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Last Name Fichera

What is the origin of the last name Fichera?

The surname Fichera is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from the occupational name for a "maker of fishnets" or "fisherman", from the Latin word 'piscis' meaning "fish". In Italian, this would be rendered as "pesciera," but in some regions, the surname evolved into Fichera over time. As with many Italian surnames, it likely originated from an identifiable geographical location or occupation and was later passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fichera

The meaning and origin of the last name Fichera

The surname Fichera is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Federico or Federigo, which means "peace ruler" in Germanic languages. The name emerged during the Middle Ages and was often bestowed upon children born to fathers named Federico. Over time, the surname evolved into various regional variations such as Vichiera, Vicera, and Ficheri, reflecting the diverse Italian dialects. The name is most commonly found in regions of northern Italy including Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Notable figures bearing this name include Italian composer Alessandro Fichera and physicist Francesco Fichera.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fichera

The last name Fichera is predominantly found in Italy and its diaspora communities. According to various surname databases, it originates from the region of Abruzzo, particularly in towns such as Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo. Its frequency decreases significantly outside of this region but remains notable in other parts of Italy. The name has also been carried by Italian immigrants to numerous countries, with significant populations in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, and Canada. In these countries, concentrations often reflect historical migration patterns from Italy. For instance, in the United States, Fichera is most common in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, which have large Italian-American communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fichera

The surname Fichera has several variations and spelling interpretations due to factors such as regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Some common variants include:

1. Vichiera - An Italian variation with a slight change in the vowel sound, though still pronounced similarly.
2. Viciera - This variant has a different vowel sound for the second syllable, potentially arising from dialectal influences.
3. Ficheira - This variation might have evolved due to phonetic changes or scribal errors, with an additional 'e' added to the end of the name.
4. Fichiera-Tedesco - A compound surname consisting of Fichera and a geographical or occupational suffix "-Tedesco," indicating Italian descent or occupation.
5. Vicherio - In some cases, the surname may have been altered slightly to better fit phonetic rules within certain dialects, resulting in variations like Vicherio.
6. Ficharias - A possible Spanish variation of the name Fichera, with a different declension of the ending.
7. Ficheiras - Another potential Portuguese or Galician variant of the surname, following their naming conventions and declensions.

Famous people with the last name Fichera

Notable individuals with the surname Fichera include:

1. Giuseppe Fichera (born 1943), an Italian politician who served as President of the Autonomous Region of Calabria from 2011 to 2016.

2. Marco Fichera (born 1972), an Italian football goalkeeper who played for various clubs, including Juventus and Inter Milan.

3. Renato Fichera (1894-1958), an Italian architect and designer known for his contributions to modernist architecture in Italy.

4. Rino Fichera (born 1964), an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder for teams such as AC Milan, Napoli, and Fiorentina.

5. Stefano Fichera (born 1973), an Italian pianist and conductor who has performed in numerous concerts worldwide.

6. Vincenzo Fichera (1840-1920), an Italian politician who served as President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Italy from 1910 to 1913.

Genealogical research on the last name Fichera

The surname Fichera originates from Italy, specifically in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in Palermo, Sicily. Over the centuries, the Ficherias spread throughout Italy due to migration waves and family expansions. Notable figures with this surname include Filippo Fichera, an Italian mathematician born in Palermo in 1857, and Giuseppe Fichera, a notable engineer who contributed significantly to water resources development in Sicily during the early 20th century. The Fichera family lineage is deeply rooted in Italy, with a significant presence in cities such as Palermo, Catania, and Reggio Calabria.

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 : 27 July 2025

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