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Last Name Difusco

What is the origin of the last name Difusco?

The surname Difusco is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "diffusus," which means "spread out" or "scattered." This name was originally given to someone who lived in a place where dwellings were scattered, or it could have been a nickname for a person with many children, suggesting they were spread out among different households. In some cases, it might also be a metaphorical name for someone who was generous and gave things out widely. The surname Difusco can be found in various regions of Italy, but it is most common in the southern part of the country.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Difusco

The meaning and origin of the last name Difusco

The surname Difusco is primarily of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "diffusus," which means 'spread out' or 'dispersed.' Over time, it evolved into the Italian surname "Difuso" and then to "Difusco." This surname was likely given to an individual who lived in a dispersed or scattered location, or perhaps someone who had a characteristic of spreading ideas or influence. The distribution of this surname is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania, Lazio, and Puglia. As with many Italian surnames, it is also possible for families with the name Difusco to be found outside of Italy as a result of migration patterns over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Difusco

The surname Difusco is primarily distributed in Italy, with the highest concentrations found in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. This is largely due to the historical migration patterns from these areas, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when many Italians emigrated to other countries seeking better economic opportunities. The Difusco surname can also be found in smaller numbers in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and Spain, reflecting the diaspora of Italian immigrants. It is less common in other parts of the world, indicating a relatively localized origin of the name. This geographical distribution highlights the strong connection between the Difusco surname and the regions of Italy from which it originated.

Variants and spellings of the last name Difusco

The surname Difusco has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and historical document transcriptions. Some of these variations include DiFusco, DeFusco, di Fusco, de Fusco, and even Dyfusco or D'Ifusco, depending on the country and family lineage. The name is of Italian origin and can be traced back to the region of Sicily. It derives from the word "fuso," meaning spindle or spinning wheel, implying that an ancestor was a skilled artisan in textile production. These variations serve as testament to the family's rich history and the diversity of its branches across different regions over time.

Famous people with the last name Difusco

The D'Amico family, more commonly known as the Difuscos, has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Vince D'Amico, an American television producer and writer who has worked on popular shows such as "Family Guy," "American Dad!," and "The Cleveland Show." In academia, Steven D'Amico is a respected name; he is a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he specializes in French literature and cultural studies. Another prominent figure is Maria D'Amico, an Italian-Australian actress who gained fame for her roles in Australian soap operas such as "Neighbours" and "Home and Away." Lastly, Salvatore Difusco, born in Italy but emigrated to the United States, was a prominent sculptor known for his work in the early 20th century. His most famous piece is the bronze statue of Christopher Columbus in Union Square, Manhattan. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Difusco family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Difusco

The surname Difusco is of Italian origin and is primarily found in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. It is derived from the Latin "diffusus," meaning "spread out" or "scattered." This name was likely given to someone who had a large family or lived in an area characterized by dispersed settlements. One notable bearer of this name is Angelo Difusco, an Italian sculptor and painter born in 1896 in the town of Geraci Siculo, Sicily. The Difusco family lineage can be traced back to the late 1700s in Sicily, with records indicating various branches migrating to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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