Last Name Ferraro

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ferraro

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferraro

The surname Ferraro is of Italian origin, derived from the occupation of a blacksmith (ferrarus in Latin). In Italian, "Ferraro" translates to "the little blacksmith," indicating either a diminutive form or a member of a family of blacksmiths. This name can be found primarily among the population of Italy and is a common surname there. The spread of this surname outside of Italy is attributed to Italian immigration, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when millions of Italians emigrated to the United States, South America, Australia, and other countries in search of better opportunities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferraro

The surname Ferraro is predominantly Italian in origin, with the highest concentration found in southern regions such as Sicily and Calabria. It is also common in Campania and Lombardy. The spread of the name reflects the historical migration patterns within Italy, particularly from rural areas to urban centers and from Italy to other countries during the 19th and 20 centuries. In North America, significant populations of people with the surname Ferraro can be found in the United States, especially in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California, and in Canada, primarily in Ontario and Quebec. Smaller numbers of Ferraros can also be found in Australia, South America, and various European countries such as Spain, France, and Germany due to immigration waves from Italy over the past centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferraro

The surname Ferraro, which is of Italian origin, has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, local dialects, and historical recordkeeping. Here are some common versions:

1. Ferraro: This is the standard spelling of the name in modern Italian. It derives from the occupational name for a blacksmith or ironworker, originally "ferrariolo" (little smithy), which evolved into Ferraro.
2. Ferraro: This variant is less common and may be found among Italian speakers who use the older, more traditional spelling of the word "ferraio" (smith) to form the surname.
3. Farrao: In some parts of Italy, particularly in regional dialects, the "r" sound can be replaced with an "l," leading to variations like Farrao or Farraro.
4. Ferrarone/Ferraroni: These are plural forms of Ferraro, indicating that a family had multiple blacksmiths or ironworkers.
5. De Ferraro, Di Ferraro, Ferrari: In Italy, it is common for surnames to be prefixed with "de," "di," or "del" (meaning of, from, or belonging to), and in some cases, they can evolve into an entirely different form like Ferrari, which is the most prominent variant in Italy.
6. Feirarro: This spelling may be found among speakers of Italian dialects who pronounce the "rr" sound as a single, rolled "r."
7. Feraro: While not an official variation, this variant can occur when the first letter of the name is incorrectly capitalized or inadvertently omitted.

Famous people with the last name Ferraro

The Ferraro family has produced notable figures across various fields, showcasing their versatility and achievements. In the political arena, Carmelo Louis "The Melting Pot" Ferraro served as a U.S. Representative from New York (1983-1995) and was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 1984 under Walter Mondale's presidency. Additionally, Grace Ferrero Ferraro, an Italian-American businesswoman, made significant contributions to the food industry by co-founding the iconic Ferrero Rocher chocolate brand with her husband, Michele Ferrero. In sports, Joey Ferraro is a renowned American soccer player who has represented the U.S. Virgin Islands and played for several professional teams in Europe and North America. Lastly, Vincent "Vinny" Ferraro is an accomplished actor known for his roles in movies such as "The Godfather: Part III" and "Casino." The diverse accomplishments of the Ferraro family have left a lasting impact across multiple industries and sectors.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferraro

The surname Ferraro originates from Italy and is derived from the Old Italian "ferrare," which means "to iron." It is most commonly found in Sicily, although it can also be traced to other parts of Southern Italy. The name is believed to have been given to a blacksmith or someone who worked with iron due to the occupation's significance during medieval times. Notable figures bearing the Ferraro surname include the American football player Tony Ferraro and the Italian politician Nicola Ferraro, among others. In terms of genealogy, the Ferraro family tree is vast, spanning centuries and continents, with many branches dispersed throughout Italy and beyond due to immigration waves. The exact origin of each individual Ferraro lineage may vary, but the name's roots are deeply entrenched in the rich history of Southern Italian culture and craftsmanship.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ferraro"
• 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 : 13 June 2025