NomOrigine Background

Last Name Geraci

What is the origin of the last name Geraci?

The last name Geraci is of Italian origin. It is a surname derived from the personal name "Girace," which is of Germanic origin and means "spear king" or "brave with a spear." The name likely originated in the southern regions of Italy, such as Sicily or Calabria, where it is most common.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Geraci

The meaning and origin of the last name Geraci

Geraci is an Italian surname of Sicilian origin, derived from the town of Geraci Siculo in the province of Palermo. The name likely comes from the Arabic word "jarqi," meaning "watchtower" or "fortress," reflecting the strategic location of the town in the hills of northern Sicily. The surname Geraci may have originally been used to identify someone who hailed from Geraci Siculo or who had ancestral ties to the town. Over time, the surname spread to other regions of Italy and beyond, carried by Italian immigrants who sought new opportunities in different parts of the world. Today, individuals with the surname Geraci can be found in various countries, continuing to honor their Sicilian heritage and connection to the historic town of Geraci Siculo.

Geographical distribution of the last name Geraci

The last name Geraci is most commonly found in Italy, particularly in the southern regions of Sicily and Calabria. It is believed to have originated from the Greek word "geras" meaning old age or elder, suggesting that it may have been used to denote a village elder or respected patriarch. In addition to Italy, the surname can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, such as France, Switzerland, and Spain. In recent years, there has been a growing presence of individuals with the last name Geraci in the United States, particularly in states with large Italian-American populations such as New York, New Jersey, and California. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Geraci reflects its origins in Italy while also demonstrating its spread to other parts of the world through migration and settlement.

Variants and spellings of the last name Geraci

Geraci is a surname that can be spelled and pronounced in various ways. Some variations of the name include Gerace, Geracki, Gerocki, Gerachy, and Jeraci. These variations may have originated from different regions or through different generations of the family. The name Geraci is of Italian origin and is most commonly found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Sicily and Calabria. The pronunciation of Geraci may also vary depending on dialects and accents, with some pronouncing it with a hard "g" sound while others may pronounce it with a soft "j" sound. Overall, the variations and spellings of the last name Geraci reflect the diverse history and culture of the families who bear this surname.

Famous people with the last name Geraci

One famous person with the last name Geraci is Tony Geraci, a renowned chef and food activist known for his work in improving school lunch programs in the United States. He gained national attention for his efforts to introduce healthier and more sustainable food options for students, sparking a conversation about the importance of nutrition in schools. Another notable figure with the last name Geraci is Steve Geraci, a talented musician known for his contributions to the Memphis music scene. He has been a prominent member of various bands and has garnered a loyal fan base for his soulful vocals and guitar skills. Both Tony and Steve Geraci have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on those they have inspired.

Genealogical research on the last name Geraci

The surname Geraci is of Italian origin and is typically found in the region of Sicily. It is believed to be derived from the Greek personal name Gerax, which means "crane." The name may have originated from an ancestor who exhibited crane-like or graceful qualities. The earliest recorded instances of the Geraci surname date back to the medieval period in Sicily, where it was commonly used as a personal name before becoming a hereditary surname. Over time, the Geraci family spread throughout Italy and eventually to other countries around the world due to migration and immigration. Genealogical research on the Geraci surname may reveal connections to prominent figures in Italian history or provide insight into the family's migration patterns and social status. Today, individuals with the last name Geraci can be found in various countries, especially in Italy and the United States.

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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Gerace (Last name)

surnames > 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 ...

Geraedts (Last name)

surnames > geraedts

The last name Geraedts is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the personal name Gerard, which itself is of Germanic origin and means "brave spearman." Over time, the surname Geraed...

Gerah (Last name)

surnames > gerah

The last name Gerah is of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "gerah" which means "grain" or "small weight." It is believed to have originally been used as a nickname...

Gerakis (Last name)

surnames > gerakis

The last name "Gerakis" is likely of Greek origin. In Greek, "Gerakis" (Γεράκης) means "sparrowhawk" or "falcon," which are types of birds of prey. This last name may have b...

Gerameskel (Last name)

surnames > gerameskel

The last name "Gerameskel" is of Ethiopian origin.

Gerami (Last name)

surnames > gerami

The last name Gerami is of Persian origin, specifically from Iran. It is derived from the Persian word "geram" which means noble or honorable. The suffix "-i" is a common ending in...

Gerard-cote (Last name)

surnames > gerard-cote

The last name "Gerard Cote" is a combination of two separate last names: "Gerard" and "Cote." 1) Gerard: The surname "Gerard" has roots in various European countries such as Fran...

Gerardin (Last name)

surnames > gerardin

The last name "Gerardin" has origins in France. It is a French surname derived from the given name "Gerard," which itself is of Germanic origin. "Gerard" comes from the elements "g...

Gerardy (Last name)

surnames > gerardy

The last name Gerardy is of Dutch and German origin. It is derived from the given name Gerard, which means "brave" or "strong." The surname likely originated as a patronymic, indic...

Gerasymchuk (Last name)

surnames > gerasymchuk

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Gerawal (Last name)

surnames > gerawal

The last name Gerawal originates from India. It is believed to be derived from the Indian word "Gera," which means "song" or "music," and the suffix "-wal" commonly found in Indian...

Gerben (Last name)

surnames > gerben

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Gerbese (Last name)

surnames > gerbese

The surname Gerbese is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Gerbino, which in turn comes from the medieval given name Gerbius. It is believed to have originated ...

Gerbie (Last name)

surnames > gerbie

The last name "Gerbie" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Gervais", which itself comes from the Germanic name "Girbaud", meaning "spear-bold" or ...

Gerdel (Last name)

surnames > gerdel

The surname Gerdel is of German origin. It is derived from the given name "Gerhard," which is composed of the elements "ger," meaning spear, and "hard," meaning brave or hardy. Ove...