Last Name Fracasso

The surname "Fracasso" is of Italian origin and has its roots in the medieval period. It derives from a word meaning "to break" or "to shatter," which could have been used to describe someone who was strong but unpredictable, like a force that shatters things. In some cases, it may have originated as a nickname for a person who had a fiery temperament or was prone to causing chaos and disruption. The name is not common in Italy today, but it can still be found in Italian-American communities, particularly in areas with strong Italian immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fracasso

The meaning and origin of the last name Fracasso

The surname Fracasso, originating from Italy, is derived from the medieval Latin term "frascus," which means "barrel" or "cask." Initially, it was likely a nickname given to someone who either worked with barrels, such as a cooper, or exhibited characteristics associated with a barrel, like being sturdy or robust.

In some cases, the name could have been bestowed upon an individual who lived near a barrel-making workshop or marketplace, creating an association between the family and their trade. As people moved and migrated, the surname Fracasso spread throughout Italy and beyond its borders, taking root in various regions and countries over time. Today, it is still predominantly found among Italian families but can also be encountered in other parts of Europe and even in other continents due to historical migrations and settlement patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fracasso

The last name Fracasso is primarily found in Italian-speaking regions, specifically in Italy and some Italian diaspora communities around the world. A significant number of Fracassos reside in Central and Northern Italy, with high concentrations in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Umbria. The last name is less common in Southern Italy, but can still be found. Beyond Italy, Italian immigrants have carried the name to various parts of the globe, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Switzerland, and the United States. In these countries, Fracassos are often concentrated in urban areas with a significant Italian population or communities founded by Italian immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fracasso

The surname Fracasso has several variations and spellings. These include Frazzaco, Fracaso, Fracassa, Fracassi, Fracassone, and Fracassol. It originates from Italy and is typically found in regions such as Lombardy and Veneto. The name can also be found with slight variations due to differences in dialect or regional spelling conventions. Other related forms of the surname may include Frazzasi, Fracasso-Ricci, or Fracasselli. In some cases, the name may have been transliterated from Italian into other languages, leading to additional variations such as Franzaco in French or Fratzas in German. Overall, the last name Fracasso showcases the diversity and richness of Italian surnames.

Famous people with the last name Fracasso

Notable individuals bearing the surname Fracasso include:

1. Alessandro Fracassa, an Italian actor who gained recognition for his roles in films such as "The Name of the Rose" and "The Last Emperor."
2. Emanuele Fracasso, an Italian professional footballer currently playing for Serie A club Cagliari Calcio.
3. Francesca Fracassa, a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for London West from 2015 to 2019.
4. Giulio Fracasso, an Italian architect known for his innovative designs and contributions to modern architecture.
5. Giovanni Fracastoro, an Italian humanist, physician, and astronomer who proposed the theory of contagion (infectious disease spread) through microscopic entities that became the basis for the germ theory of disease.
6. Lucia Fracassi, an Italian professional volleyball player who has represented her country in international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.
7. Maria Luisa Fracassa, an Italian-American mathematician known for her work in algebraic geometry.

Genealogical research on the last name Fracasso

The surname Fracasso originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Francesco, which was popular during the Middle Ages. The name's variations include Frascassi, Frascasio, and Fracassi, indicating the regionally distinct spelling conventions in Italy.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 13th century, with a certain Iohannes Franciscus from Lombardy mentioned in historical documents. Over the centuries, the name spread throughout Italy due to various factors such as migration for work, religious reasons, and political events.

Notable individuals bearing this surname include Giuseppe Fracasso (1870-1956), an Italian journalist and politician, and Simone Fracassi (b. 1990), a professional tennis player from Italy. The Fracasso lineage has left its mark in various fields throughout history, reflecting the diversity of opportunities open to individuals bearing this surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fracasso"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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