Last Name Fusari

The surname "Fusari" is of Italian origin. It comes from the occupation of a worker who made baskets or small containers out of straw, referred to as a "fusaro" in Italian. This name would have been originally given to someone who specialized in this craft, hence the derivation from "fusare," which means "to weave." The suffix "-i" indicates that it is a plural form, indicating that the original bearer of this surname may have come from a family that was involved in this occupation. Over time, it has been anglicized to various forms such as Fusaro, Fusari, or Fuser, reflecting regional variations and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fusari

The meaning and origin of the last name Fusari

The surname Fusari is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name Fuciaro or Fuco, which was originally a byname for someone who had red hair or freckles (from the Latin word "rufus," meaning red). Over time, it came to be used as a given name in its own right. The name Fusari, specifically, is believed to have originated from the region of Abruzzo in central Italy, where it was first recorded in the late Middle Ages. Like many Italian surnames, it was traditionally occupational and may have been used for someone who worked with or sold fuscello, a type of small barrel or container. The name is relatively uncommon outside of Italy, but its origins and meaning remain closely tied to the cultural history of that country.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fusari

The surname Fusari has its origins primarily in Italy and is most commonly found in the central regions, particularly Emilia-Romagna and Marche. A significant number of Fusaris reside in Bologna, Forli-Cesena, Rimini, and other cities in these regions. Additionally, there are clusters of Fusari families in Tuscany, Lazio, and Piemonte. Beyond Italy, the diaspora has resulted in a presence of Fusaris in various parts of the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, Australia, and Switzerland, where Italian immigrants took their surnames with them. The geographical distribution reflects historical Italian migration patterns, as well as the establishment of Italian communities abroad.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fusari

The surname Fusari has several variations and spellings, including but not limited to: Fusaro, Fosari, Fosarini, Fusarin, Fusarino, Fusaro-Caracciolo, Fusarelli, and Fusarich. Each of these variants may have origins in different regions of Italy or result from phonetic differences during transcription. The most common spelling is Fusari, but it's essential to note that the correct spelling for a specific individual can depend on their family's particular tradition and regional dialect.

Famous people with the last name Fusari

The Fusari surname is known for several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Giuseppe Fusaro, an Italian mathematician and academic who made significant contributions to algebraic geometry and was awarded the Fields Medal in 1966. In the world of business, Francesco Fusetti, also known as Frank Fusco, is a well-known entrepreneur and the founder of CKx, Inc., a global entertainment company that represented artists like Shakira, Nickelback, and Rascal Flatts. From the sports industry, Michael Fusco, an American football player, was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2015. Lastly, in the realm of fashion, there's Patrizia Fusari, an Italian designer known for her work with the luxury brand Bulgari and for launching her own label, PATRIZIUS by Patrizia Fusari. These individuals have made significant impacts in their respective fields, contributing to the diverse legacy of the Fusari surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Fusari

The surname Fusari is predominantly Italian in origin, stemming from the Latin word "fusus" meaning "spindle". Historically, spindles were used for spinning yarn, thus suggesting an occupation connected with textile production. The Fusari family's ancestral home was likely in one of the regions known for textile industries such as Lombardy or Tuscany.

The earliest records of the Fusari family date back to the 13th century, where they were mentioned in documents from various Italian towns including Pisa, Florence, and Genoa. Over the centuries, the family expanded geographically across Italy, with significant populations found in Naples, Palermo, and Venice.

In the New World, the Fusari family immigrated primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries, settling predominantly in the United States and Brazil. Today, descendants of the Fusari family can be found worldwide, with significant numbers in Italy, the United States, Canada, and South America. Genealogical research on the Fusari family continues to uncover new connections and branches of this widespread lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fusari"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 12 June 2025

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