Last Name Dececco

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dececco

The meaning and origin of the last name Dececco

The surname Dececco is an Italian name derived from the geographical location or occupation of early bearers. It is believed to originate from the town of Decima, located in the Province of Campobasso in Molise, Italy. The name could also be associated with a person who lived near a decimus, which means tenth in Latin, indicating a tenth part of an estate or land division. Over time, it has been spelled various ways including De Cecchi, De Cecconi, and De Cecco, reflecting the phonetic changes that surnames undergo as they are passed down through generations. The name is relatively uncommon outside of Italy but maintains a significant presence among Italians due to its unique history and connection to the Italian homeland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dececco

The last name Dececco has its origins in Italy and is primarily concentrated in regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. Historically, it was more common among the Italian population living in the "Mezzogiorno," or southern Italy. Over time, immigrants with the surname Dececco have spread to various parts of the world due to migration waves. In North America, a significant number of individuals with this last name can be found in Canada and the United States, particularly in urban centers like Toronto, Montreal, and New York City. Additionally, some Dececcos are also found in Australia and South America, reflecting broader global migration patterns from Italy during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dececco

The surname Dececco has several variants and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variations include DeCeco, DeCecco, Deccecco, De Cesco, and Di Cesco. These variations arise from alterations in spelling over time, with the addition or omission of articles, or changes in pronunciation and subsequent transcription errors. In Italian, the name is often written as Di Ceco or Di Cesco, which translates to "of Ceco" or "of Cesco," reflecting a patronymic naming system where surnames are derived from the father's given name. The English forms DeCecco and DeCeco, on the other hand, are anglicized versions that follow the English convention of using capitalization for surnames.

Famous people with the last name Dececco

Notable individuals with the surname De Cecco include:

1. Giuseppe De Cecko (1846-1927), an Italian lawyer and politician, who served as the Mayor of Rome from 1907 to 1913.

2. Alessandro de' Medici (also known as Alessandro de' Cecchi or Alessandro Salviati; 1510-1537), a member of the Medici family and the first Duke of Florence from the House of Medici, who ruled between 1532 and 1537.

3. Salvatore DeCesare (born 1948), an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Salvatore Bellovitch or The Italian Stallion.

4. Maria Grazia Cucinotta (born 1968, whose stage name is sometimes reported as Maria De Cesco), a Sicilian actress and model who gained international fame for her role in the TV series "The Sopranos."

5. Dino De Laurentiis (originally Dino De Laurentiis di Genova; 1919-2010), an Italian film producer who worked extensively in Hollywood, producing films like "Serpico," "King Kong," and "Dune."

Genealogical research on the last name Dececco

The surname Dececco originates from Italy and is primarily found in southern regions such as Sicily and Calabria. It derives from the Italian word "decesso," meaning deceased, and was often given to individuals who had lost a parent before their birth or during childhood. Early records indicate that the name was first documented in the 13th century in the county of Catanzaro, Calabria. The family later migrated to other parts of Italy, including Sicily and Tuscany, where they were involved in various professions such as agriculture, trades, and commerce. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Dececco immigrants settled in the United States, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania, where they established thriving communities. Today, the surname can be found worldwide with varying spellings due to transcription errors and assimilation into other cultures.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dececco"
• 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 : 24 July 2025