Last Name Deluca

The surname Deluca is an Italian patronymic name, derived from a given name, Luigi (Italian form of Louis). In Italian, "Luca" means "bringer of light," which is derived from the Latin name "Lucius." Over time, as families with this name migrated or settled in different regions, variations such as De Luca, Di Luca, Deluca, etc., emerged. This process of surname evolution is common in many cultures and is often due to factors like regional dialects, spelling conventions, and changes over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Deluca

The meaning and origin of the last name Deluca

The surname Deluca is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the male given name Lucca, which was commonly used in Italy during the Middle Ages. The name Lucca is thought to have originated from the Latin word "lux," meaning light or brightness. The surname Deluca, therefore, can be translated as "of Lucca" or "descendant of Lucca."

The spread of the surname Deluca throughout Italy reflects the country's complex history of regional migration and settlement patterns. It is most commonly found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Tuscany. As Italians migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas in search of better opportunities during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Deluca surname became more widespread globally. Today, it is a relatively common Italian-American surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Deluca

The surname Deluca is predominantly Italian in origin and is most commonly found in regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna. It also has a significant presence in Sicily and Sardinia. Outside Italy, the name Deluca can be found among Italian diaspora communities, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, where it is often Anglicized to DeLuca or De Luca. In these countries, Deluca tends to be most concentrated in urban areas with high concentrations of Italian immigrants or descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Deluca

The surname Deluca has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. These include De Luca, Di Lucca, Delucchi, De Luchi, DeLucia, DeLusio, DeLuxe, and D'Eluca, among others. Each variation may reflect the region or country of origin, such as Italian, where the name is most commonly found, or its adaptation to different phonetic or orthographic rules in other languages. However, it is important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can be subjective and may depend on personal preference, regional conventions, or historical context.

Famous people with the last name Deluca

The Deluca surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the world of entertainment, one of the most recognized is Angie Everhart, an American model and actress who appeared in numerous films throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In sports, Jim Delucia was a professional basketball player who played for teams such as the Philadelphia Warriors and Syracuse Nationals during the 1950s. Politically, Michael Deluca served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1987 to 2013. In the realm of science, Dr. Michael J. DeLuca is an American biologist who has made significant contributions to the field of microbiology and genetics. Lastly, in the culinary world, Giada De Laurentiis, although her family name is Italian, she is a well-known figure with a Deluca connection through marriage, is an Emmy Award-winning television host, cookbook author, and chef who has made a name for herself as one of the leading figures in American Italian cuisine.

Genealogical research on the last name Deluca

The surname Deluca originates from Italy and is a variation of the original Italian name De Luca, which translates to "of the light" or "the wise one." The Deluca family can be traced back to Sicily, where they were landowners and influential figures during the medieval period. Notable Delucas include Giovanni Battista de Luca, a 17th-century Sicilian nobleman, and Giuseppe De Luca, an Italian statesman who served as President of Italy from 1978 to 1979. The name has also been found in the region of Lombardy, where it may have evolved into Deluca due to dialectal variations or regional influences. Today, the Deluca family can be found primarily in Italy, North America (particularly the United States), and Australia, with various branches and lineages that have developed over centuries. The surname Deluca is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Italian families.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Deluca"
• 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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