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Last Name Fuoco

What is the origin of the last name Fuoco?

The surname "Fuoco" is of Italian origin. It translates to "fire" in English and is derived from various words related to fire, such as "focolare" (hearth) or "fuoco" itself. It was often given to someone who lived near a hearth, had red hair, or perhaps was associated with a blacksmith or other profession involving fire.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fuoco

The meaning and origin of the last name Fuoco

The surname Fuoco is of Italian origin and translates to "fire" in English. It is derived from one of the four fundamental elements in ancient philosophy, signifying the vitality, warmth, and energy that the family associated with themselves. The name was often given to individuals who lived near a fire or worked with it, such as blacksmiths or stonemasons. Over time, the Fuoco family expanded across various regions of Italy, particularly in Central and Southern Italy, where they made significant contributions to local society and culture. Today, the surname Fuoco can be found worldwide, reflecting the Italian diaspora that took place over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fuoco

The last name Fuoco is primarily distributed across Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily. Historically, it originated from the town of Stilo in Calabria, where it was most common during the Middle Ages. The name has also been found in significant numbers in urban centers such as Naples and Palermo. Over time, emigration from these regions led to the dispersal of Fuoco descendants across various parts of Europe, North America, South America, and Australia, although its frequency outside of Italy is generally lower compared to within the country. In the United States, for example, the name has been found primarily in the states with large Italian-American populations, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fuoco

The surname Fuoco has several variations and spellings in English, primarily due to differences in pronunciation and transliteration from other languages. Some of these variations include Fucio, Fuciu, Fuchi, Fuchio, and Fook. In Italian, the name is most commonly spelled as Fuoco; however, it can also be found as Fuoghi or Fuoghio in some regions or families. It's important to note that these variations may have slightly different pronunciations depending on regional dialects. The name Fuoco is derived from the Italian word for "fire," reflecting its symbolic association with warmth, energy, and passion.

Famous people with the last name Fuoco

The Fuoco family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Giuseppe Fuoco, an Italian tenor opera singer who had a successful career in Europe and America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another prominent member is Maria Fuoco, an actress who gained fame for her roles on popular American television series such as "Six Feet Under" and "The Good Wife." In the world of sports, there's Luca Fuoco, a professional motocross racer from Italy who has competed in several prestigious events including the Motocross World Championship. Additionally, Vincent Fuoco, an American politician, served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1997 to 2016. These are some of the most famous individuals bearing the last name Fuoco.

Genealogical research on the last name Fuoco

The surname Fuoco, meaning "fire" in Italian, is primarily found among the populations of Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Apulia. Its earliest documented appearances can be traced back to the late Middle Ages. One notable figure bearing this name was Giovanni Antonio Fuoco, a soldier who fought alongside Garibaldi during the Italian Unification in the 19th century. The Fuoco family migrated from Italy to various parts of the world, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Canada, and the United States, particularly New York City, due to economic hardships or political unrest. Notable descendants include actors John Fuoco and Tony Fuoco, as well as politician Vincent Fuoco. The Fuoco family tree continues to grow with many branches across the globe, making genealogical research a complex yet intriguing endeavor.

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 : 10 June 2025

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