Last Name Fazzari

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fazzari

The meaning and origin of the last name Fazzari

The surname Fazzari is an Italian name derived from the occupation of a "fazzoletto" maker. The term "fazzoletto" refers to a type of delicate handkerchief made from fine linen or silk, popular during the Middle Ages in Italy. Over time, as it became common practice for people to take on occupational surnames, those who crafted such delicate items began to be identified by their profession and thus adopted the name Fazzari. This surname can be found primarily in regions of central and northern Italy, particularly Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Lombardy. The name is also spelled as Fassari or Facchini in some instances, due to variations in regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fazzari

The surname Fazzari is primarily distributed in Italy, with significant concentrations in regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna, indicating a historical origin from these areas. In addition to Italy, notable populations of individuals bearing the name can be found in Argentina and Uruguay, reflecting Italian immigration to South America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller clusters of Fazzari families are also present in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to global migration patterns over the past two centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Fazzari surname reflects both its Italian origins and the history of Italian immigration across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fazzari

The surname Fazzari can have various spellings and variations, reflecting different regional dialects and historical periods. Some of these include: Fazziari, FaZZzari (with capitalized Z's to indicate the pronounced "zz" sound in Italian), Fasari, Fassarri, Fazarri, and Fazzarino. Additionally, there may be alternative spellings due to transliteration from other languages or cultural influences. For example, the name could appear as Façary, Façarrie, Fachari, or Fakheri in different linguistic contexts. It is important to note that there are many families with this surname in various countries, particularly Italy and its diaspora, so it is essential to consider the specific cultural background when researching.

Famous people with the last name Fazzari

The Fazzari surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Joseph A. Fazzari, an American economist known for his work on entrepreneurial finance and small business dynamics. He currently serves as a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Business Administration. Another significant figure is Maria Elena Fazzari, a Canadian actress who has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including "The L Word" and "Cedar Cove." In the field of music, there's Tiffany Fazzari, an American jazz singer-songwriter known for her unique vocal style and soulful performances. Additionally, there's Angelo Fazzari, an Italian-American architect who made significant contributions to the design of public buildings in San Francisco during the early 20th century. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the Fazzari surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Fazzari

The surname Fazzari is primarily Italian in origin, with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. It is a locational name derived from places named Fassa or Fasseria, found in several regions including Veneto and Lazio. Originally, these place names were related to "fasso," an Old Italian word for a wooden beam used in construction, or "fasso," a type of measuring rod. As population growth increased in the Middle Ages, it was not uncommon for people to migrate to different areas and adopt their new locale as their surname. The Fazzari family can be traced back to several Italian regions, with variations such as Fassari, Façciari, and Facchinari also found. Notable individuals bearing the name include the astronomer Vincenzo Fazzari (1590-1648), and the contemporary professional soccer player Alessandro Fazzari. The family's lineage and dispersal continue to be researched by genealogists, offering insights into the rich history of Italian surnames.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fazzari"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 11 June 2025