Last Name Gerace

The last name "Gerace" is of Italian origin. It is most commonly found in southern Italy, specifically in the Calabria region. The name is derived from the town of "Gerace" in the Province of Reggio Calabria, which is believed to be the ancestral home for individuals with this surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gerace

The meaning and origin of the last name Gerace

The surname Gerace is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from the ancient Greek word "gerakis," which means "crane." It is a locational or habitational surname, indicating that the bearers of this name either hailed from or had ties to the town of Gerace, located in the province of Reggio Calabria in southern Italy. The town of Gerace dates back to ancient times and has a rich history that includes influences from various civilizations, such as Greek, Roman, Norman, and Byzantine. The surname Gerace suggests that the individual or family carrying this name may have had roots or ancestral connections to this town. Throughout history, individuals with the surname Gerace may have migrated to different regions of Italy or even abroad, resulting in a spread of the surname outside its original place of origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gerace

The last name Gerace is primarily found in Italy, specifically in the southern region of Calabria. Calabria is the ancestral home of the Gerace family and continues to be the main hub for individuals carrying this surname. The region's capital, also known as Gerace, holds historical significance as the birthplace of this name, and is inhabited by a considerable number of Gerace descendants. While the name is predominantly concentrated in Calabria, there are also pockets of Gerace families residing in other parts of Italy, including the neighboring regions of Basilicata and Sicily. However, it is important to note that the distribution of the last name Gerace extends beyond Italy, as many individuals and their descendants have emigrated to other countries over the years. Gerace can also be found in significant numbers in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to migration and globalization. Thus, Gerace can be considered a relatively geographically widespread surname, with its roots firmly planted in Calabria, Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gerace

The last name Gerace can have several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. In its original Italian form, it is spelled "Gerace." However, due to migration and anglicization, the name might have undergone changes in spelling and pronunciation. Common variations include "Girace," "Giarace," "Geraci," and "Gerrace." These slight alterations are often the result of individuals adapting their surnames to fit the phonetic rules of other languages or making clerical errors during immigration or record-keeping processes. Moreover, depending on the specific region within Italy itself, there might be additional variations such as "Gerachi," "Gerasi," or "Geraichi." It is important to note that surname variations are not uncommon and can develop over time as families migrate or as language and cultural differences come into play. So, while the core name remains "Gerace," individuals or branches of the family may adopt diverse spellings based on their unique circumstances and historical factors.

Famous people with the last name Gerace

Unfortunately, there are no famous people with the last name Gerace that have gained widespread recognition or notoriety. It is possible that the name Gerace belongs to individuals in a more localized or lesser-known context. However, if there are any notable figures with the last name Gerace, their accomplishments and contributions may be linked to specific regions, fields, or communities. It is important to note that the last name Gerace might not be well-known on a global scale, but this does not diminish the significance or impact of individuals who bear this surname in their respective fields or communities.

Genealogical research on the last name Gerace

The surname Gerace has its roots in southern Italy, specifically in the Calabria region. It is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek city of Locri Epizefiri, which over time became known as "Gerace." This name was likely given to individuals who migrated from this city to other parts of Italy, resulting in the adoption of Gerace as their surname. The Gerace family is known to have established itself in various towns and cities across Calabria, including Reggio Calabria and Gioia Tauro. The descendants of the Gerace family have maintained a strong presence in this region and have contributed to various aspects of the community throughout history. It is worth noting that genealogical research is vital in tracing the lineage of the Gerace family, as it will further uncover historical connections and shed light on the family's journey over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gerace"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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