Last Name Fazio

The surname Fazio is of Italian origin. It is derived from various given names that were common in Italy during the Middle Ages, such as Vincenzo (meaning "conqueror" or "victor"), Giovanni (meaning "God is gracious"), and others ending in "-io". The suffix "-io" was a common Italian diminutive ending used to denote affection or endearment. Over time, these names with the "-io" suffix became hereditary surnames, such as Fazio.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fazio

The meaning and origin of the last name Fazio

The surname Fazio is of Italian origin, derived from the occupation of a maker or seller of fans, known as 'foglio' in Italian. The name evolved from the medieval Latin term 'foliator', which referred to someone who made or sold paper fans. Over time, this occupation-based name became a hereditary surname in Italy, spreading across the country particularly in regions such as Sicily and Naples. Notable individuals bearing the Fazio surname include artists like Mattia Preti and Alessandro Fiammingo, and the famous boxer Primo Carnera, who was born with the name Fazio but changed it later in his career.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fazio

The last name Fazio is predominantly Italian in origin, with a significant concentration in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. It is also found in other parts of Italy, particularly the Lazio region, where Rome is located. Outside Italy, the Fazio surname has been dispersed among Italian diaspora communities, notably in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, primarily in states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, reflecting the immigration patterns of Italians to those countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Minor populations can be found in other parts of Europe and in South America, especially Uruguay and Chile.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fazio

The surname Fazio has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional pronunciation, and historical record keeping. Some of the most common variations include Fasio, Fachia, Faizio, and Fajardo, which are derived from the original Italian spelling "Fazio". Additionally, there may be slight changes in the spelling due to immigration or assimilation, such as Fazius, Phazio, and Fezio. In some cases, the surname can also appear with different prefixes like MacFazio, De Fazio, Del Fazio, and Di Fazio. These variations demonstrate the global spread of the Fazio family name and its rich history across multiple cultures and regions.

Famous people with the last name Fazio

Notable individuals with the surname Fazio include:

1. Paolo Fazio, an Italian economist who served as the President of the European Central Bank from July 2005 to November 2005.

2. Tony Fazio, a former member of the United States House of Representatives representing Ohio's 9th congressional district from 1983 to 1999.

3. John Fazio, a Canadian professional ice hockey coach who has coached several National Hockey League teams, including the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche.

4. Frank Fazio, an American film director best known for his work on political documentaries such as "Daisy: An Informercial" and "The War Room."

5. Salvatore Fazio, an Italian politician who has served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies for three terms, representing the Democratic Party.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as economics, politics, coaching, and film directing.

Genealogical research on the last name Fazio

The Fazio surname originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. It is believed to be derived from various sources, including the occupation-based names like 'fatichiero' or 'fattore,' meaning farmer or estate manager, or from the personal name Facio or Fazio. The family's history dates back to feudal Italy, where many Fazios held significant positions in local administration and landed gentry during the Middle Ages. Notable figures with the surname Fazio include artists Caravaggio and Alessandro Fiammingo, composer Giuseppe Fazzini, and mathematician Girolamo Saccheri. The Fazio family migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas during the 19th and 20th centuries, establishing settlements in countries like France, Spain, Argentina, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fazio"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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