce, an Italian diplomat in the early 20th century. The surname has also been found in other parts of Italy, such as Genoa and Palermo, suggesting potential migrations over time. Outside of Italy, the Croco family has been documented in Argentina, Canada, and the United States, where they have contributed to various fields, including politics, medicine, and academia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "croco"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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