Last Name Deca

The surname "Deca" is of Italian origin and is derived from a given name, specifically "Decio." This name comes from the Latin word "decius," meaning "tenth," which was used as a personal name in ancient Rome. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as DeCaio, Decao, or Deca, particularly in Italy and its diaspora. The surname signifies that an ancestor was named Decius or was born as the tenth child of his family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Deca

The meaning and origin of the last name Deca

The surname Deca is primarily of Italian origin, derived from various places in Italy, particularly in the region of Emilia-Romagna. The name could be a topographic surname, which was often associated with a specific geographical feature such as a hill or valley. In this context, "Deca" may have been derived from the Latin word "decus," meaning "ten," indicating that the original inhabitant lived near or on a hill or land parcel that was ten times larger than the average. Alternatively, it could be a diminutive of the given name "Diego," which is also of Latin origin and means "supplanter" or "replacer." Over time, the surname Deca has been spread by Italian immigrants to various parts of the world, including North and South America, Australia, and other European countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Deca

The surname "Deca" is predominantly of Italian origin and is primarily concentrated within Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. Outside of Italy, significant populations bearing the surname Deca can be found in countries with a high Italian immigrant population, including Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In these countries, they are often concentrated in urban areas with a strong Italian cultural presence, such as Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and New York City. Additionally, small numbers of individuals with the surname Deca can be found in other European countries like France and Switzerland due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Deca

The surname Deca has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variations include: DeCa, De Ca, DeKa, DaCa, and D'Eca. These variants may originate from efforts to represent the name phonetically in different languages or dialects, or as a result of errors during data entry or record keeping. It is also possible that the spelling has been influenced by the geographical location where the family originated or migrated to. In genealogical research, it's essential to consider these variations when searching for historical records to ensure accurate information about individuals with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Deca

Notable individuals with the surname Deca include:

1. Arthur Ashett Deca (1873-1942): An American author and poet who wrote over 60 books, including the novel "The Bells of San Juan," which was adapted into a film in 1926.

2. Robert W. Decca (1895-1983): A Hungarian-born American composer who worked on over 100 motion pictures and television shows during his career, earning three Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score.

3. James Deca (1946-present): An American animator who co-founded the animation studio Filmation Associates with Lou Scheimer in 1962. He created and produced numerous animated series, including "Ghostbusters" and "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe."

4. Joe Decca (1897-1970): A radio personality who is considered one of the pioneers of Top 40 radio format. In the 1930s, he established the first all-popular music station in New York City and introduced the concept of "singles" to the industry.

5. John Decca (1887-1962): Born as Edward Wallerstein, he was an American record producer who founded Decca Records in 1934. The label gained success with artists like Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald before it merged with MCA in the 1970s to form Universal Music Group.

Genealogical research on the last name Deca

The surname Deca is of Italian origin and is primarily found in the regions of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. The name is derived from the occupational term "de' cassi," meaning "of the chests" or "box maker." In the Middle Ages, this occupation was often hereditary, leading to the development of surnames. One notable bearer of the surname Deca is the Italian painter Giovanni Battista Deca (1783-1850). Genealogical records show that the surname has been passed down through generations in Italy since the late Middle Ages, with various branches migrating to other countries over time. The surname Deca can also be found among the Italian diaspora in the Americas, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, as a result of immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "deca"
• 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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