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Last Name Ficarelli

What is the origin of the last name Ficarelli?

The surname Ficarelli is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the town Ficcaramano or Ficarra, located in the province of Teramo in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The name was likely originally a nickname for someone who came from one of these places or had some association with them. Over time, it became a hereditary surname as families migrated and settled in different regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ficarelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Ficarelli

The surname Ficarelli is an Italian name derived from the Latin word "ficus," which means fig tree. It is a topographical name, originally denoting someone who lived near a fig tree or a grove. Over time, it evolved into a patronymic name, indicating that the original bearer was the son of someone with the same name. The variation Ficarelli specifically originates from the regions of Southern Italy, particularly in Calabria and Sicily. It is one of several surnames of Italian origin that have been brought to other parts of the world through migration, most notably to countries in North and South America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ficarelli

The surname Ficarelli is predominantly found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania and Apulia. These areas are historically associated with the Norman domination during the Middle Ages, which might have influenced the distribution of this name. Migration patterns also played a significant role in spreading the Ficarelli surname. Many Italian immigrants carrying the name arrived in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller numbers can also be found in Argentina and Brazil, where Italian immigration was also substantial. Today, the Ficarelli surname is present worldwide among the Italian diaspora communities, though its concentration remains highest in Italy and the countries that received significant Italian immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ficarelli

The surname Ficarelli can be found with various spelling variants due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Ficarelly, Ficarelli, Fikarelli, Fikarally, Vickarelli, Vickarley, Vicarelli, Vicarley, and Vicharelli. These variations may be found among individuals of Italian descent, as the name is typically of Italian origin. The name Ficarelli is derived from the Italian word "ficus," meaning fig tree, and "-elli," a diminutive suffix.

Famous people with the last name Ficarelli

Notable individuals sharing the surname Ficarelli include:

1. Michael Ficarelli, an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from the 67th district between 2003 and 2010.

2. Salvatore Ficarelli, also known as "Crazy Sal," an American mobster who was a high-ranking member of the Gambino crime family in New York City during the 1980s. He is most famously linked to the murder of Paul Castellano, the former boss of the Gambino family.

3. Joe Ficarelli, an American professional boxer who held the WBC Continental Americas super middleweight title from 2012 to 2014 and competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

These individuals have made significant impacts in various fields such as politics, organized crime, and sports throughout their careers.

Genealogical research on the last name Ficarelli

The Ficarelli surname is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from various places in Italy, primarily from regions such as Abruzzo, Calabria, Campania, and Puglia. Historically, the name may have originated from a place named Ficarra or Ficari, both locations found in Sicily and Calabria respectively. The surname Ficarelli is a variation of the original Italian surname "Ficara", meaning "fig tree" in Italian, which could refer to someone living near a fig tree or to someone who was known by that name due to physical characteristics associated with the fruit. Notable figures with this surname include Santo Ficarra, an Italian actor and comedian, and Vincenzo Ficarelli, an Italian conductor and musicologist.

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 : 25 July 2025

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