What is the origin of the last name Dicocco?

The surname Dicocco is believed to have Italian origins and is derived from the occupational name "d'Oca," meaning "of the duck." This surname was often used by people who were involved in raising or hunting ducks. Over time, the name evolved into its current form, Dicocco, with variations such as DiCoco and DeCoco also existing. It's important to note that surnames were not always hereditary in Italy, and a person could change their surname based on occupation, geographical location, or other factors.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Dicocco

The surname Dicocco is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the personal name Di Cocco. The name "Cocco" itself has various possible origins. One theory suggests it originated from a nickname for someone with curly hair or a round face (from the Italian word "cocco," meaning 'hen's egg'), while another theory links it to the occupational name for a pastry chef, derived from the Old Italian word "cocciare," meaning 'to bake.' The "Di" prefix in this context is a common Italian addition to personal names, signifying that the namebearer was a descendant of someone with the given name. Over time, the surname has been spelled differently due to various regional variations and phonetic changes over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dicocco

The last name Dicocco is primarily found in Italy, with significant concentrations in the regions of Campania and Abruzzo. Its origins can be traced back to the town of Cocoate, located near Salerno in Campania. Over time, variations such as DiCocco, DeCocco, and Dicoco have emerged due to differences in spelling and transliteration. While Italy remains the origin point for most individuals with this surname, there are also Italian-descended populations around the world where the last name has been dispersed, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina, where significant numbers of Italian immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dicocco

The surname Dicocco can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, transcription errors, regional dialects, and family preferences over time. Some common variants include DiCocco, De Cocco, D'Cocco, DiCocho, DiCochio, and DeCocco. These variations stem from the Italian origin of the name, which is derived from the occupation 'cocoia' or 'cocciaro', meaning a potter or tile-maker. It's important to note that these variations may also arise due to migration patterns, where the name might have been anglicized or transcribed differently in different regions.

Famous people with the last name Dicocco

Notable individuals with the surname Dicocco include:

1. Giuseppe D'Ambrosio Dicocco (born 1968), an Italian-Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who played in both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the International Hockey League (IHL).

2. Vincenzo D'Amico Dicocco (1934–2015), a Canadian businessman, politician, and philanthropist of Italian descent who served as a Member of Parliament for the riding of St. Paul's in Toronto, Ontario from 1988 to 1993.

3. Luca Dicocco (born 1967), an Italian conductor, musicologist, and organist known for his work with early music ensembles.

4. Stefano D'Amico Dicocco (born 1978), a Canadian actor and writer of Italian descent, best known for his roles in the television series "Degrassi: The Next Generation" and "Life With Derek."

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including sports, politics, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Dicocco

The surname Dicocco is believed to have origins in Southern Italy, specifically the region of Calabria. Variations such as DiCocco, DeCocco, and Cocco also exist. Notable figures with this last name include Giuseppe DeCotis D'Amico di Cocco, a Sicilian nobleman and politician from the 1800s. In the United States, the surname became more common due to immigration from Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Genealogical records suggest that some Dicoccos originate from the towns of Reggio Calabria and Catanzaro. Further research could be conducted using Italian civil, church, and emigration records to trace family histories and identify specific lineages within the surname Dicocco.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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