Last Name De-mario

Learn more about the origin of the last name De-mario

The meaning and origin of the last name De-mario

The surname DeMarco is of Italian and Spanish origins, derived from the Latin given name Marianus, which means "devoted to Mary." The surname's formation can be traced back to the medieval practice of adding diminutive suffixes to personal names to create patronymic or geographical surnames. In the case of DeMarco, the suffix "de" is a French term meaning "of," likely adopted by Italian and Spanish speakers, indicating that the original bearer was associated with someone named Marco or derived from a place named Marca. The spelling variation "DeMario" may have developed due to regional dialect differences or misspellings over time. Over the centuries, many individuals bearing this name have made significant contributions to various fields, such as art, science, and politics.

Geographical distribution of the last name De-mario

The surname DeMario is predominantly Italian in origin and has a significant concentration within Italy, especially in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. Historically, these areas have been influenced by Greek and Norman rule, which may contribute to the presence of this name. Additionally, emigration from Italy during the 19th and early 20th centuries led to a diaspora of Italians, including those with the surname DeMario, to other parts of the world. As a result, the surname can also be found in various North, Central, and South American countries, as well as Australia and other English-speaking nations, where Italian immigrants settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name De-mario

The surname DeMario exhibits various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common forms:

* DeMarco (most common)
* DeMaris
* DeMare
* DiMarco
* Demarce
* DeMars
* De Marias
* De Maria
* DiMario

These variations arise from the Italian and Sicilian origins of the name, which is derived from "de la marca," meaning "of the border" or "from the market." The spelling may have been altered over time due to phonetic changes, regional dialects, or migration records. Despite the differences in spelling, all these forms can be traced back to the same Italian and Sicilian roots.

Famous people with the last name De-mario

Notable individuals with the surname DeMarco include:

1. Dominic J. DeMarco (1928-1993), an American mobster who was the acting boss of the New York Gambino crime family from 1973 to 1993.

2. Wynona Rae DeMarco, also known as Wynonna Judd (born 1964), an American singer-songwriter who gained fame as a country music artist in the 1980s and 1990s as part of The Judds duo with her mother Naomi Judd.

3. Marc DeMarco (born 1953), a Canadian poet, essayist, fiction writer, publisher, arts organizer, and visual artist known for his work in experimental literature.

4. Anthony J. De Marco, an American computer engineer and entrepreneur who co-founded the software company Autodesk.

5. Vince DeMarco (born 1962), an American politician who has served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates since 2003.

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

Genealogical research on the last name De-mario

The surname DeMario is of Italian origin, primarily found in regions such as Sicily and Campania. Its root can be traced back to the Latin word "de Mariis," meaning "of the sea" or "from the marsh." In the Middle Ages, many Italians adopted occupational names, reflecting their trade or place of origin, and DeMario may have originated from a person who lived near a body of water. Notable figures with this surname include Italian-American filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli, soccer player Alessandro De Marco, and actress Loretta De Marco. The DeMarios are among the numerous Italian immigrants who contributed to the cultural diversity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "de-mario"
• 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